Informational Guide
What Is a CAPS Certified Contractor?
CAPS is the credential that tells you a contractor was specifically trained for aging-in-place work. Here is what that training covers, how to find a CAPS contractor near you, and when you actually need one.
Last reviewed: May 2026
What CAPS Is
CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. The credential comes from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and was developed in partnership with the AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
A CAPS contractor has completed a formal training program and passed an exam. They renew the credential every three years with continuing education. The NAHB maintains a public directory at nahb.org/caps where you can search by zip code.
What CAPS Training Covers
Fall prevention
ADA grab bar placement, non-slip flooring standards, trip hazard identification, lighting requirements for aging eyes
Universal design
Door width minimums for wheelchairs (32 to 36 inches clear), lever handles vs. knobs, zero-threshold entries, roll-under clearances
Assistive technology
Stair lifts, vertical platform lifts, walk-in tubs, roll-in showers, smart home control systems
Medicare and insurance knowledge
Medicare Advantage home modification benefits, Medicaid HCBS waiver programs, VA Specially Adapted Housing grants
Occupational therapy collaboration
How to work alongside an OT who assesses the client's specific needs before the contractor designs the modification
How to Find a CAPS Contractor Near You
- 1
Go to nahb.org/caps and click the directory link.
- 2
Enter your zip code and search radius. Start with 25 miles and expand if results are sparse.
- 3
Note the contractor's name and NAHB member number.
- 4
Call 2 to 3 contractors, ask the screening questions in the section above, and request references.
- 5
Get at least two quotes before committing. CAPS contractors vary in price by 10 to 30 percent for the same project.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Is your CAPS certification current? (Verify on NAHB directory)
- Are you licensed and insured in this state?
- Have you worked with occupational therapists on previous projects?
- Have you navigated Medicare Advantage or Medicaid billing for a client before?
- Can you provide 2 to 3 references from senior or disability-related projects?
- What is your typical project timeline for a bathroom modification?
The Cost Premium
CAPS contractors typically charge 10 to 20 percent more than a general contractor for the same labor. On a $300 grab bar installation, that is an extra $30 to $60. On a $15,000 bathroom remodel, the premium might be $1,500 to $3,000.
The premium is worth it on complex projects where placement errors are expensive to fix (tiled shower grab bars), where insurance billing matters, or where an OT referral is involved. For a simple grab bar on a drywall wall, a licensed handyman is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CAPS stand for?
CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. It is a professional credential issued by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with the AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
How do I verify a contractor is CAPS certified?
Go to nahb.org/caps and use the directory search to look up contractors by zip code. You can confirm the certification is current before you contact the contractor. Ask the contractor to provide their NAHB member number if you want to double-check.
Do CAPS contractors cost more?
CAPS contractors may charge 10 to 20 percent more than a general contractor for the same work. The premium reflects their specialized training and experience. For simple jobs like grab bar installation, a general handyman may be fine. For complex projects involving multiple modifications, insurance billing, or permit navigation, the CAPS premium is worth it.
Do I need a CAPS contractor or just any contractor?
For simple jobs (grab bars on a drywall wall), any licensed and insured handyman works. For complex modifications (roll-in shower conversion, home entry ramp with permit, Medicare Advantage billing), a CAPS contractor saves time and mistakes. Their training specifically covers ADA placement, insurance processes, and universal design principles that a general contractor may not know.