Home Modifications · 7 min read

The Quiet Boom in Home Modifications for Aging in Place in Tennessee

By David Rider, CRMP · Published July 2026

Something has shifted in home remodeling, and most Tennessee homeowners haven't fully noticed yet. Grab bars, walk-in showers, wider doorways, and single-level living spaces have gone from niche requests to standard business for remodelers nationally, and Tennessee's growing population of long-term homeowners, from established Brentwood and Franklin neighborhoods to purpose-built Del Webb communities, is a natural fit for that shift.

Paying for it without draining savings

The challenge for a lot of Tennessee homeowners isn't deciding they want to modify their home, it's figuring out how to pay for it without pulling from savings they're counting on elsewhere. A HomeSafe Second or Longbridge Platinum line of credit can be drawn on specifically to fund modifications, with the money there when you need it, without touching retirement accounts you'd rather leave alone.

Licensed in Tennessee: With any reverse mortgage, you keep ownership of your home and remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This is educational content, not financial advice. David Rider, Tennessee license #200787 (matches NMLS) · NMLS #200787.

Frequently asked questions

What home modifications do Tennessee retirees typically make to age in place?
Common projects include walk-in showers, grab bars, wider doorways, and single-level living conversions, especially relevant in Del Webb communities designed around long-term aging in place.
How do homeowners pay for these without draining savings?
A reverse mortgage line of credit, HECM or a proprietary product like HomeSafe Second, can fund renovation costs from home equity, without touching retirement accounts.
Is it better to plan modifications proactively?
Yes, proactive planning is generally safer and less expensive than rushed decisions made after a fall or health event.
Does this apply to Del Webb community homes specifically?
Yes, these homes are often well-suited to targeted modifications, and many owners fund them through home equity rather than out-of-pocket savings.
Where do I start?
A short, no-pressure conversation about your available resources, before you get quotes on a remodel.
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How a Reverse Mortgage Works
Full FAQ
David Rider, CRMP

Written by David Rider, CRMP

A Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional in real estate since 1985 and mortgage lending since 2002, specializing in reverse mortgages and senior home equity in Arizona, California, and Tennessee. Read David's full bio →

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