How to Hire a CAPS-Certified Contractor
CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist) is a credential from the National Association of Home Builders and AARP, earned by completing three dedicated courses on aging-in-place design and construction. A CAPS-certified contractor has specific training most general remodelers don't, which matters for accessibility projects where small details — clearance, blocking, slope — determine whether the work actually works.
Not every home renovation contractor understands accessibility. General remodeling experience doesn’t automatically include knowledge of the specific details — grab bar blocking, correct ramp slope, ADA-reference clearances — that make an accessibility project actually functional rather than just aesthetically similar to what was asked for.
What CAPS certification actually means
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) (opens in a new tab) is a credential jointly offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP, in place since 2002. It requires completing three dedicated courses: “Marketing and Communicating with the Aging-in-Place Client,” “Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging in Place,” and “Details and Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging in Place.” There’s no prerequisite certification or membership required to enroll — anyone in remodeling, design, or a related field can pursue it. That means the credential specifically reflects that the person chose to invest time in this niche.
Why it matters for your project
A contractor without this specific training may build technically competent work that still misses accessibility-critical details: a grab bar installed without proper blocking, a curbless shower with insufficient floor slope, a doorway widened to 30 inches instead of the 32-36 inches actually needed for wheelchair clearance. These aren’t hypothetical — they’re common, expensive mistakes that a CAPS-trained contractor is specifically taught to avoid.
How to find and vet one
- Search NAHB’s directory or ask local aging-in-place or occupational therapy professionals for referrals — they often know which contractors in an area do this work well.
- Ask directly about CAPS training during your first conversation with any contractor you’re considering, even one who wasn’t specifically marketed as a CAPS specialist.
- Ask to see photos of similar completed projects, specifically accessibility-focused ones (curbless showers, ramps, widened doorways) rather than general remodeling work.
- Check licensing and insurance as you would for any contractor — CAPS certification doesn’t replace standard licensing verification.
See our questions to ask before hiring (opens in a new tab) guide for a full list to bring to your first conversation, whether or not the contractor is CAPS-certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CAPS-certified contractor more expensive than a general contractor?
Not necessarily — CAPS is a credential, not a pricing tier, and rates vary by contractor and region regardless of certification. What you're paying for is specific expertise that can prevent costly mistakes (like a curbless shower built with the wrong slope), which can offset any modest rate difference.
How do I verify someone's CAPS certification is real and current?
NAHB maintains the CAPS credential; a legitimate contractor should be able to show proof of completion or you can ask which three CAPS courses (CAPS I, II, III) they completed. If in doubt, ask directly and don't be afraid to request documentation — a genuinely certified professional will have no issue providing it.