At Homes Are Us Remodeling, we believe home is not just a place—it’s a feeling. This belief inspired our latest heartwarming initiative: a contest that gifted deserving older couples with surprise home renovations. It wasn’t just about changing walls and flooring; it was about restoring comfort, safety, and joy in the homes of those who’ve spent decades building their lives there.

Our community-centered contest, featured on wearehomesareusremodeling.com, invited families and friends to nominate seniors they admired—people who had given so much but whose homes had grown tired with time. Submissions poured in, filled with stories of resilience, love, and sacrifice. From high school sweethearts now in their 70s to Vietnam veterans and retired school teachers, each nomination was a moving tribute to a life well lived.

Three lucky couples were selected. They had no idea what was waiting for them when they returned home.

The Thompsons: From Dated to Dazzling

David and Louise Thompson, both 78, have lived in their quaint 1960s bungalow for over 50 years. “We built our life here,” Louise said. “But lately, we’ve had trouble with the kitchen—old cabinets, slippery tiles, everything felt… tired.”

Their granddaughter nominated them, noting how the couple continued to volunteer at local shelters and tutor at the community library, despite living on a fixed income.

When the Thompsons returned home from a weekend getaway, their jaws dropped. Their outdated kitchen had been transformed: sleek countertops, non-slip vinyl flooring, soft-close cabinets, and under-cabinet lighting brought both safety and style. Even the appliances were upgraded to energy-efficient models.

“We never expected something like this,” David said, holding back tears. “It’s like the house finally caught up to the love we’ve put into it.”

The Rodriguezes: Safety Meets Style

Maria and Hector Rodriguez, both in their 80s, were nominated by their church group. “They’re the first to help anyone in need,” one friend wrote. “But they’ve let their own home fall into disrepair to keep giving.”

Their biggest struggle was the bathroom. With aging joints and mobility issues, getting in and out of the old bathtub had become dangerous. Homes Are Us turned that hazard into a haven: a modern walk-in shower with grab bars, built-in seating, and anti-scald technology replaced the outdated tub. The rest of the bathroom was refreshed too—widened doors for wheelchair access, elegant tilework, and improved lighting.

Maria cried when she saw it. “This… this is more than a renovation,” she said. “It’s a gift of dignity and independence.”

The Browns: Bringing Back the Porch

John and Ellie Brown loved their front porch. For years, they hosted family BBQs, watched sunsets with neighbors, and sat holding hands as their grandchildren played on the lawn. But time had taken its toll—rotting wood, broken railings, and a sagging ceiling made it unusable.

When their youngest daughter nominated them, she wrote, “They taught us that love is a verb—you show it in action. Now I want them to feel that same love back.”

The transformation was breathtaking. Homes Are Us rebuilt the porch from the ground up, preserving its original charm but reinforcing it with composite materials that will last for decades. The final touch? A porch swing with a plaque that read: “For John & Ellie—Still Swinging After All These Years.”

John laughed and wiped his eyes. “Now I get why people cry on those renovation shows.”

Beyond the Renovations

The contest was about more than fixing homes—it was about restoring hope and honoring the contributions of older generations. These surprise makeovers were fully funded by the Homes Are Us Remodeling community, local donors, and our team of dedicated contractors and designers who volunteered their time.

Owner and founder Kevin Daniels shared, “We’ve built our company on craftsmanship and care, but this project reminded us of something even bigger: the power of gratitude. These couples laid the foundation for our communities. Giving back to them was the least we could do.”

The impact didn’t end with the reveal. Each couple received follow-up maintenance support and a custom home safety evaluation to ensure their new spaces will serve them for years to come. We also connected them with local resources for aging-in-place support.

Join the Movement

Homes Are Us is already planning next year’s contest—and this time, we’re hoping to surprise even more deserving families. Nominations will reopen soon, and we invite everyone to share stories of the amazing older couples in their lives.

If you’d like to learn more or support the program, visit our contact page at wearehomesareusremodeling.com/contact. Whether you’re donating, nominating, or volunteering, you can be part of something meaningful.

Because home isn’t just where you live—it’s where you’re loved.