SafeHome Registry lists 359 aging-in-place contractors across Texas — the largest state total in the directory. Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have the highest contractor density; East Texas, West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley have the least coverage.
Texas veterans can fund home modifications through the federal VA HISA grant ($6,800 lifetime, service-connected). Texas adults who meet STAR+PLUS HCBS age/disability, nursing-facility-level-of-care, and Medicaid requirements may qualify for the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver for home modifications — but should know it can involve significant wait times. The USDA Section 504 grant (up to $10,000, or $15,000 in disaster-designated areas) is a non-waitlist federal program for eligible rural homeowners age 62+, though approvals depend on income, address, and program funding availability.
Texas contractor pricing is often competitive with, and in many areas below, national averages — a modular wheelchair ramp typically runs $3,000–$5,500 installed in the Houston and San Antonio markets, based on regional pricing data from 2025–2026.
What Texas Families Need to Know Before Hiring
Texas has more listed aging-in-place contractors than any other state in the SafeHome Registry — 359 across the state. But contractor density follows population, which means the concentration is heaviest in the four major metros and falls off sharply outside them. If you're in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas-Fort Worth, you have genuine options. If you're in East Texas, West Texas, or the Rio Grande Valley, finding the right specialist takes more work.
The funding landscape in Texas is also more complicated than it first appears. The headline program — STAR+PLUS — looks appealing on paper but can involve significant wait times that catch families off guard. Understanding all available pathways before starting a project is the difference between funding a modification in 90 days and waiting considerably longer.
The Question Every Texas Family Should Ask First
Before contacting a contractor, ask yourself: Who is funding this project? If the answer is VA HISA, you need prior authorization before any work begins — the contractor cannot start until you have the written approval letter. If the answer is STAR+PLUS, you need to know your position on the interest list before you make any project commitments. If the answer is USDA Section 504, you need to confirm your address falls in a USDA-eligible rural zone and that program funding is available before applying. Getting this sequence right saves months of frustration.
Texas Funding Sources: A Straight Comparison
Texas families and veterans have access to four distinct funding pathways for home modifications. No other Texas home modification resource currently presents all four side by side with honest wait-time and eligibility information. Here is the complete picture.
VA HISA Grant
$6,800- For service-connected veterans
- Lifetime maximum (not annual)
- No waitlist — prior authorization only
- VA physician prescription required
- Work cannot start before approval
STAR+PLUS HCBS Waiver
Verify cap →- Adults 21+ meeting age/disability + NF level of care + Medicaid criteria
- Home modification coverage included — verify current service cap with HHSC or your MCO
- Can involve significant wait times — join interest list early
- Income limit: ~$2,982/month (verify current figure with HHSC)
- Asset limit: $2,000 single applicant
| Program | Max Amount | Who Qualifies | Waitlist | First Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA HISA Grant | $6,800 (SC) / $2,000 (other) | VA-enrolled veterans | No — prior auth only | Call your VA primary care team |
| STAR+PLUS HCBS Waiver | Home mod coverage included — verify cap with HHSC | Age 21+, nursing-facility level of care, Medicaid-eligible | Yes — join interest list early | Interest list: 1-877-438-5658 |
| USDA Section 504 Grant | $10,000 (standard) / $15,000 (disaster zone) | Rural homeowners, age 62+, low income | No waiver waitlist — approvals depend on income, address, and funding availability | Verify rural eligibility at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov |
| Community First Choice (CFC) | Adaptive aids — no fixed cap | STAR+PLUS participants (entitlement — no waitlist) | No | Enroll via your STAR+PLUS MCO |
STAR+PLUS Wait Times: Don't Let It Be Your Only Plan
STAR+PLUS HCBS can involve significant wait times, and demand for home modification slots has historically exceeded availability in some regions. If you or a family member needs a modification now — after a fall, post-surgery, or following a new disability diagnosis — the USDA Section 504 grant or VA HISA grant (for veterans) may be faster paths. The STAR+PLUS interest list is still worth joining today because the wait begins when you apply, not when you need the benefit. Add your name at 1-877-438-5658 even if you don't need the benefit immediately.
The USDA Section 504 Disaster-Zone Advantage in Texas
Houston-area homeowners and families in coastal Texas counties should know that the standard USDA Section 504 grant maximum of $10,000 may rise to $15,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas. Harris County and surrounding Gulf Coast counties have qualified for disaster designations in previous years. Verify whether your specific address currently falls under an active disaster designation at disasterassistance.gov before applying — designation status affects the maximum available grant and changes over time.
Texas USDA Rural Development regional contacts: Temple (central TX): 254-742-9700 · Corpus Christi (south TX): 361-879-5600 · Lubbock (west TX): 806-472-4960 · Tyler (east TX): 903-534-4017.
USDA Rural Eligibility in Texas: Address-Level Verification Required
Houston's inner city, central San Antonio, and central Austin are typically not USDA-eligible because they fall within metropolitan statistical areas. However, USDA eligibility is determined at the address/parcel level — the rural rings around each major metro frequently qualify. Harris County outskirts, Bexar County rural areas, and Travis County rural fringes often qualify. Always verify the specific address at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov before assuming your address doesn't qualify.
Browse All 359 Texas Aging-in-Place Contractors
SafeHome Registry lists contractors across Texas — searchable by city and region, free, no account required.
Browse Texas Directory Compare All Grant OptionsContractor Coverage by Metro Area
Texas's 359 listed contractors are not evenly distributed. Here is what the coverage looks like across the state's major population centers, based on SafeHome Registry directory data as of May 2026.
Houston
The Greater Houston area has the most active aging-in-place remodeling market in the state. Strong veteran community from military installations in the broader Gulf Coast region drives demand for HISA-experienced contractors.
Browse Houston contractors →San Antonio
San Antonio's large active-duty and veteran community makes it one of the highest-demand markets for VA HISA grant work in the state. Multiple HISA-experienced specialists are listed.
Browse San Antonio contractors →Austin
Austin's rapid growth has expanded the aging-in-place contractor base, though density remains lower relative to metro size compared to Houston and San Antonio.
Browse Austin contractors →Dallas / Fort Worth
DFW has a robust remodeling industry with contractor options spread across a large geographic footprint. Search by specific city or zip for the most relevant results.
Browse DFW contractors →What Home Modifications Cost in Texas — 2026 Pricing
Texas contractor pricing is often competitive with, and in many areas below, national averages — particularly in rural and smaller-city markets. Houston and Austin pricing tends to run closer to national averages due to higher labor costs in major metros. Use the ranges below when evaluating contractor estimates; they reflect regional pricing data from Texas markets 2025–2026 and may vary by scope, materials, and contractor.
| Modification | Texas Range | National Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab bar (per bar, installed) | $158–$300 | $200–$350 | Rural TX can run $100–$200; tile walls add cost |
| Grab bars (3–5 bar package) | $500–$1,200 | $600–$1,500 | Most common HISA-funded scope in Texas |
| Modular aluminum ramp (20–30 ft) | $3,000–$5,500 | $3,500–$6,000 | Actual ramp length depends on threshold height — measure first |
| Custom wood ramp | $1,500–$5,000 | $2,000–$6,000 | Permit required in most TX municipalities |
| Permanent concrete ramp | $2,000–$10,000+ | $4,000–$10,000+ | Full permit process; structural footings required |
| Straight stair lift (installed) | $3,200–$6,483 | $3,400–$8,000 | Houston market: ~$3,200; San Antonio: $3,241–$6,483 |
| Curved stair lift | $8,000–$15,000 | $10,000–$20,000 | Custom rail required — exceeds all grant maximums |
| Roll-in shower conversion | $4,500–$10,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | Full gut-and-retile: $10,000–$18,000 |
A note on slab foundations: the majority of Texas homes are built on slab-on-grade foundations, which means there is no crawl space for plumbing rerouting during roll-in shower conversions. This can add $1,500–$3,000 to shower conversion costs compared to homes with pier-and-beam or basement foundations. Ask any contractor you're evaluating whether they have experience with slab-foundation bathroom modifications specifically.
How Far Does $6,800 Go in the Texas Market?
| Project Scope | Typical Texas Cost | HISA Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Grab bar package (3–5 bars) | $500–$1,200 | Fully covered — significant budget remaining |
| Modular aluminum ramp | $3,000–$5,500 | Fully covered in most cases — actual cost depends on threshold height and ramp length required |
| Roll-in shower conversion (standard) | $4,500–$10,000 | Covered at lower end; partial at mid-range |
| Straight stair lift | $3,200–$6,483 | Covered at lower end; partial at upper end |
| Ramp + grab bars + shower (combined) | $8,000–$15,000+ | Exceeds HISA — pursue STAR+PLUS or USDA 504 for additional coverage |
Ramp length example: a 24-inch porch threshold would need approximately 24 feet of ramp at the ADA 1:12 slope standard — but actual threshold heights vary. Always confirm your threshold height before accepting a ramp estimate based on a generic length assumption.
Where Contractor Coverage Is Thin in Texas
Texas is a large state and aging-in-place specialists follow population density. The following regions have documented contractor access gaps in the current SafeHome Registry directory — areas where the nearest listed specialist may be a significant distance away.
If you are a contractor serving any of these areas, claim your listing. These communities have veterans actively searching for HISA-experienced specialists and finding very few results.
How to Evaluate an Aging-in-Place Contractor in Texas
Texas does not have a state-specific aging-in-place contractor license — this work falls under general remodeling and construction licensing requirements that vary by municipality. What matters more than a specific license is experience, documentation capability, and familiarity with the funding program you're using. Here is what to ask before signing anything.
- Ask about their experience with your funding source. "Have you completed projects funded through VA HISA?" requires a yes or no. "Are you familiar with the VA Form 10-0103 and the Prosthetics department submission process?" tells you immediately whether they can handle the documentation. A contractor who hesitates on either question has not done HISA work before.
- Ask for a written estimate that itemizes labor, materials, and permits separately. HISA applications require an itemized estimate with a photo of the modification area. Any contractor who provides a single lump-sum number without line items cannot support a HISA application. If you are using STAR+PLUS, the managed care organization also requires itemized documentation.
- Confirm they pull permits when required. Ramps, structural bathroom modifications, and stair lifts typically require permits in Texas municipalities. Work done without a permit creates complications for resale and may void the warranty on accessibility equipment. Ask directly: "Will you pull the required permits for this project?"
- Check their Texas contractor license. General contractors and remodelers in Texas must be registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for certain project types. Verify at tdlr.texas.gov.
- Ask for references from aging-in-place or accessibility projects specifically. A contractor with strong general remodeling references may have limited experience with the slope tolerances, clearance requirements, and grab bar anchor specifications that accessibility work requires. Ask for at least one reference from a comparable accessibility project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas STAR+PLUS and does it cover home modifications?
STAR+PLUS is Texas's Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program, administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. It includes home modifications — grab bars, wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and bathroom modifications — as a covered service. Verify the current service cap and any maintenance allowance with HHSC or your managed care organization before planning a project around a specific dollar figure, as these amounts are subject to change. Eligibility requires meeting STAR+PLUS age/disability criteria, a nursing facility level of care assessment, and Medicaid qualification (income around $2,982/month as of January 2026 — verify the current figure with HHSC; assets under $2,000 for a single applicant). The program can involve significant wait times. Add your name to the interest list now at YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 1-877-438-5658, even if you don't need the benefit immediately.
Can Texas veterans use both VA HISA and STAR+PLUS for the same home?
In many cases, yes — HISA and STAR+PLUS are funded and administered by entirely separate federal agencies (the VA and CMS respectively) with independent eligibility criteria. A veteran who qualifies for both may be able to use HISA for one set of modifications and STAR+PLUS for additional modifications, provided each program's documentation and prior authorization requirements are met independently. Given the STAR+PLUS wait times, the practical sequence for most veterans is: apply for HISA immediately for current needs, add to the STAR+PLUS interest list simultaneously for future modifications, and apply for USDA Section 504 if the address qualifies and the homeowner is age 62+. Confirm stacking eligibility with your VA social worker and your STAR+PLUS managed care organization.
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost in Houston or San Antonio?
In the Houston and San Antonio markets, a modular aluminum wheelchair ramp typically costs $3,000–$5,500 installed for a 20–30 foot run, based on regional pricing data from 2025–2026. Actual ramp length depends on your specific threshold height — at the ADA 1:12 slope standard, a 24-inch threshold would require approximately 24 feet of ramp as an illustrative example, but many homes have different threshold heights. Have any contractor measure your actual threshold before accepting a quote based on a generic length assumption. Both modular and custom wood ramps are typically within the $6,800 HISA maximum for standard scopes.
Is my Texas address eligible for the USDA Section 504 grant?
The USDA Section 504 grant is available to homeowners age 62+ who meet very low income guidelines and live in USDA-eligible rural areas. Eligibility is determined at the address/parcel level — Houston's inner city, central San Antonio, and central Austin are typically not eligible, but the rural rings around each major metro often qualify. Verify your specific address at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov before assuming ineligibility. If your address qualifies and your county has an active federal disaster designation, the maximum may rise from $10,000 to $15,000 — verify current disaster status at DisasterAssistance.gov.
What should I look for when hiring an aging-in-place contractor in Texas?
The most important qualifiers are: experience with your specific funding source (HISA or STAR+PLUS), the ability to produce an itemized estimate with labor and materials broken out separately, a track record of pulling required permits, and references from comparable accessibility projects. Texas does not have a single aging-in-place contractor license — the CAPS credential (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, issued by NAHB) is the most widely recognized indicator of specialized training in this type of work. You can also verify general contractor registration through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at tdlr.texas.gov.
Editorial Standards & Data Sources
STAR+PLUS HCBS program structure (home modification coverage, eligibility criteria) verified against Texas HHSC published materials and navigatelifetexas.org, May 2026. The STAR+PLUS home modification service cap should be verified directly with HHSC or your managed care organization before project planning — service caps are subject to change and the figure cited in some secondary sources may not reflect the current waiver terms. Income limit (~$2,982/month) reflects approximately the January 2026 300% Federal Benefit Rate — verify current figure with HHSC. Contractor cost ranges sourced from SafeHome Registry regional pricing data, Texas markets, 2025–2026, cross-referenced with Homewyse and Angi; pricing comparisons to national averages reflect internal data and should be treated as estimates. USDA Section 504 figures verified against rd.usda.gov; USDA is a non-waitlist program but approvals depend on income, address, and program funding availability. VA HISA grant amounts verified against VA Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service, May 2026. SafeHome Registry contractor directory last synced May 2026. This article does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Verify current program eligibility and contractor licensing before entering any service agreement. See our operational model and terms of use.