Home Remodeling Trends
Another year is over and once again we all made that list of New Year’s resolutions that we always swear this year we really will keep. If making some changes around your home found its way onto that list then here are some of the remodeling trends that are expected to heat up in 2011.
Green Remodeling, Indoor and Out
Bamboo floors, thatched roofs and chipped bark siding may sound like remodeling projects that Tarzan and Jane would undertake, but an increasing number of average homeowners in the US are warming up to the idea of green remodeling. The good news is that prices are also coming down as more and more contractors are educating themselves in the art of eco friendly remodeling.
Remodeling for Relaxation
With the economy still taking its own good time in showing signs of recovery and the real estate market still in the doldrums, homeowners are still looking for ways to de-stress at home. For many that means creating new spaces in the home they have that offer comfort and relaxation. For some that means creating a “zen like” spa bathroom, while for others a basement game room fulfills their need to get away from it all.
Planning for the Future
Remodeling contractors across the country are noticing that the trend for “aging in place” remodeling continues to increase. Even if they are years away from having to worry about needing such things, savvy homeowners are planning for the future by commissioning bathroom, kitchen and general remodeling tweaks that will make their homes more accessible, improving the chances that they will be able to avoid having to leave the home they love should their mobility decline.
Making Smarter Hiring Choices
Consumers are getting smarter when it comes to hiring the right remodeling contractors. Finally, after years of nagging from industry experts, consumers are seeking help when it comes to finding reliable contractors for their remodeling projects and yes, they are actually checking those references!
Home Remodeling Ideas to Save Money and Frustration!
Today everybody is looking to save. Save money, of course, but also to save frustration and hassles. And, all the home remodeling ideas now must have those elements. Even though we’re all trying to cut back and become more frugal, we still want to create, to build and to improve our lives and our homes.
But what can be done on a limited or even nearly nonexistent budget?
Well, there’s actually quite a bit, if you’re willing to step out of your set plans and concentrate solely on adding value to your home and doing smaller, more focused projects. Sure, we’ve all been beat up some financially, but there are ways of fighting back.
For instance, when it comes to appliances and fixtures; new is nice, but there are many, many options out there that will improve the look and equity of your home and add a “gently cared for” attitude. I mean think about used or recycled items. Nobody has ever asked me if I bought a particular thing at a salvage yard after its been installed. And, if it works perfectly, who cares?
Look in Craigslist or simply Google “particular item your town” (ie. used fireplace insert Dallas TX) and be willing to flex a little. Also, see if there’s a salvage business close to you. Google “salvage building materials your town” or “used appliances your town.” Some larger cities even have more than one. Habitat for Humanity also has “ReStores” all over the country. If you’ve never been in one, you don’t know what you’re missing! Nice stuff, cheap.
Always buy your own materials. As a homeowner, you are considered the General Contractor. That means you’re the boss. Talk to your building contractor (if you’re going to hire one) and see if they’re willing to not mark up the materials and show receipts as they go. Most will, or at least sell them to you for what you could get them for from Home Depot. Get 3 bids and tell all the bidders what you’re doing if they ask.
Do as much of the work as you can. The people at the “big boxes” are usually more than willing to show you how to do things. A lot of them have actually worked in the industry. And, every remodel is made up of parts and pieces. You’d be surprised what you can do! Remember: most home improvements don’t return what it cost to do them unless you do the work yourself.
Be patient. Buy items out of season (furnaces and insulation in summer, AC and landscaping supplies in winter, etc.) and hire labor in the rainy season or winter when they’re hungriest. Also, if you’re planning a large remodel and can take your time, buy the individual items when they are on sale, gathering your materials and storing them in the garage until you’re ready.
Finally, don’t finance the project… even if you plan on putting your home on the market when you’re finished and pay off the loan then. In fact, unless you’re comfortable jumping into large projects, don’t even consider ones that need you taking out a loan. For more information, along with free tips and ideas for your home, go to RemodelQuickTips.com and click around. You’ll find lots of ways to help you get the most bang for your buck!
New Home Remodeling Trends for 2012 and Beyond
The economic cold has shifted the home remodeling market from the extravagant and excessive to the practical and moderate. Homeowners used to demand grand foyer entrances and niches for displaying sculptural artwork. Now they are settling for spaces designed to accommodate sports equipment, schoolwork, or computers. Value and need are now driving the housing market and can be seen in the following home remodeling trends.
Drop Zones/ Mud Rooms – Most families enter and exit their homes through the garage so a mud room serves as a drop zone for “decluttering”. These rooms are often small, sometimes only 10′x10′ and can be combined with the laundry room. A drop zone contains cubbies for mail, hooks for backpacks, or a closet for winter clothing. This makes it easy for a family to keep organized during times of the days when kids are getting ready for school, when it’s time to do homework, or a place to keep bills in line.
Open Family Rooms – A popular home trend for many years was the formal living room. This was often a room that was used very little, maybe just for the holidays if at all. Now homeowners view the formal living room as wasted space. The functional response is to create an open family room. An open family room will typically combine the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Spaces are often separated with furniture instead of walls. One room instead of many also has a positive effect on energy consumption, requiring less heat or A/C.
Lifestyle Center – Computers have become a household item, and it’s not uncommon to place one in the kitchen. A lifestyle center is a place for kids to do homework, while mom or dad can make sure they aren’t playing on the internet. It can also be used as a place to work from home and pay bills. Combing these functions into one area adjacent the kitchen, reduces the need for a formal office.
Large/Steam Showers – Soaking tubs used to be a must have for homeowners remodeling their bathroom. However, this was mainly a decorative piece for show and rarely used. Homeowners remodeling their bathroom now focus their budget on a larger and more comfortable shower. Steam showers have risen in popularity because they can be justified for their therapeutic effects. In addition to making a shower more comfortable, it’s also common to see a shower with large benches and handle grip bars, making it easier for elderly to shower. This is a sign that more families are moving in together and may need to make accommodations for grandparents.
Outdoor Living Spaces – Builders are increasingly adding patio sliding doors with access to an outdoor patio. This creates an indoor/outdoor space that can make the house feel larger and serve as a secondary dining room. This can come in handy if the house is feeling a bit over crowded, especially in the great room where everyone congregates during peak hours.
At face value, these trends seem like a downgrade from the lavish lifestyles during the economic boom of the mid 2000s, but the recent downturn has forced all of us to reassess what is necessary and what is not.
A reassessment of values have created energy efficient homes that use less heat in the winter and A/C in the summer; open family rooms with enough space for generations of family to congregate; rooms that accommodate grandparents that might otherwise only visit during the holidays. Homes may appear to be downgrading in response to a harsh economic climate, but the recent remodeling trends show homes with an emphasis on family. Value and need have been driving the housing market, and would seem homeowners are finding value and need in family.