A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is a contractor or designer credentialed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) who has trained in accessibility, universal design, and home modification for older adults. About 2,500 to 3,000 active CAPS professionals work across the United States. This guide covers what the credential means, how to find one, what it costs, and when to hire one instead of a handyman.
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation was created by the NAHB Remodelers, the NAHB Research Center, and the AARP. It teaches contractors, remodelers, and designers how to assess a home for aging-in-place needs, apply universal design principles, and plan modifications that let older adults remain safely at home. The program requires three courses:
The credential is renewed every three years with 12 hours of continuing education. According to the NAHB, about 2,500 to 3,000 active CAPS holders work across the United States.
The only authoritative source for active CAPS status is the NAHB directory:
The directory lists only active credential holders in good standing. If a contractor claims CAPS certification but does not appear in the directory, the credential is either expired or was never issued. Ask for their NAHB designee number and call NAHB at 800-368-5242 to confirm — designee numbers are issued once per person and never reassigned, so a legitimate holder can produce theirs on request.
If no CAPS professional is in your area, contact your local Home Builders Association and ask for members with aging-in-place remodeling experience. You can also search Angi or HomeAdvisor for contractors who list aging-in-place or accessibility as a specialty, though those listings are self-reported and do not verify the CAPS credential.
A CAPS home assessment typically costs $150 to $400. The contractor walks through the home with the client, identifies fall risks and accessibility barriers, and produces a prioritized modification plan. Some CAPS professionals credit the consultation fee toward the project cost if you hire them for the work. Some offer a free initial phone consultation.
| Service | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CAPS home assessment | $150–$400 | May be credited toward project |
| CAPS consultation (phone) | Free–$150 | Initial scope discussion |
| OT home assessment | $150–$400 | Assesses the person, not just the home |
| Handyman (per hour) | $50–$125 | For individual small jobs |
Costs vary; get 3 quotes.
| Dimension | Handyman | CAPS contractor | Occupational therapist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Single grab bar, lever handle swap | Bathroom remodel, ramp, whole-home plan | Assessing the person's abilities and needs |
| Training | Varies by state, often none required | 24+ hours of NAHB coursework | Master's degree, state licensure |
| Accessibility knowledge | Optional | Required (CAPS II) | Required (clinical training) |
| Can build the project | Yes (small jobs) | Yes | No (recommends, does not build) |
| Typical cost | $50–$125/hr | $150–$400 assessment + project | $150–$400 assessment |
Hire a handyman for a single grab bar, a lever handle swap, a toilet replacement, or a handheld showerhead. These are small, well-defined jobs that do not require design judgment. Cost: $200 to $350 per bar, $50 to $125 per hour.
Hire a CAPS contractor for a bathroom remodel, a wheelchair ramp that needs a permit, a stairlift installation, a doorway widening that involves load-bearing walls, or a whole-home accessibility plan. The design training matters when you need to choose between options, plan around existing conditions, or coordinate multiple modifications. Cost: $150 to $400 for the assessment, then project cost.
Hire an OT first if the person's mobility is complex, changing, or involves recovery from surgery or a stroke. The OT assesses the person's abilities and recommends a modification plan matched to their specific needs. Cost: $150 to $400 for a home assessment, which may be covered by Medicare or insurance when medically necessary. Then hire a CAPS contractor or handyman to implement the OT's recommendations.
Verify current eligibility and covered services directly with the program.
Browse our city-specific aging-in-place contractor directories, grouped by state.
A CAPS is a contractor, remodeler, or designer who has completed the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist program. The credential requires three courses covering accessibility, universal design, and the home needs of older adults. About 2,500 to 3,000 active CAPS holders work in the United States. The credential is renewed every three years with continuing education.
Search the NAHB CAPS directory at nahb.org/education/find-an-education-graduate. You can search by ZIP code, state, or last name. The directory lists only active credential holders. If a contractor claims CAPS but is not in the directory, ask for their NAHB designee number and call NAHB at 800-368-5242 to verify.
A CAPS consultation typically costs $150 to $400 for a home assessment and modification plan. The fee may be credited toward the project cost if you hire the same contractor for the work. Some CAPS professionals offer free initial phone consultations. For a single grab bar or small job, a handyman is more cost-effective; for a bathroom remodel or whole-home plan, a CAPS assessment is worth the investment.
No. For a single grab bar, a handyman or plumber is sufficient and less expensive ($200 to $350 per bar). A CAPS contractor is best for larger projects like a bathroom remodel, a wheelchair ramp, or a whole-home accessibility plan where design judgment and code knowledge add value.
Search the NAHB directory at nahb.org/education/find-an-education-graduate by name or ZIP code. Only active credential holders appear. If the contractor is not listed, ask for their NAHB designee number and call NAHB at 800-368-5242 to confirm. Designee numbers are issued once per person and never reassigned.
They complement each other but do different things. An OT assesses the person — their abilities, mobility, and daily routines — and recommends modifications matched to their needs. A CAPS contractor assesses the home and designs and builds the modifications. For complex needs, start with an OT assessment, then hire a CAPS contractor to implement the plan. For straightforward projects, a CAPS contractor alone is sufficient.
Key claims were checked against the following primary or authoritative resources. Program rules, coverage, prices, and local availability can change; verify current details before acting.
See an error or outdated link? Request a correction.
Serve seniors? Get listed while the directory grows.