By Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation is the result of the work of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors Council in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center, 50+ Housing Council and AARP.
The three-day training program equips graduates with the technical, customer service and marketing skills required to effectively service the burgeoning market for aging-in-place home modifications.
CAPS training will be available at the Northeast Florida Builders Association in November.
“The CAPS certification program is one of the most successful education programs developed by NAHB,” said Larry Murr, past chair of the NEFBA Remodelors Council and president of Lawrence Murr Inc. “Graduates include not only remodelers, but new-home builders, realtors, interior designers, health care workers and representatives from a number of other industries as well. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2003 approximately 106 million homes were occupied as primary residences and 15 million as secondary residences; the majority of these do not have aging in place features.”
These demographic trends indicate that homeowners who plan to stay in their homes as they get older instead of making other housing accommodations are one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling market. Many of these households can be expected to call on remodelers to adapt their homes to their changing needs and lifestyles in order to maintain their independence.
What is aging-in-place?
In plain English, aging-in-place means living in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of remaining in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years, and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a home for a lifetime.
Projects for the aging-in-place remodeling segment range from installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop heights to the creation of multi-functional first-floor master suites and the installation of private elevators. CAPS training participants learn the mechanics and nuances of effective assessment of clients’ needs and integrating myriad considerations into unified, aesthetically pleasing, functional solutions.
“There’s been a growing demand for remodeling as a means to enhance Americans’ independence as they choose to remain in their homes into their retirement years,” said Leon Harper, who represented AARP on the task force. “While there’s a growing need, there’s also been a growing fear, as a result of the unfortunate work of a few unscrupulous contractors. This program represents a welcome opportunity for us to help our members identify the good guys, the professionals they can hire with confidence.”
CAPS designation
Where: Northeast Florida Builders Association
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 2-4.
Cost: $195 for members; $220 for non-members per class ($525/$600 for all three classes.) Includes lunch and course materials for each class.
Nov. 2: Working with and Marketing to Older Adults
Information on the background of the older adult population, communication techniques and accessing the aging-in-place remodeling market. [CE Course No 0007494/CILB Total hours: 6/BSP hours: 1]
Nov. 3: Home Modifications
Understand codes and standards, learn to recognize common barriers and solutions and discover various product ideas and resources [CE Course No. 0007477/CILB Total hours: 6/BSP hours: 1]
Nov. 4: Business Management for Building Professionals
Explore strategies and techniques for building a competitive, sustainable remodeling business with case studies and interactive exercises. Holders of CGR, CGB, CGA, CR, CKD, CBD, ASID, AIA and GRI designations are exempt from this course. [CE Course No. 0009279, 7.5 hours]
Training sponsored by the Northeast Florida Builders Association, The NEFBA Remodelors Council and the Florida Home Builders Association, also the continuing education provider (CE Provider #0000916).
Participants must also complete and submit a graduation application and applicable fees before they use the CAPS designation.
For further information, contact Tim Denton, 725-4355 or [email protected]. Additional information is available at www.jaxremodelors.com.