Emerald Contractors is proud to be an award-winning Universal Home Modification Specialist with over 35 years experience — helping families create homes that adapt and endure for every stage of life.
2003
CAPS Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (NAHB)
35+
Years of Universal Home Modification Experience
VA · PVA Non-Profits
Trusted by Veterans Affairs, Paralyzed Veterans & more
Our commitment to aging in place
Emerald Contractors can help make all aspects of your home (and/or business) comfortably accessible. We specialize in creating accessible, barrier-free environments. Safety, comfort and quality are the standards we bring to every home or business remodel.
Whatever the reason — if you simply want to stay in your home as you age, you have a debilitating accident or illness, or you are bringing an elderly or "special needs" person into your family home — we have the experience and knowledge to help you make your home adaptable and comfortable.
Accessible and adaptive features can be integrated into your remodeling project tastefully and elegantly. Accessible/Adaptable/Universal Design doesn't mean ugly design.
Award-winning Universal Home Modification Specialist with over 35 years experience
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (NAHB) since 2003
Has worked with and completed projects for the VA, Paralyzed Veterans Association, non-profits, and insurance organizations
Watch: Aging in Place overview
What is Aging in Place?
"Aging in place is the ability to live in one's own home for as long as confidently and comfortably possible."
— Wikipedia
Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles and other assistive technologies. Assistive technologies include communications, health/wellness monitoring, home safety and security.
When considering remodeling, the key question is: how do you turn your house for living into a "home for life?"
Home for Life Checklist
Here's a quick checklist of universal design features that make a home truly livable for every stage of life:
Entries & Circulation
Accessible path, no step entry
Covered 36″ wide doorway
Sensory lighting & accessible doorbell
Lever handles throughout
Wider hallways with 36″ doorways
Flush thresholds, non-slip flooring
Carpet max .50″ pile, firm padding
Color/texture contrasts at level changes
Plenty of windows for natural light
Kitchen Features
Upper cabinets 3″ lower than conventional
Roll-out trays, lazy susans, pull-down storage
Glass-front cabinets & open shelving
Microwave at counter height or in wall
Multi-level work areas
Appliances with push-button controls
Lever handles & anti-scald faucet controls
Low-maintenance interior & exterior finishes
Bathroom Features
Curbless showers, min. 36″ wide walls
Adjustable/handheld showerhead with 6′ hose
Toilets 17″–19″ comfort height
Bracing in walls for grab bar installation
Thermostatic & anti-scald controls
Flush thresholds, non-slip flooring
Tub/shower conversion options
Lever-handle faucets throughout
Our Aging in Place Services
We offer a comprehensive range of home modification services to support independent living at every age and ability level.
Grab Bar, Handrail & Wheelchair Ramp Installations
Professional installation of safety hardware throughout the home.
Doorway Widening / Voice-Activated Door Openers
Widen passages to ADA standards; add smart door automation.
Wheelchair Approach Designs
Exterior and interior pathway design for full mobility access.
Accessible Kitchens & Bathrooms
Full accessible remodels with universal design built in.
Swimming Pool Lifts
ADA-compliant pool lift installations for safe independent access.
Tub / Shower Conversions
Convert traditional tubs to accessible walk-in showers or walk-in tubs.
Whole House Accessible Remodels & Additions
Comprehensive whole-home redesigns that address every room, pathway, and fixture — a true "home for life."
What clients say
"Emerald Contractors is a remarkable company from top to bottom! The A-Team of construction who really care. My son was shot at work and is now paraplegic. We needed ADA results for access to the bathroom and every person of Emerald Contractors came through to make it an experience without concern. Through obstacles of disarray, Emerald Contractors make it an opportunity to show their stature. You all deserve a medal for your hard work and kindness."
GM
Gene McGinnis
Accessibility Remodel Customer
"John and his team have worked with us on several projects. The results have been nothing less than excellent. His skills as a builder and remodeler are far superior to many contractors that we have worked with in the past. He is dedicated to this work and very capable of managing many facets of a complex project."
SG
Scott Goodliffe
Owner, Universal Access Modifications
Aging in Place Project
Our Land O'Lakes Wheelchair Accessible Remodel is a great example of beautiful, functional aging-in-place design — proving accessible design doesn't mean sacrificing style.
Land O'Lakes · Wheelchair Accessible Remodel
Featured Project
Land O'Lakes Wheelchair Accessible Remodel
A complete accessible bathroom and home modification project — curbless shower, grab bars, lever handles, widened doorways, and smart home features — all designed to look elegant, not institutional.
