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Wrapping up home remodeling for 2020

By on November 29, 2020   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, cleaning, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Hiring A Remodeler, Holidays, Licensed Contractors, Planning, Remodel, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

December is almost here, which means we’ve almost made it to 2021. Give yourself a round of applause.

It turns out that when all is said and done, 2020 will be a big year for remodeling.

More people are spending more time at home, and are motivated to make changes due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. I call that controlling what you can control.

Two of the most popular projects during the pandemic have been adding home offices and gyms, according to this article, which makes sense since more people are working from home and gyms have gone through waves of closures since March.

One expert quoted in the story said those projects have moved from wants to needs.

But offices and gyms aren’t the only places people are spending on.

According to an article on Money.com, about a third of homeowners chose to upgrade their bathroom during the pandemic.

The average cost of $9,000 makes it an attractive starting point for homeowners looking to make a change without breaking the bank, the article says. More people are looking to expand the space, improve cabinets, and enjoy more upgrades, such as touchless faucets, since we are all spending more time washing our hands.

One home trend that seems to be suffering from the pandemic is the open floor plan, this article says.

Managing working from home with distance learning has more people searching for their separate spaces.

Have a good week!

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Guest Post: What Remodeling Tips Are Hot This Summer

By on August 12, 2020   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, cleaning, Customer Service, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Planning, Remodel, Roofing, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

Summer is here, and while you probably took care of most of your cleaning tasks in the Spring, it is now time for you to further enhance your property. Specifically, we are talking about remodeling. While these projects appear intimidating on the surface, when done correctly, they can significantly boost the value of your home.

Consider this: According to HomeLight’s report on the 2020 real estate landscape, upgrading to stainless-steel appliances can yield a 141% return on investment, adding a home office yields an 87% return, and privacy fencing often has an ROI of 78%. Considering those figures, you should not be afraid to take on remodeling projects.

Based on the HomeLight findings, kitchen remodels, painting, and landscaping and gardening are the three most popular home improvement projects that property owners are tackling this summer. Although these projects can seem overwhelming, you can use the information below to make them more manageable.

Choosing the right home renovation professionals

Home remodeling projects should not be attempted by one person. They require a team of experts such as a general contractor (the manger that oversees all the remodeling work), specialty tradesman (painters, plumbers, roofers, etc.), a handyman (generalists that can take on a variety of high-level tasks), and an interior designer (the professional who ensures that the remodel fits into your desired aesthetics).

In addition to those experts, if you have a large remodeling project (e.g. gutting sections of your home, making significant structural changes), you should consider speaking with a professional remodeler. They create an overarching vision for your remodel and ensure that all the moving parts piece together when complete. 

Developing a home remodel strategy

Given the fact that every home is different, when you begin your remodeling projects, it is important to begin your remodeling projects with a plan and consider what buyers are looking for. For example, if you want to make your home feel more spacious and welcoming, an open floor plan is worth exploring. 

Even just removing a non-load-bearing wall (i.e. a wall that does not support the weight of the floor or roof above) can modernize your space.

Homebuyers are also looking for neutral color palates in their home. Faux wood laminate flooring, matte black cabinet fixtures, and neutral linen curtains are all great décor options. If you have a larger budget, we suggest installing hardwood floors as 54% of homebuyers are willing to pay a premium when it is already installed.

In addition to your living room, you should explore upgrading your kitchen. Adding stone or quartz countertops, white subway tiles, stainless steel appliances, and brushed stainless steel or matte black hardware are a few of the most effective ways to improve your space.

You can also complement extensive upgrades by replacing cabinet knobs with handles, installing LED rope lights under your cabinets, and purchasing a sink made of stainless steel or enamel.

Finally, don’t forget to invest in landscaping as it can deliver up to a 10% boost to your home’s value. For example, adding shrubs, trees, and hedges to boost privacy are a worthwhile project if your home is near a busy street or in a planned community where you are not allowed to add a fence.

This post was provided by our friends at HomeLight.

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Remodeling looking to bounce back from pandemic

By on June 30, 2020   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Cabinets, cleaning, Customer Service, Design, DIY, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Going green, Hiring A Remodeler, Holidays, Homemade, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Outdoor, Planning, Remodel, Roofing, Secret Compartments, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

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!

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