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2013 Home Remodeling Trends

August 3, 2022 Comments Off

The home remodeling themes of 2013 are practicality and efficiency. While the country is still recovering from the recession, the lessons learnt from houses being lost to foreclosure are that of living within our means. For many people this means living in smaller homes but making the most of the space, taking the indoor/outdoor environment into consideration, and making a home work for individual needs.
Bigger is no longer better. The trend has been called the tiny home trend. Homes as small as 500 square feet are being built on small lots of land, but for most people with families, buying homes that fit the needs of the family without excess space is what is working. Within those homes open floor plans have replaced formal dining and sitting rooms. Kitchens blend into common areas and dining spaces. This not only allows for better functionality in the home, but for more open conversation and interaction of those living there.
People currently remodeling are not just looking at what is going to work for them now, but also what will be helpful in the future. The baby boomer generation is retiring and keeping an eye on how their lives might change. Doors are being widened to accommodate wheelchairs. Bathroom remodels include larger showering spaces, or doing away with glass walls and having an open shower with tile floors. Bi-level countertops and sinks are being installed for those who have active children or parents needing wheelchair accessibility. Access in and out of homes is also being considered.
Because so many people work from home, having a space where one can work in without distraction is also critical. Home offices are being created from baby rooms or other smaller rooms in the house. Home offices can also be converted in the future to bedrooms, living rooms or other spaces.
Another popular trend is making sure homes are well insulated and energy efficient. This includes the insulation in the walls as well as double paned windows, energy efficient appliances and more.
Appearances, as always, are important. As for the indoors, hidden appliances are the trend, meaning dishwashers are covered with wood fronts, other appliances sit in drawers built to fit them. Minimalist design is reigning in the kitchen and other rooms.
Carpets are out. Heated wood floors are the most popular and leave a clean finish and something that doesn’t show the wear and tear carpeting does.
Outdoors, we are seeing much more native landscaping and rock landscapes that require little water and little upkeep.
If you’re planning a whole house remodel or a partial one, keep in mind efficiency, functionality and practicality. How can your home better serve you?

Trends in Home Remodeling

June 9, 2022 Comments Off

Trends in Atlanta home remodeling have shifted since the economic changes in the last couple of years. Whereas in prior years home owners were inclined to include whatever their heart wanted in creating their dream home these days home owners are taking into consideration the value of homes in their neighborhood for resale. Several metro Atlanta counties and areas have seen a decline in home values however not all neighborhoods have been negatively impacted.
When deciding on how much money you want to invest in your home remodeling project the location of your home is very important. If you live in a well established popular neighborhood in the Atlanta area; Druid Hills, Emory, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs to name a few then your choice location will support reasonable remodeling and home additions. In fact potential home buyers expect to have a great kitchen and master bedroom suite with a spa like bathroom when buying in the more fashionable neighborhoods. Not having renovated your home will keep potential buyers away.
A few questions to ask before you remodel are how long do you plan to stay in your home? If you want to be able to sell your house within the next couple of years for maximum return then a well designed kitchen and spacious master bathroom will bring you the best return on your money. These are always in the top must haves when buyers are looking at homes. However choosing your materials with a budget conscious eye and quality are your best bet.
Visiting houses for sale and in your neighborhood in the price range you want to sell your house for will give you a good idea what your competition is. Keep abreast of the houses you visited and learn what the price they sold for and how long they were on the market. This takes a little effort but will not only give you ideas for what you want in your new kitchen and bathroom it will help you decide just how much you need to spend. For example are the homes that are getting the price you want showcasing an $8000 48 inch profession Viking range and built in Sub Zero refrigeration?
If you are remodeling only with the idea of selling the home quickly and for a profit then knowing what your buyers are looking for and supplying what they want with the least amount of cash is the way to go. Many times this can be using the existing layout in your kitchen and refinishing your cabinets instead of tearing out everything. Replacing your stove and refrigerator with stainless steel appliances that have the look of the high end name brands are a cost cutting measure. Wood floors are a must have and purchasing remnants from a close out dealer can save you hundreds of dollars.
If you plan to live in your home the rest of your life then having the home be exactly what you want it to be trumps the investment dollar. Your investment is living in a home that makes you happy. In most cases homeowners take the happy medium, not settling for the cheapest materials and finding quality replacements for designer products that you love but are very expensive. With an eagle eye you can find beautiful stones, tiles, flooring, and fixtures that let your home remodeling project bring a touch of elegance and extravagance without the big price tag. Your Atlanta remodeling contractor will know places to find the best prices for many of the materials you will need to pick out. The time and effort spent will reward you with a great renovation and the good feeling that your money was well spent.

10 Affordable Home Remodeling Trends

February 10, 2022 Comments Off

It’s possible to do a home remodeling project on a budget. You can even save money on future energy costs with the right design.

Use Imitation Materials: Hardwood floors and granite countertops are pricey, but you can get imitations – such as laminate floors – that are so close to the real thing most people can’t tell.

Freshen up the Exterior: After you remodel, invest in new shutters, a new coat of paint, a new front door or some landscaping. This can yield big dividends for a small price.

Re-use Space: Instead of a big home addition, maybe you can get what you want by re-using a room for a new purpose or by taking down some walls to create one large area. For instance, you can combine two small rooms to make one big one, or you can take out the wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the space.

Do It Yourself: Figure out which parts of the job really require professionals. You might not be up to installing plumbing pipes, but you can add insulation or paint walls.

Do Your Own Demolition: Demolition doesn’t require the same skills as construction. You need to take precautions, however, especially if you’re taking out an interior wall.

Avoid Moving Plumbing: You can save on the plumber’s charges.

Don’t Make Changes: Once you’ve started the home remodeling project, try not to change your mind. Those will be costly decisions.

Shop Around: Get bids from several contractors. Look around for materials – and don’t forget to try the Internet.

Be Energy Efficient: While you’re remodeling, take advantage of the opportunity to add insulation to existing walls and attics. Any windows you add should be energy efficient. Installing windows and skylights will bring in natural light and save on electricity costs. Do you wish to reduce your monthly energy costs? Direct Energy Rates may be able to help, they are a company that offers competitive energy rates in many parts of the United States. By shopping around for the best energy rates, you can use Direct Energy Rates to save money on your energy bills.

Install New HVAC: Evaluate your heating and air conditioning needs. You may need new HVAC equipment for your additional space, or you may want to take this opportunity to get a more energy efficient furnace or air conditioner. For a lot of savings, consider solar panels or a geothermal heat pump.

Current Home Remodeling Trends

August 21, 2021 Comments Off

Some home remodeling trends never change. People are always looking towards home improvement to do one of two things. They either want to increase the value of their home or they simply want to make their living space more comfortable, functional and beautiful. The two main areas that seem to get most of the attention are the bathroom and the kitchen, and the easiest way to go about it is by simply updating everything. That means better mirrors and counters in the bathroom. Perhaps some additional and attractive lighting can be added as well. In the kitchen it’s the same thing. Better counters, lights, cabinets and appliances all the seem to get most of the attention. Some will go even further and add an island.
But if you are looking for trends, consider this. It seems like most of the projects going on right now are designed with the homeowner in mind. That means big upgrades for the sake of making the home more livable. The upgrades come in the form of either making something more attractive or more functional. In a struggling economy people are spending their money on things that will improve their life as it is right now, rather than thinking of moving or taking a nice vacation.
Expanding existing space is also becoming trendy. Again, bettering your current home is taking priority, and in almost all cases is less expensive, than looking for a new place to live. Adding space can mean anything from creating another bedroom to adding what might be termed luxury space. That would include things like a library, wine cellar or even a craft room.
Taking the home comfort theme even further is the colors that are being selected now. You’ll find that most projects are geared towards adding more natural colors that make the occupant feel “at home” and comfortable. Earthy colors are definitely in. In fact even if you get high quality paint, painting is one of the least expensive ways to make your home look and feel better both inside and out.
Home remodeling has become a trend in and of itself. Where people once were looking to move, they are now looking for ways to make their current home more appealing. And by doing so they are, in most cases, adding value to the property as well.

Home Remodeling Trends for 2011

July 25, 2021 Comments Off

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!