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BUILDABLE

Growing-in-Place Renovations in Ottawa

BuildAble's designs + renovations are for all ages & abilities, including children, teenagers & young adults that need accessible home adaptations. Our focus on thoughtful, inclusive design ensures that family members will not only safely grow into their surroundings - their home will also be a place where they thrive.

Growing‑in‑Place is more than just accessible design—it’s designing a home that evolves seamlessly from childhood through adulthood.

Baby with Hearing Aid

What does Growing-in-Place mean?

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BuildAble's Co-founder & Clinical Nurse Specialist, has been leading the development of a new concept in accessible living: Growing-in-Place. While Aging in Place is widely recognized in the context of supporting older adults to remain safely and independently in their homes, Growing-in-Place shifts the focus to children and youth with disabilities.

 It’s a movement —and a mindset— that recognizes the importance of designing home environments that can evolve with a child’s changing needs across each stage of development.

Stuffed Bunny on Blankets

Growing-in-Place means creating adaptable spaces that support a child’s independence, dignity, and participation—from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. It involves anticipating future needs and incorporating features that can be easily adjusted or modified as mobility, equipment, or care requirements change over time. 

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  • Equipment upgrades that change with growth. Thoughtful design can help to avoid future renovations;

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  • Room for caregivers and/or family members to help safely provide support. 

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  • For the love of teens! Space(s) that will adapt to privacy needs as they grow.

 

  • Other kids or family members in the house. Adapting a space can be a big change for everyone - we want to make sure all members are included & considered in the process!

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  • ​Kids are still kids. Put up the dragon & unicorn pictures. Paint the rainbows! Decor can change  - but the safety & support will always be there.

​What to consider when planning an accessible renovation for children:

Accessible Bathroom with pink tiles and rose gold fixtures and grab bars

Benefits of Growing‑in‑Place
for Children

The childhood home can be a bridge between support and self-direction.

 Reducing or removing barrier in the home can be a critical indicator for families to foster safety, independence & well-being into adulthood.

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Safety + Accessibility in the home is directly related to less falls and serious injuries for your child - and YOU or their caregivers.

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Setting your child up for success if they are able to move out when they are older - or after we (the parents) are gone.​

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I hired BuildAble to renovate my bathroom into a completely accessible bathroom, including a roll-in shower and a custom roll-under vanity. BuildAble were easy to work with, communicated well on all aspects of the decision-making process, were on-time, professional, clean, and most importantly did an amazing job! They are very knowledgeable and well-versed in the area of accessible renovations and needs. The workmanship was excellent and I am very happy with the final result. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them again or recommend them to others.

- S. Taite, Ottawa 

Check out our blog post
Growing in Place: Designing Homes that Evolve with Your Child

Please have a read through our helpful post on Growing in Place.

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Stay tuned for our new guide that you can download with tips on key areas to renovate, a growth milestone checklist and more! When in doubt, our team at BuildAble is always here to chat with.

Ceramic Floor Tiles
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