Aging-in-Place Remodeling in Lakeville, Farmington & the South Metro
Bischel Building makes homes in Lakeville, Farmington and the south metro safer and easier to live in at every age, with walk-in showers, grab bars, wider doorways, zero-step entries, better lighting and main-floor living.
- Family owned & operated since 2005
- BBB accredited
- Licensed MN contractor BC634092
- Based in Farmington, MN
- Free estimates
The goal is simple: help you stay in the home you love, comfortably and independently.
Whether you're planning ahead, recovering from a surgery, or making room for a parent, we'll look at how you move through your home and suggest changes that make the biggest difference.
Common aging-in-place updates
- Bathrooms: curbless or low-threshold walk-in showers, built-in benches, handheld shower heads, comfort-height toilets, grab bars and slip-resistant floors. See bathroom remodeling.
- Entrances: zero-step or low-step entries, ramps, sturdy railings, covered landings and lever-style door hardware.
- Doorways and halls: wider doorways and clear paths for walkers and wheelchairs.
- Kitchens: pull-out shelves, lower counters or work areas, and easy-to-reach storage. See kitchen remodeling.
- Main-floor living: converting a den or adding a first-floor bedroom and bath, or building an in-law suite with a home addition.
- Lighting and floors: brighter lighting, switches at every entry, and smooth, low-transition flooring that reduces tripping.
Planned to look like home
Accessible doesn't have to look institutional. Today's grab bars can double as towel bars, a curbless shower looks sleek and modern, and a wide doorway with good trim simply looks generous. We plan changes to fit your home's style so they feel like upgrades, not equipment, and they can add appeal for future buyers too.
Minnesota-specific safety
Ice and snow make entries the riskiest part of many homes from November to April. A covered entry, a gently sloped walk instead of steps, good exterior lighting and solid handrails can make winter much safer. We also look at garage entries, which are often the door people use most, and at decks and patios so you can keep enjoying your yard.
Our process
- Home walkthrough. We walk your home with you, and with family members or a therapist if you'd like, and note what's hard today and what may become hard later.
- Recommendations. We suggest changes in order of impact so you can start with what matters most.
- Estimate. A clear written estimate, with options where they make sense.
- Construction. We work carefully around the people living in the home, keep paths clear and clean up every day.
- Walkthrough. We make sure everything works for you before we finish.
Plan ahead during any remodel
Some of the most useful features cost very little if you add them during a project you're already doing: wood blocking inside bathroom walls for future grab bars, a slightly wider doorway during a remodel, or a shower with no curb. If you're remodeling anyway, ask us about these details.
Small changes that help right away
Not every improvement is a big remodel. Lever handles on doors and faucets, a handheld shower head, a second stair railing, brighter bulbs and light switches at the top and bottom of every staircase can all be done quickly and make daily life safer. Removing a threshold or adding a low-profile transition between rooms can eliminate a tripping hazard. We're happy to start small and plan the bigger projects for later.
Why Bischel Building
We're a family-owned contractor based in Farmington, and we treat every home like we'd want our own parents' home treated. Customers tell us we show up on time, keep things clean and do exactly what we promise, which matters even more when someone in the house has limited mobility. One team handles carpentry, bathrooms, entries and flooring, so you don't have to coordinate several companies.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start thinking about aging in place?
The best time is before you need it, often during another remodel. Small changes made early are less disruptive and less costly than urgent changes later.
Can you install grab bars in my existing bathroom?
Yes. We anchor grab bars properly into framing or approved blocking so they will actually hold someone's weight. Towel bars and suction-cup bars are not safe substitutes.
Can you build a ramp or a no-step entry?
Yes. Depending on your home, we can build a ramp, regrade a walk, or rework an entry so it has little or no step. We'll talk through options that fit your home and lot.
Do I need a permit?
Some projects, such as new bathrooms, structural changes, ramps or additions, may need permits. We'll tell you what your city requires and handle the permits for you.
Can you help us make room for a parent to move in?
Yes. Options range from converting a main-floor room to building an in-law suite addition with its own bathroom and entrance.
Areas we serve
We help families in Lakeville, Farmington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, Northfield and Bloomington, and in every town on our service area page.
More town pages: Credit River · Prior Lake
Related services
Ready to make your home easier to live in?
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll set up a time to visit. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with weekend appointments by request.