Accessible design

Homebuyers prefer remodeling to new construction, study says

By on November 17, 2017   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Remodel, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

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Thanksgiving is next week and, if you are like me, you are already making a mental note of what dishes you prefer on your plate.

When it comes to our industry, it turns out people prefer remodeling compared to new construction, according to a new study by BuildFax. 

The study was based on “more than 23 billion data points on property history and condition,”  the release says.

Some of the other notable figures from the study include:

  • Residential remodeling activity has gone up 30 percent since 2010.
  • Remodeling investment is outpacing new construction, suggesting renovations are fueling home price increases.
  • Spending on remodeling fell 10 percent in 2016, suggesting people are opting for smaller projects.

A stat on stress

Now, even if you opt for a smaller project, remodeling can be very stressful, as we’ve written before.

That fact of life was backed up by new evidence from Houzz co-founder and CEO Adi Tatarko, who said 12% of couples consider divorce when remodeling their home. 

So, be sure to read up on our blog and ensure your remodeling experience is a good one.

Child’s play

It’s not just adults whose home design needs evolve. Children’s housing needs change over the years too.

Here’s a slide show for inspiration on what design elements to incorporate in your next remodel so that your children are accommodated.

Have a great week!

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Remodeling stories that keep you up at night, plus more tips for your home

By on November 2, 2017   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Going green, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Remodel, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

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The calendar says Halloween is over, but if you are like us there is enough leftover candy to snack on for quite a while.

In keeping with Halloween for a bit longer, we stumbled across an article about scary remodeling stories, but they aren’t tales about botched jobs. No, these stories will chill you in other ways.

Think along the lines of sketchy characters showing up at job sites, or our favorite, a sweet old lady whose “clothesline” contained a shocking secret.

If you are ready to move on from Halloween, that’s OK too. We also came across some tips about more projects that boost the value of your home.

Like the little black dress, a stylish and functional kitchen never goes out of style. So, adding a kitchen remodel to your list of winter goals is a good idea, like the article suggests.

Another project the article says is worth pursuing is new flooring. Whether it’s hardwood or tile, new flooring offers style that is built to last.

Thinking long-term is also important when remodeling your home. As we’ve mentioned before, universal design allows homeowners to age in place comfortably without sacrificing style.

Some of the projects outlined in a universal design article we liked were wider doorways, higher countertops, raised electrical outlets, curbless showers with bench seating, and slip-resistant flooring in bathrooms.

No matter what route you take, be sure to enlist the help of an experienced designer. *cough, cough*

Have a great week!

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Protip: Trust remodeling pros; they are experts for a reason

By on October 13, 2017   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Going green, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Remodel, Secret Compartments, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

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Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!

Hopefully, you haven’t seen anything spooky today, or won’t in the lead up to Halloween.

If you want to avoid remodeling scares, our advice is simple: Trust the professionals.

That’s the topic of a recent column in the Seattle Times titled “HomeWork: Nothing can replace the expertise of a remodeling pro.”

Experts are experts for a reason. They have the experience to back up what they are saying.

I’m sure you’ve seen a DIY reality TV show or the simple processes outlined on your favorite Pinterest board and have been inspired to take actions into your own hands. That’s great hustle, kid.

But, like the article says, you need to realize even the most seemingly straightforward projects are filled with sequences and traps that can cost lots of time and money.

The article offers this questionnaire for people thinking of taking on a project:

1) How much do you really know?

2) What if it the project doesn’t work?

3) Are there any unintended consequences?

4) How do you know if it’s right for your home?

If you can’t answer those questions confidently, then it’s time to give us a call. We promise only treats, no tricks.

Master bathroom trends

Our friends at Houzz offer a wealth of information when it comes to home remodeling. They recently completed the 2017 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Survey, and the results were outlined in an article on Forbes.

For starters, the average cost of a major remodel to a small master bathroom (under 100 square feet) was $12,300. The average cost of a major remodel to a large bathroom (over 100 square feet) was $21,000.

As for the things people wanted to change, most chose to address faucets, wall finishes, countertops, and flooring.

When it comes to splurging, most homeowners upped the ante on showers (42 percent on respondents) or on cabinets and vanities (40 percent).

Have a great week!

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