The Overlooked Home Improvement Upgrade That Won't Break The Bank For Retirees

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While some seniors choose to downsize, especially when reaching a certain age, a majority of older adults prefer to age in place in their own homes. In fact, according to Retirement Living, 84% of respondents aged 50 and up considered aging in place an important goal in 2025. With that said, older adults often need to modify their homes to make it easier to navigate in their golden years — and this can get costly. One of the best affordable home improvements for retirees is replacing traditional doorknobs with lever-style handles. 

Traditional doorknobs require a stronger grip than people might realize, meaning older adults can struggle with opening this knob type. Meanwhile lever-style handles rely on gentle movement in one direction, which can be helpful for retirees with conditions that affect their hands. Heath care costs can sneak up on you during retirement, so utilizing low-cost home upgrades to help ease pain can be particularly practical.

For those looking to DIY the installation, as of August 2026, Amazon lists several lever-style handle hardware options ranging anywhere from around $17 to more than $100 per handle. Meanwhile, according to LatestCost, lever handle installation labor costs can range from $70-$140  in 2026, in addition to the price of the hardware. However, installation costs can vary by geographic region, with installation as high as $120 in a city, compared to just $85 in a suburb.

Lever-style door knobs tend to cost more than traditional ones, and can be more expensive to install due to alignment requirements. With that said, where you intend to install this kind of hardware can affect your overall costs. For instance, interior doorknob hardware will typically be cheaper than exterior door hardware due to requiring fewer security and weather-related components. 

When looking for exterior doorknob hardware, look for features like strong deadbolts or even smart features. Basic exterior lever door handle hardware sells for about $23 on Amazon, as of August 2026, while other options with heavy duty deadbolts start at around $30. If looking for security with more bells and whistles, a keyless touch pad exterior door set with a lever door handle costs about $60. Although more expensive upfront, having a smart exterior lock can add to a home's resale value since the extra security may appeal to buyers. All told, replacing your home's doorknobs can be an affordable way to upgrade your everyday life.