Awards

Remodeling looking to bounce back from pandemic

Hello, from my kitchen table!

If you are like me, you have probably converted a part of your home into a temporary workspace. And now that “temporary” has become “possibly indefinite,” chances are you have given thought to what a permanent home workspace could look like.

Welcome to the remodeling thought process in 2020!

Since everyone is spending more time at home, all those little projects you’ve noticed over the years seem to grow in size and stature. It is that line of thought that is supposed to help the remodeling industry get back on track as soon as September, according to a Banker & Tradesman article.

Additionally, some projects that weren’t as popular before the pandemic are getting new life in this post-COVID world, according to this Morgan County Herald article.

For example, fencing in a yard or an addition to include office or gym space are a couple of projects in demand.

There are a couple of mainstays, of course. Bathroom and kitchen remodels are remaining a constant even during the pandemic.

If you are looking for inspiration on the former, check out this slide show from House Beautiful.

No matter what route you decide to go during these unusual times, it’s always a good reminder to shop around for quotes and not marry yourself to the lowest bid, as this homeowner found out from our friends at Markup & Profit.

Have a great week!

Guest Post: 5 Easy Projects to Whet Your Remodeling Appetite

Don’t want to take on a huge renovation project? Here are 5 easy things you can do to give your home a new look.

If your living space is in need of a refresher but you don’t want to take on a daunting remodeling project, there are still things you can do to give your home a new look. Some simple yet transformative projects don’t take a lot of time or effort at all, but rather a few tools and dedicated minds.

No matter what you do to remodel your home, make sure you do so with proper precautions. You wouldn’t want to break anything due to a mistake that could have been prevented. Even if you have some type of home warranty coverage, small mistakes can lead to costly or recurring reparations.

Paint

Painting is a classic and simple way to give any room a new look. Whether you paint just an accent wall or the whole room, a new wall color can transform any room. Depending on the color you use, a fresh color can make a room look bigger, taller, or slimmer. Lighter colors can also make your room look fresh and bright, while statement colors can create a mood.

To paint a room, you’ll need some basic supplies first. You’ll want to make sure you have:

  • Paintbrushes and rollers
  • Tarps or something to cover the floor
  • Painter’s tape
  • Paint tray
  • Ladder and or step stool
  • Paint and paint primer

With these supplies and a few hours of work, you can make any room feel new.

Use stick-on backsplash, tiles, and wallpaper

Installing new flooring, backsplashes, and wall accents is time consuming and difficult to do if you aren’t experienced with remodeling or don’t have the correct tools. Luckily, there are options for those who want to change the look of a room without going through the daunting process of renovations.

Stick-on wallpapers can not only be used on a full wall, but also can be used to create a stunning backsplash in your kitchen or beautiful tile flooring. Some wallpapers have creative designs on them while others have panel or tile-like designs.

Use organizers

Organization can do wonders for any home. Whether your house is cluttered or not, picking up storage containers, dividers, and other organizational tools can free up space you didn’t even know you had. There are truly no limits to things you can organize. Your closet, pantry, drawers, spices, garage, and more can be organized, making things easily accessible.

Besides knowing where everything is, the extra space created by organizing allows you to utilize the space in other ways. Check out some of the best ways to organize your home.

Replace drawer knobs

Replacing drawer knobs is another great way to modernize any room. With a quick trip to your local hardware or general store, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of handles. Replacing drawer knobs is a simple task that produces powerful results. Tools-wise, you’ll most likely only need a screwdriver. Don’t underestimate what a simple change can do!

Get a new faucet

Just like replacing drawer knobs, replacing faucets can have the same effect on a room. If your kitchen faucet is outdated, an upgrade to a modern faucet is an easy task. To replace a faucet, make sure you turn your water source off before beginning any other work. You’ll also want to make sure you have simple tools such as a wrench, pliers, and tape measure.

Early remodeling trends for 2020

Happy New Year! 

We are nearly a month into 2020 and I still can’t get used to writing the correct year on things. Speaking of which, I’ve read you should fill out the entire year when you date your papers because an enterprising criminal could forge the date into a different year if you just leave it as “20.” 

I know you came here for remodeling news, so let’s get back to our regularly scheduled programming. 

More people are looking to add a kitchen island this year, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Some of the most sought out features include built-in appliances, built-in storage, and charging stations, the article says. And while most people will be looking to use them for dining purposes, homeowners are also weighing entertaining and socializing in their plans, the article says. 

Another big trend with islands is mismatching with the kitchen countertops, in either color, material, or both, according to the article. 

The island fever is reflective of a larger trend in remodeling, according to another article, because more homeowners are looking to fix up their living space instead of move. 

Nationwide residential remodeling is expected to pick up over the next two years, according to an article in the Dallas Morning News

That is largely due to a lack of affordable housing, the article says. 

If you need to draw some remodeling inspiration, take a look at the guide from our friends at The Tile Shop Blog. So many beautiful pictures! 

So if you are ready to get started on that kitchen island, give us a call. 

Have a great week!