Austin Aging in Place Specialist David L. Traut has been helping Austin homeowners create safer, more accessible homes through expert home modifications, Universal Design, and aging in place solutions for over three decades.  Learn how thoughtful home modifications can help you remain independent and comfortable for years to come in your Forever Home.

Helping Seniors Live Safely, Comfortably, and Independently in the Home They Love

Most older adults share the same dream: staying in the home they've worked so hard to build. Home represents comfort, memories, independence, and familiarity. Unfortunately, most homes were never designed to accommodate the physical changes that naturally occur with aging.

The good news is that moving isn't always the answer.

Thoughtfully planned home modifications can transform an existing house into a safer, more accessible forever home while preserving its beauty and character.

At T-Square Company, we have spent more than 30 years helping homeowners throughout Austin and Central Texas make practical improvements that allow them to remain independent, reduce the risk of falls, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Why Home Modifications Matter

Every year, millions of older adults are injured by falls inside their own homes. Many of these accidents occur in familiar spaces that homeowners navigate every day—bathrooms, stairways, kitchens, and entrances.

Fortunately, many of these risks can be greatly reduced through proactive planning.

Common modifications include:

• Barrier-free showers
• Professionally installed grab bars
• Improved lighting throughout the home
• Slip-resistant flooring
• Wider doorways for walkers and wheelchairs
• Accessible kitchen layouts
• Lever-style door hardware
• Zero-step entries
• Handrails and stair safety improvements
• Smart home technology that supports independence

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that relatively small changes can make a tremendous difference in both safety and daily comfort.

Planning Before a Crisis

One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until after a fall, hospitalization, or medical diagnosis before making changes.

The most successful aging-in-place projects begin long before they're actually needed.

Thoughtful planning provides more options, allows projects to be completed gradually, minimizes stress, and often costs less than emergency remodeling after an accident.

Proactive planning gives homeowners the freedom to make thoughtful decisions instead of rushed ones.

Helping Adult Children Protect Their Parents

Often, it isn't the older homeowner who first reaches out—it's an adult son or daughter.

Many families begin noticing small warning signs, such as difficulty climbing stairs, trouble stepping into the bathtub, increased concerns about falling, poor lighting, narrow doorways, and mobility changes after surgery or illness.

Adult children frequently ask, "Is Mom's home still safe?" or "How can Dad continue living independently?"

These conversations can be emotional. Our goal is to provide practical solutions that preserve dignity while giving families greater peace of mind.

Why Choose David L. Traut, CAPS?

Not all remodeling contractors specialize in accessibility.

David L. Traut, CAPS, has dedicated more than three decades to designing homes that support safety, independence, and lifelong living. As President of T-Square Company and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), David combines extensive remodeling experience with specialized training in Universal Design and accessibility. David is a founding member of the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC).

He is also the award-winning author of Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations, helping homeowners across the country better understand how thoughtful design can improve safety without sacrificing comfort or beauty.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, David carefully evaluates each home, listens to each family's goals, and develops customized recommendations that fit both current needs and future plans.

Universal Design Benefits Everyone

One of the greatest misconceptions about accessibility is that it makes a home look institutional.

Today's Universal Design features are attractive, functional, and seamlessly integrated into the home's architecture.

Many improvements benefit everyone who lives in the home—not just older adults—including grandchildren, guests, individuals recovering from surgery, and homeowners planning for the future.

Good design simply makes life easier.

Begin Planning Today

The best time to make your home safer is before you need it.

Whether you're planning for retirement, helping aging parents, recovering from an injury, or simply preparing for the future, thoughtful home modifications can provide years of additional independence, confidence, and comfort.

At T-Square Company, we believe every homeowner deserves the opportunity to remain in the place they love for as long as possible.

If you're considering home modifications for yourself or someone you love, we'd be honored to help.

Schedule a professional Home Accessibility Assessment with David L. Traut, CAPS, and discover how simple changes today can help create a safer, more comfortable home for tomorrow.

Call T-Square Company today at (512) 444-0097 to schedule your professional consultation.

Helping Austin Homeowners Stay Safe, Independent, and Comfortable at Home 

As we grow older, most of us want to remain in the homes we love. However, many homes were not designed to accommodate changing mobility, vision, balance, or health needs. These homes were built according to the status quo, but were never accessible.

For more than 30 years, I have helped homeowners throughout Austin and Central Texas create safer, more accessible living environments through thoughtful remodeling and Universal Design solutions. My goal is simple: help people maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life while remaining in the home they cherish. 

I am David L. Traut, CAPS,  an Accessibility Specialist, Universal Design Expert, award-winning author, and President of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas.  As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), I specialize in home modifications that improve safety, accessibility, comfort, and long-term livability.

Why Aging in Place Planning Matters

Many homeowners wait until after a fall, injury, or health crisis before considering home modifications. By preplanning, you can create a safer and more functional home that adapts to your needs over time.

Common improvements include barrier-free showers, grab bars (especially in the bathroom), wheelchair-accessible entrances, wider doorways and hallways, improved lighting and visibility, smart-home technology, accessible kitchens, stairway safety solutions, and future-ready universal design features.

These modifications not only increase safety but can help reduce stress for family members and caregivers while allowing homeowners to maintain greater independence. 

Award-Winning Author and Aging in Place Advocate

I am the author of the award-winning book Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations,  which provides practical guidance for homeowners, caregivers, and families seeking solutions for aging in place.

My work combines real-world construction experience, accessibility expertise, and a commitment to helping people thrive safely and comfortably at home. I help homeowners answer questions like "How do I create a lifetime home accessibility plan?" and "How can I make my bathroom safer?"

Personalized Home Accessibility Assessments

Every home and every homeowner is different.

Whether you are planning for retirement, recovering from an injury, caring for a loved one, or seeking long-term accessibility solutions, I can evaluate your home's current layout and identify practical improvements that fit your needs and budget. Together, we can determine the answer to the questions "How can I age in place safely?" or "Should I remodel my home or move?"

Consultations are available virtually or in person throughout the Austin area.

Testimonial

 "David helped us transform our home so my husband could safely remain independent after surgery. The improvements blended beautifully with our home's design and gave our family tremendous peace of mind." — Austin Homeowner 

Schedule Your Aging in Place Consultation

If you want to remain safely and independently in your home for years to come, now is the best time to begin planning.

Call (512) 444-0097 to schedule an Aging in Place consultation and discover how thoughtful design can help you create a safer, more comfortable forever home.

My work is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves to live safely and independently in the home they love. From thoughtful design to practical solutions, David helps make that possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in Place means living safely, comfortably, and independently in your own home regardless of age, income, or physical ability. Through thoughtful planning and home modifications, many people can remain in the homes they love for years longer.

When should I start planning?

Ideally, before a mobility-related health issue occurs, the most successful projects are proactive rather than reactive. Planning early gives homeowners more options, allows projects to be completed gradually, and often costs less than making emergency modifications after a fall or illness.

Can I make my home safer without making it look like a hospital?

Absolutely. Today's accessibility products are attractive, modern, and designed to blend into your home's decor. Universal design focuses on creating beautiful, functional spaces that everyone can enjoy, whether they are six or sixty years old.

What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)?

A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) has specialized training in designing and remodeling homes to improve accessibility, safety, and long-term independence. The designation combines technical construction knowledge with an understanding of the changing needs associated with aging.

What modifications provide the greatest benefit?

Every home is unique, but the bathroom is often the first place to address because it is where many serious falls occur. Improving safety doesn't always require a major remodel. Strategic upgrades such as brighter lighting, professionally installed grab bars, barrier-free shower entrances, slip-resistant flooring, wider doorways, lever-style door handles, accessible entrances, and the removal of common trip hazards can dramatically reduce the risk of injury while making daily activities easier and more comfortable.

Many of these improvements follow the principles of Universal Design, creating a home that is safer, more functional, and more appealing for people of all ages. By making thoughtful modifications before they're needed, homeowners can enjoy greater independence, peace of mind, and a higher quality of life while also enhancing the long-term value and livability of their home.

The best home modifications are the ones that blend seamlessly into your home—enhancing safety and independence without sacrificing comfort or beauty. 

Do I need to remodel my entire house?

Not necessarily. Many homeowners begin with one room, often the bathroom, or address specific safety concerns first. Improvements can be completed in phases as needs and budgets allow.

Can modifications increase home value?

Many Universal Design features appeal to homeowners of all ages, sizes, and abilities, and can improve marketability while increasing safety and convenience for a better resale appeal. Many features are so well integrated that visitors never notice they were designed for accessibility.

How much do Aging in Place modifications cost?

Costs vary depending on the scope of work. Some safety improvements cost only a few hundred dollars, while large remodeling projects are more expensive. A plan can be developed that fits your priorities and budget.

Can accessibility modifications be completed while I'm living at home?

In many cases, yes. Projects are carefully planned to minimize disruption whenever possible, allowing homeowners to remain comfortable during construction.

How long does an Aging in Place remodel take?

Smaller projects may be completed in just a fw days, while larger renovations can take several weeks depending on design, permitting, and material availability.

Do you only work with seniors?

No. Accessibility benefits everyone. Homeowners recovering from surgery, individuals with disabilities, children, veterans, people with temporary injuries, caregivers, and families planning for multigenerational living all benefit from Aging in Place designs and services.

What is the biggest mistake homeowners make?

Waiting too long. Many people begin planning after a fall or medical emergency. Making proactive improvements before a crisis occurs provides more choices, less stress, and better long-term outcomes.

Why choose T-Square Company?

With more than 30 years of design/build experience, T-Square Company specializes in practical, customized accessibility solutions and not one-size-fits-all remodeling. Every recommendation is based on your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. David L. Traut, CAPS, the owner of T-Square Company, is a founding member of the National Aging in Place Council and certified in Universal Design.

How do I get started?

The first step is scheduling a professional assessment. During the consultation, we'll evaluate your home, discuss your goals, identify potential safety concerns, and develop a personalized plan to help you remain and independent for years to come. To keep you in budget, the modifications addressed can be done in phases.

Call T-Square Company today at (512)-444-0097 to schedule your consultation.

David L. Traut is an Award-Winning Author and Aging in Place Advocate.

David is the author of the award-winning book Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations,  which provides practical guidance for homeowners, caregivers, and families seeking solutions for aging in place.

My work combines real-world construction experience, accessibility expertise, and a commitment to helping people thrive safely and comfortably at home.