Courtesy of Susan Hindman

More than 3.6 million adults lived with adult children in 2007, according to U.S. Census figures, a reality that has likely triggered remodeling projects all around the country. Remodels often include design features that help make homes more accessible and comfortable for seniors.

To assist remodelers who are creating these features, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers both an educational course and a certification in universal design. The course teaches how to conduct remodeling projects that are based on universal design principles, which focus on creating homes that meet the needs of a wide range of individuals. Although the course has been taught since November 2008, the certification—Universal Design Certified Remodeler (UDCR)—is new and just opened up for applications in mid-September; testing will start in November, and a list of names of those certified will be posted on the NARI Web site after that.

“Some people said, ‘We want something that talks about doing the job. . . . What is universal design and how does it relate to remodeling? How do I implement that in my business?’” said Dan Taddei, director of education for NARI. “We talk to remodelers about, first, what is universal design, what’s the foundation of it, what are the specs that fall within it, and how they build within that framework.” They learn how to apply those standards to both the interior and the exterior. “Our perspective is anyone can build a ramp,” he said. “We want it to look aesthetically pleasing—a ramp that doesn’t look like a ramp but blends with the landscape and makes the house look good. Same with the back. If you can’t access the backyard, it’s lost space.”

Instructors tell students that “it’s not about targeting aging people or handicapped people or any particular audience,” he said. Universal design principles can be applied to any kind of remodel and can blend well without looking “medical.” He brings up the point that if people in their 20s or 30s are having a house remodeled, and they go skiing and break a leg, the house could serve them as well. “You don’t know what the future is going to bring,” he said.

And the level of difficulty involved in the remodel depends on what has to be done. “If you’re just redoing a kitchen, it’s probably pretty easy,” Taddei said. “Bathrooms tend to be more problematic—like trying to do a no-curb shower or walk-in tub.”

The economy has complicated the industry. If people have cash, then tackling remodels or building accessible mother-in-law suites can be easily accomplished. But financing is harder to get these days, he said. And more often—also because of the economy, he said—emergency remodels are the norm, rather than planned universal design remodels.

Getting the word out to remodelers about the course and certification is a challenge, he said. The 5,000 to 6,000 remodeling companies that are members of NARI “only represent 10% of the industry,” he said. “Practitioners are inherently independent.”

The four-week class is taught on the Web and in person, in areas where instructors are available. While anyone can attend the education class, to be certified you have to be in the remodeling industry five years, take eight hours of continuing education in universal design (or that type of training), and pass the test. For more information, visit the NARI site to download and review the UDCR handbook.