Proudly Serving Boston & Surrounding Areas

Proudly Serving Boston & Surrounding Areas

Boston's Premier Accessibility Contractor

Aging-in-Place Home Remodeling in Watertown, MA

Creating Safe, Accessible Homes for Seniors & Individuals With Mobility Challenges

For over 25 years, Operation Independence has been Watertown’s trusted name in home accessibility construction, remodeling, and aging-in-place solutions. Our team helps homeowners live safely and independently with wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, accessible bathrooms, kitchen remodeling, garage conversions, and more. Every project is designed to restore independence, safety, and confidence — all while preserving the comfort and beauty of your home.

Building Independence Through Accessible Design

At Operation Independence Home Accessibility, we believe accessibility starts with thoughtful design. We’ve spent decades transforming homes across Greater Boston and Metro-West Massachusetts, creating safe, functional spaces that allow seniors and individuals with physical challenges to live fully and independently.

 

Whether you need a wheelchair ramp, a walk-in shower, or a home elevator, we combine technical precision with genuine care. Every project begins with an in-depth home assessment to identify your challenges and tailor solutions that fit your daily life.

Operation Independence Services Include:

  • Wheelchair ramps and entry access
  • Stair lifts for homes
  • Accessible bathrooms and showers
  • Wheelchair lifts, home elevators, and platform lifts
  • Accessible kitchen remodeling
  • Garage conversions and in-law/independent living suites
  • Aging-in-place home remodeling
  • Assistance with financing accessibility projects

Contact Us for a Free Phone Assessment

If you’re ready to make your Watertown home safer, more comfortable, and truly accessible — we’re ready to help.
Call (617) 923-4545 or visit OperationIndependence.net/contact to schedule your free phone assessment today.

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About Watertown, Massachusetts

Watertown’s blend of historic charm and modern convenience makes it a great place to live — and an ideal community for aging in place. Many of the homes here were built long before accessibility standards existed, which makes accessible remodeling and home modifications for seniors essential for long-term comfort.

We work with Watertown area homeowners to retrofit older properties with wheelchair ramps, handicap-accessible showers, and stair lifts for narrow stairs — always respecting the home’s original style.

Our team also assists residents in applying for the Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP), which offers up to $50,000 in low or no-interest loans for home accessibility projects. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters: living safely at home.

Wheelchair Ramps and Entry Access Solutions

A safe, accessible entryway is the foundation of home independence. We design and build wheelchair ramps for homes using wood, aluminum, and landscaped materials that blend seamlessly with your property.

We install:

  • Permanent and portable ramps for homes
  • Wheelchair ramps for stairs and elevated entries
  • Mini ramps for thresholds and interior transitions

Every ramp is built to meet safety standards, ensuring smooth, secure mobility in all weather conditions. Our goal is to make every part of your home accessible, from your driveway to your back deck.

Stair Lifts for Seniors in Watertown Homes

Stairs shouldn’t limit your mobility — and with a professionally installed stair lift, they won’t. We proudly supply and install Savaria/Handicare Stair Lifts, known for their quality, safety, and versatility.

Our models include:

  • Model 1100: Straight stair lifts for single flights.
  • Model 1000: Outdoor or heavy-duty stair lifts for added support.
  • Model 2000: Curved stair lifts designed for landings and tight turns.

All systems are installed by our factory-trained technicians and typically completed in just a few hours. We also specialize in small space stair lifts for narrow stairways common in Watertown’s older homes.

Accessible Bathrooms & Shower Design

Bathroom safety is one of our top priorities. We remodel bathrooms from the ground up to create wheelchair-accessible showers, barrier-free layouts, and other features that reduce fall risks while adding modern comfort.

Our Watertown bathroom services include:

  • Roll-in and walk-in showers for elderly homeowners
  • Accessible showers for small bathrooms
  • Grab bar installation around toilets, showers, and tubs
  • Comfort-height toilets and widened entryways
  • Non-slip flooring and zero-threshold designs

We use precision placement for shower grab bars, toilet grab bars, and safety rails, ensuring optimal support. Every accessible bathroom we build combines function with thoughtful design — no institutional look, just safety done beautifully.

Wheelchair Lifts, Elevators & Platform Lift Installation

When ramps aren’t practical, a wheelchair lift for the home offers the perfect vertical mobility solution. We design and install a variety of residential lifts and home elevators that integrate discreetly into your living space. Our company will not only install the lift but also perform the site preparation and construction needs as well.

Options include:

  • Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs): For smooth floor-to-floor access indoors or outdoors.
  • Platform Lifts: safety designs for short elevation changes.
  • Residential Elevators: Fully enclosed cabs with elegant finishes for multi-story homes.

All installations meet local Massachusetts safety codes and accessibility standards. Our lifts are ideal for those using wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters — allowing complete home access without the strain of stairs.

Kitchen Remodeling for Accessibility & Aging in Place

A kitchen should serve everyone in the home, regardless of mobility level. That’s why we offer accessible kitchen remodeling services throughout Watertown.

Our kitchen designs focus on ease of movement, visibility, and safety — blending universal design principles with your personal style. Modifications may include:

  • Lowered countertops and accessible sinks
  • Pull-down shelving and D-shaped cabinet handles
  • Open floor layouts for wheelchair turning radius
  • Accessible appliances and touch-control fixtures

Whether you’re planning for the future or accommodating current needs, we’ll help you design a kitchen that’s both functional and beautiful.

Garage Conversions & Independent Living Suites

For many Watertown homeowners, a garage conversion provides the space needed to create a cost-effective, private, accessible living area for aging parents or loved ones with physical challenges

We’ve transformed many garages into fully accessible suites, complete with bedrooms, roll-in showers, and accessible kitchens. Garage conversions are an efficient and cost-effective alternative to major home additions.

These spaces are ideal for multi-generational living, in-law apartments, or granny pods, providing safety, independence, and proximity to family.

Aging in Place Remodeling for Watertown Seniors

We’re certified Aging in Place (CAPS) Specialists who understand the physical and emotional aspects of growing older at home. Our remodeling approach balances accessibility with aesthetics, ensuring your home remains both safe and inviting.

Common upgrades include grab bars, zero-threshold entries, widened doorways, handicap showers, and stair lifts for seniors. We design every detail around your long-term comfort and dignity — so you can stay in the home you love for years to come.

Help with financing accessible home remodeling in Watertown, MA

Accessibility improvements can be affordable with the right programs in place. We assist Watertown homeowners in applying for grants and low-interest loans to make projects possible.

We’re familiar with:

  • Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP): Up to $50,000, often with no monthly payments.
  • Veterans’ Home Improvement Grants: Including SAH and HISA programs for eligible veterans.
  • Disability and senior home modification grants through Massachusetts agencies and nonprofits.

We handle the application process and documentation so you can focus on your home, not the paperwork.

Do We Meet ADA Standards?

ADA Standards are used nationally as a public standard for accessibility compliance. While ADA standards are often a useful guide, the work performed in residential homes need not meet strict national ADA standards and is not always the best option for our clients. Most home projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the homeowner.

Why Watertown Homeowners Trust Operation Independence

We’ve dedicated our careers to one goal — helping people live independently and safely in their own homes. With more than 25 years of specialized experience, we bring unmatched knowledge and craftsmanship to every project.

Homeowners choose us because:

  • We’re a fully licensed Massachusetts-based accessibility company
  • Our designs meet all state building code standards
  • We can collaborate with leading universal design architects
  • Our crew is factory-trained for all installations
  • We treat every project as if it were for our own family

Common Questions About Home Accessibility in Watertown

Can you retrofit older Watertown homes for accessibility?

Yes. As Massachusetts accessibility experts, we specialize in adapting historic and older homes to modern standards without compromising character or style.

Do you offer financing or help with home modification loans?

Absolutely. We help homeowners apply for the Massachusetts HMLP and other grants that make accessibility improvements affordable.

How long does a wheelchair ramp installation take?

Most residential ramps can be designed and installed in just a day for aluminum and a few days for wood, depending on layout and materials.

What’s included in a free in-home assessment?

We will provide a free assessment on the phone. Just send over a few photos and someone will call you. We evaluate your home’s entryways, stairs, bathrooms, and living areas to identify safety risks and recommend modifications suited to your needs.

Do you handle kitchen and bathroom accessibility remodeling?

Yes — we’re full-service accessibility builders offering accessible kitchens, bathrooms, and conversions for complete home safety and comfort.

Related Terms

ADA remodeling, home accessibility construction, accessible kitchen remodeling, garage conversions for seniors, home modifications for disabled adults, aging in place remodeling, wheelchair ramp installation, stair lift installation Watertown MA, ADA bathroom design, vertical platform lift, Home Modification Loan Program Massachusetts.

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