Key Insights from the 2025 Building Opportunities Summit in San Antonio

Published in Home Modifications on November 28, 2025

By Cindi Petito, Director, VGM Live at Home

In 2023, I authored a white paper, "A Best Practice Model for Home Access Services: Collaboration between Occupational Therapy Practitioners & Home Access Professionals," outlining a vision to bring together the home access industry and the medical community; to bridge gaps and develop best practice standards.  

This year's Live at Home summit was a powerful testament to the progress we are making toward that vision. The theme, "Building the Future for Tomorrow, Today," resonated deeply throughout the summit, reminding us of our shared mission: to empower individuals to live safely, independently, and with dignity in their own homes and communities.

As we reflect on the key takeaways from the summit, we celebrate the collaborative spirit that is shaping the future of the home accessibility industry. From innovative home product demonstrations to insightful panel discussions, the event underscored the importance of partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Together, we are not only addressing current challenges but also laying the groundwork for a more accessible and inclusive tomorrow.

^{As a great OT said at the 2025 VGM LAH Summit, “Finally I am the right side of history!” - Jane Tom, 2025} 

Featured Agenda & Highlights

The 2025 Building Opportunities Summit in San Antonio featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists who brought a wealth of expertise to the forefront of discussions with attendees. Their insights spanned a wide range of topics crucial for home access and healthcare professionals, including:

Benchmarking Survey and Industry Trends: VGM’s very own Tyler Coulander, Market Strategy Manager, presented this year’s benchmarking survey results and comparisons from previous years, highlighting home access members’ business trends. Coulander also shared "Hospital at Home" trends and home care industry insights during his breakout session, emphasizing the rising demand for aging in place and the value that home accessibility specialists and professionals bring to the continuum of care model.

Live at Home Benchmarking Survey Highlights (2025)

Category                                Key Insights

Respondents                             Average 13 years in business; 2025 average size 8 employees (down from 11 in 2024)

Workforce Structure            Most firms: 1–2 project managers; 3–4 install techs; 1–2 sales/admin; 2–3 customer service

1099 Contractors                   Used by 43% for primary installs, 52% for specialty trades, 33% for permitting jobs

Revenue Impact                       In-house installation yielded ~$800K more revenue; 71% of respondents using 1099 average $1.5M vs $2.3M

Showrooms                                 52% have one; of those without, 80% plan to add within 3 years

Project Mix Changes              Bathroom remodels surged from 6% → 26%; ramps 14% → 6%; stairlifts 11% → 5%; grab bars 57% → 61%

Download the complete benchmarking survey.

Smart Home Technology: Presentations showcased the latest advancements in smart home technology, illustrating how these innovations can enhance safety, security, and independence for individuals with mobility challenges.

Accessibility Metrics and Data: Attendees learned about the importance of collecting and analyzing data related to accessibility, which can drive better decision-making and policy development in both the home access and healthcare sectors.

_{Carolyn Sithong with Home for Life Design discusses the importance of using standardized Accessibility Ratings.}

Financing and Funding Strategies: Experts shared various financing options available for individuals seeking home modifications, providing insights into grants, loans, and insurance coverage that can make accessibility solutions more attainable.

Selling in the Home and Overcoming Objections: Sessions focused on effective selling techniques tailored to the home access market, equipping professionals with the tools to communicate the value of accessibility solutions to clients and stakeholders.

Complex Client Populations: A captivating panel discussion featured healthcare professionals focused on supporting the dignity of bariatric clients. One standout was physician Rebecca Tapia, MD, who emphasized the crucial role of home accessibility in ensuring patient safety and in the overall health and well-being of her patients. For the first time, home access professionals received insights from a physician about what constitutes a safe and healthy home, extending beyond merely the physical environment.

These sessions not only enriched attendees' knowledge base but also fostered a collaborative environment where professionals could exchange ideas and strategies. The depth of expertise shared at the summit underscored the importance of continued education and partnership in advancing home accessibility and improving the lives of individuals in need.

Strategies for Growth in 2026

As we come to the end of 2025 and forge ahead into 2026, what will you do differently in your business to adapt and innovate to remain competitive in an industry with a fast-changing landscape?

Strategic Perspective

Participating in the Live at Home benchmarking survey in 2026 is crucial for businesses in the home accessibility industry, given the rapidly changing landscape. The survey offers strategic insights that allow companies to benchmark their performance against peers, identify emerging market trends, and understand customer needs. This data-driven approach enhances competitiveness by highlighting areas for improvement and informing effective marketing strategies.

Diversifying Revenue Streams and Payor Mix

Consider adding complementary services such as home assessments or maintenance services for installed products. Your state offers funding for home access products and services, including state Medicaid waivers, trust programs such as the Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Program, and vocational rehabilitation programs.

Look into adjacent markets, such as commercial accessibility solutions or partnerships with healthcare providers and senior living facilities to reach a wider audience.

Lead Conversion and Sales Strategies

Home access members can benefit from investing in a robust CRM system to track leads more effectively and personalize follow-up communications based on customer interactions. For businesses providing construction-level home accessibility services, CRM platforms such as LEAP offer powerful tools for project managers to efficiently organize and manage large-scale home modification projects.  

Personalized marketing and communication with seniors are key. Tailoring communication strategies for seniors is critical in the home accessibility industry. Understanding how to discuss home safety and aging-in-place needs respectfully and empathetically helps build trust and confidence. Establishing strong relationships is key, not only to educating customers but also to closing sales and ensuring long-term satisfaction.

Reducing 1099 Subcontractor Costs

Evaluate your subcontractor relationships. Review current subcontractor agreements and negotiate better terms, or, if feasible, bring skilled labor in-house to reduce reliance on 1099 workers.

In addition, streamline your processes. Implement standardized procedures and training for subcontractors to ensure quality and efficiency, potentially reducing the need for oversight and costly revisions.

Evaluating Operational Efficiencies and Expenses

For home access businesses, regularly assessing operational processes and expenses is essential to maintain profitability and deliver quality service. This evaluation should include:

• Workflow Analysis: Identify bottlenecks in scheduling, installation, and project management that may increase labor costs or delay timelines.
• Cost Tracking: Monitor material costs, subcontractor fees, and overhead to ensure accurate job pricing and prevent margin erosion.
• Technology Integration: Implement tools like CRM systems and project management software to streamline communication, reduce errors, and improve resource allocation.
• Vendor Partnerships: Review supplier agreements for competitive pricing and explore bulk purchasing and stocking opportunities to lower costs.
• Performance Metrics: Track KPIs such as job completion time, customer satisfaction, and cost per lead to measure efficiency and guide improvements.

Emphasizing Customer Experience

Expand your feedback mechanisms. Establish regular feedback loops with clients to understand their experiences, particularly those of older adults, and identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine services and build customer loyalty. Loyalty and maintenance programs are effective ways to improve customer retention.

Provide education and resources to consumers and clients about the importance of home accessibility and the long-term benefits it brings, positioning your business as a trusted advisor.

Staying Informed and Agile

Make sure your business is not living in a bubble. Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and consumer preferences to anticipate changes in demand and adapt your offerings accordingly. Engage with industry associations, attend conferences, and collaborate with other businesses in the home access sector to share knowledge and best practices.

By adopting a proactive approach and continuously assessing and adjusting your business strategies, you can position your company to thrive in the rapidly changing home access industry in 2026 and beyond.

TAGS

1. accessibility
2. education
3. home modifications
4. vgm live at home