CAPS can help you find someone with training in aging-in-place work, but it does not by itself establish that a contractor is licensed for your project or that a proposed design fits the resident. Use the designation as one part of a screening process.
What the CAPS designation tells you
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist is an NAHB designation covering home modification knowledge and work with aging-in-place clients. People with this designation may have different professional backgrounds. Confirm the person’s role: designer, remodeler, contractor or another specialist.
Find candidates and verify the person
Start with the NAHB CAPS directory. Check the named individual, location and business details rather than assuming a logo on a company website establishes everyone’s qualifications. You can also ask a local home modification service or an occupational therapist for possible contacts; a referral is a starting point, not proof of vetting.
- Describe the actual project: shower access, entry changes, door work or another defined task.
- Ask which person will design the work, supervise installation and communicate with you.
- Request examples of projects with a similar layout and task, plus a past client willing to discuss the work.
- Confirm whether they will work from an existing assessment or need further information before quoting.
Keep three checks separate
| Check | What it helps establish | What remains to verify |
|---|---|---|
| CAPS designation | Relevant specialist training | The individual’s current listing and experience with your project. |
| Contractor or trade license | Authorization required for the type of work | The business, license status and permitted scope with the appropriate authority. |
| Insurance and project documentation | Protection and accountability for the work | Coverage, written responsibilities and the final contract. |
The FTC’s contractor guidance recommends verifying licensing and insurance, obtaining written estimates and reading the agreement carefully. Use the relevant state or local authority; requirements differ by location and trade.
Ask how the design will work for the resident
A quote that says “accessible bathroom” leaves important questions unanswered. Ask how the resident will enter, transfer, reach controls and leave the space, and whether an occupational therapist’s input is needed. A contractor can explain construction; an individual clinical question may need a clinician.
The U.S. Access Board explains that private residential housing generally falls outside ADA coverage, while other requirements may apply. Do not accept “ADA compliant” as a complete explanation for a private-home project. Ask which local requirements apply and how the proposed dimensions support the resident’s use.
Compare a defined project
Give each candidate the same brief and ask them to identify assumptions. For example, state whether the shower proposal includes demolition, waterproofing, fixtures, floor repairs and cleanup. Record exclusions before comparing totals. A cheaper quote with unpriced work is not a reliable complete-project comparison.
Use our contractor interview guide for the conversation and bathroom quote comparison for written offers. We do not certify, rank or endorse the individual contractors you find.
A practical screening example
Suppose two candidates offer to replace a bathtub. Candidate A shows a CAPS designation but cannot explain who will install the waterproofing or coordinate the inspection. Candidate B supplies a detailed team and layout but has not reviewed the resident’s transfer needs. Neither answer closes all the questions. Ask A for the missing project responsibilities and ask B how the assessment will inform the design. This example is illustrative, not a report about real businesses.
Keep a short candidate record: the individual you spoke with, date, relevant designation, license verification reference, similar project and next unanswered question. Do not turn this into a points-based ranking. A missing authorization or unsuitable design cannot be compensated for by a good sales presentation. Resolve important gaps before arranging a contract.
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