Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Watson.
Hi Blake, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At Age-Proof Homes, our mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for the aging population and individuals with mobility challenges by providing safe, accessible, and comfortable home environments.
Our goal is creating customized solutions that ensure safety, accessibility and independence for our clients.
Starting Age-Proof Homes was a deeply personal decision for me. In 2010, my dad was involved in a car accident that left him with a major back injury and chronic nerve pain. Seeing him struggle with mobility and knowing how important it is to live comfortably and safely at home inspired me to help others facing similar challenges.
At Age-Proof Homes, we are dedicated to making homes more accessible, ensuring that everyone can move about their spaces with ease and confidence. My dad’s journey is the heart of our mission, and it drives our commitment to enhancing the lives of those with mobility issues.
We have 35 years of experience in residential construction with several years overseeing quality assurance.
We have been doing business in the St. George and surrounding areas for almost three years. Our clients, our focus on helping those with accessibility issues age-in-place, and helping educate the public on options that are available to them, whether it be veterans programs, financial grants, or investment options to help pay for our services, we believe this is how we have been able to grow in this beautiful community and get to where we are today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never easy to start a new business, but with the special niche that we have in helping those with accessibility challenges, it has given us an edge. Getting our name out there and our mission beyond just a contractor has been a bit challenging. But once people realize that our focus is on accessibility remodeling it drives us to those needing that type of service. Staying true to who we are is important so we don’t take just any construction remodeling job, we do require that it has some type of accessibility need such as barrier-free showers, grab bars, wheelchair ramps, railing for stability. Being the only Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist Contractor in St. George has helped us overcome the obstacle of being just a “general contractor”. It sets us apart.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Every job we do is customized to the customer’s needs and design they want. As the owner, I personally go out and do the free in-home assessment so that I can then design the project from start to finish. Getting the chance to visit with the customer and capture their vision is critical in the designs we create. Even on a simpler items like grab bar installations, there is a lot to consider. I take into account placement with their specific needs, matching finishes to the existing shower fixtures, type of material we will be drilling through, whether it is drywall, tile, marble, granite to ensure there is no damage. On larger projects like full bathroom and kitchen remodels I work hand in hand with the client through each phase. It is important that their vision becomes reality with the designs I create. Taking the time to get CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist) certified has allowed me to set me and my business apart from any other contractor in the area. I am the only CAPS certified contractor in St. George and only one of two in all of Southern Utah. The areas we specialize in are installing grab bars, ramps & railings, accessibility remodeling mostly bathroom and kitchens, including slip-resistant flooring. We install stair lifts and Stilz Elevator Lifts so that those with mobility issues are able to remain in their home and don’t have to move to a single level home or a facility. This year we are adding a new service of ADUs or Accessory Dwelling Units. We will be building casitas on existing properties where loved ones can be in proximity to their loved ones, yet have their own independence with accessibility options. We also will be doing home additions on existing homes for that same purpose. These investments are welcomed options for our clients as it allows for multi-generational living. We are excited to see how this will allow our business to continue to grow and thrive.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What’s not to love about Southern Utah! I love the year round weather and the endless opportunities for recreation, but more importantly the people here. They are welcoming, kind and so grateful for the services we offer. Probably the thing that is most challenging for us is learning and keeping up on the building requirements in each city. But it keeps us on our toes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ageproofhomes.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgeProofHomes/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ageproofhomes/
