Discover the BEST Assisted Living Home Renovation Secrets!
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Starting an assisted living business means making a home safe and comfy. Renovations come up a lot. Whether you buy, lease, or build new, you will likely need to do some work. This guide shows the top renovation tips to save time, money, and stress. Let’s dive in! 🚀
Check out this video, too:
Lease vs Own: the first big choice
If you lease, talk to the landlord first.
If you own, you can move faster.
Be careful: Do not just go and willy-nilly … without notifying the landlord.
Get approval. Always put changes in writing. This keeps deals from falling through. ✅
Plan for renovations (they are normal)
Most homes need work. Even homes that were used as care homes before often need updates. I've had experiences where it was a small $5,000 fix to an existing facility we purchased, and I've had other projects take weeks, requiring the residents to move out while the work happened.
How long will it take?
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Small fixes: days to weeks.
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Big changes (doors, ramps, sprinkler systems): weeks to months.
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New builds or big permits: could take close to a year (or more).
Plan more time than you think. It usually takes longer than you want.
Talk to the fire department early
A key tip: You should have conversations with the fire department early on in this process.
They will tell you what the house must have. Ask them early and often. This saves rework.
What fire inspectors check:
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Do you need a fire suppression system?
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Where are exit routes and egress points?
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Do hallways and doors meet rules?
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Are stairs ok for the selected group of residents?
A fire inspector will give you a list of things to fix. Treat that list as your to-do list. 🔥➡️📝
Fire suppression note: This renovation may be your biggest cost. In some homes you only need fire extinguishers. In others you may need a full sprinkler system. Learn what your local code requires.
Permit the work — always
You absolutely should be permitting your work.
Permit your big changes. Why?
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Permits keep you legal.
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Permits make future sales easier.
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Inspectors expect permitted work for licensing.
If work was done without permits before, expect extra inspections. That can slow down your license. Getting a permit is worth the small cost and time.
Zoning and approvals: don’t skip them
Before you sign or buy, check zoning rules. Ask if the area allows for assisted living use. If zoning and fire approval are not in place, you cannot move forward.
Two must-haves before big spending:
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Fire approval.
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Proper zoning.
If either is missing, stop until you fix it.
Start your licensing application early
A smart move: You should be starting the application process early even if your house is not ready.
Why start early?
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The licensing team may tell you what’s missing.
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You get in the review queue. That cuts wait time later in the process.
Expect possible denials at first. That feedback helps you fix issues faster.
Certificate of Occupancy (CO) & final checks
Your short-term goal is often a Certificate of Occupancy or similar paper. This shows the place meets safety rules and is fit for care.
Getting the CO means you can finish licensing and open your home to residents.
Renovation tips that save money & time
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Ask the right questions to fire and building officials early.
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Buy heavy-duty gear for big tasks (like commercial washers). They last longer.
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Use a checklist for each permit and inspection.
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Move residents only when needed. Short moves for big work can be faster.
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Document everything: contracts, permits, receipts, inspections.
Small spending now can avoid big costs later.
Final checklist before you renovate
✅ Talk with the fire department.
✅ Confirm zoning allows assisted living.
✅ Permit required work.
✅ Start the licensing application early.
✅ Plan for timelines and backup housing if needed.
✅ Keep good records.
Want help launching your assisted living business?
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Download the free Business Plan Checklist to build a strong foundation.
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Need hands-on coaching? Apply to join the Assisted Living Investing Mastermind for guided help.
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