Design

Bathroom remodeling notes from the past, present and future

By on July 13, 2018   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Hiring A Remodeler, Licensed Contractors, Planning, Remodel, Shop, Showers, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

I have bathroom envy.

Our home was built in 1960, so our bathroom is cozy, and is one thing that will be addressed in any remodeling if it’s going to be our forever home.

So you can imagine that I’m a sucker for all of the bathroom slide shows that feature soaking tubs, big windows, and amenities that bring a spa-like feel. If you are like me, then this article about modern shower doors is right up your alley.

While any future remodel will pit my taste versus my wife’s taste, it won’t feature any input from the former tenant, unlike this couple you might have seen on our Twitter feed.

A couple remodeling their bathroom found a sassy note from the previous owners, questioning why their 1995 job wasn’t good enough. It’s pretty funny.

“Hi! We’re the Shinsekis! We remodeled this bathroom summer 1995,” the note says. “If you’re reading this, that means you’re remodeling the bathroom again. What’s wrong with the way we did it?”

Whether you are looking big picture like the couple, or maybe smaller-scale like me, cost will be of paramount importance.

An article from KJZZ explores the concept of whether home remodeling is recession proof.

Conventional wisdom held that people will remodel more during a recession and look to upgrade through purchasing a new home during prosperous times. But people are currently remodeling at a pace normally seen during a recession. So what gives?

We hope we’ve given you something to think about. Have a good week!

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Popular home remodeling trends for 2018

By on June 29, 2018   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Planning, Remodel, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

July is almost here, which means we are almost halfway through the year. What better time than now to look at the remodeling trends so far in 2018?

A HomeAdvisor article that appears on the Bristol Herald Courier’s website lists the top trends in home remodeling, and it features some classics and some new demands.

First up are outdoor spaces. As the article notes, since our phones can do anything, we are all free to enjoy our entertainment with the elements. More people are adding outdoor kitchens to complement improved seating and entertainment spaces under the sun and clouds.

Speaking of kitchens, more people are embracing the open floor plan, and with that comes updates to the kitchen. Whether it is adding smart elements, more storage, or a dedicated workspace, like the article says, kitchens will continue to be a priority for remodelers.

Rounding out the top 3 are bathrooms. More people are looking to expand their bathrooms for many reasons, like adding luxury, aging in place, or universal design. All three can improve accessibility, safety, and style.

If this talk of trends sounds a little familiar, you are right, because back in February we outlined some early trends, which included smart home upgrades. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

More ways to save

No matter the year, saving money is always in style.

Reader’s Digest has a list of 32 (!!!) ways to save during a home renovation, so chances are you will find something you haven’t thought of. Some of the tips are a little far out there, so be sure to check with your contractor before taking a task upon yourself.

Have a great week!

 

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Guest post: Now’s the best time to sell your house in Phoenix (so get those remodeling projects started)

By on May 9, 2018   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Planning, Remodel, Shop, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

Not only are there tried and true methods to prepare your house to sell, there’s also a best time to do it. Even with warmth and sunshine throughout the year, there is still a best time to sell your house in Phoenix.

Not to create suspense any longer, numbers from 2014-2017 show that June is the prime time for your house sale to close, which means listing in April. You can expect the highest price and the shortest amount of time on the market. The month of May was not far behind (listing in March), and generally, April through early autumn is the better part of the year to sell.

Statistics, though, depend on the sample, and if you focus only on 2017, you discover that November is the best month for closing, for both price and speed of sale. A bit of a surprise, but one that could be affected by anything from weather outside Arizona to instate employment shifts. It goes to show that data isn’t always the whole picture you need.

The house sale also depends on its individual features and the trends in your local real estate market, and trends can vary from place to place, despite what the data indicates. A good agent with experience in your area market can work with your needs and priorities to help you choose the best time to sell.

Agents also have good advice about preparing a home for sale, which pays off. A minimally furnished house free of clutter, deep-cleaned and staged well, might spend up to 60% less time on the market, and can even get higher offers from impressed buyers. Let your agent guide you on necessary repairs or upgrades/remodeling you should do. Get your agent’s advice and seal of approval on:

  • The outdoor curb appeal, where your house makes its first impression. Landscaping should be well-groomed and attractively planted. The walkway needs to be fresh and inviting, up to and including the front door!
  • The stylishly neutral, upgraded look of your rooms, from entryway to bedrooms and beyond. Any remodeling needs to be finished before the house is listed, so, for example, if you’re aiming at a June sale that will list in April, use the earlier part of the year to get the required remodeling done that will bring you return on investment.

With the right timing, the right preparation on the house, and the right agent, you should be on your way to a successful house sale.

 

About the author: This post was provided by our friends at HomeLight. HomeLight uses actual sales data and client reviews to find the best real estate agent for you. We’re a small team of talented people in San Francisco and Phoenix, excited to change the face of real estate.

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