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Remodeling projects for fall, keeping up with the neighbors, and other links

The night air is starting to chill across the country, while the rest of us in the Valley of the Sun continue to bake. But just because fall is starting everywhere else doesn’t mean we have to sit out for all the fun.

The time to start is now if you hope to get a home improvement project finished before the holidays. This article from the Shreveport Times spotlights a few projects that are popular for autumn, including replacing windows, strengthening the roof, sprucing up patios, and getting started on any additions.

No matter where you start, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of experts and make sure the whole house conforms to the same theme and flow.

Award-winning interior designer Marie Flanigan outlines her strategy to the Houston Chronicle, saying it is important to pay attention to architectural details, color, light, scale, and texture no matter the size of your project.

And don’t worry about trying to entice Flanigan from the Houston area. We know a designer that will definitely rock your world.

Lastly, we know remodeling inspiration comes in many forms. But it seems more people are comfortable admitting they are trying to keep up with the neighbors.

According to this article, just under half of folks, 48 percent, admit to beginning a remodel because they are envious of a neighbor, friend or relative’s house. Also, 42 percent say they feel competition to have the nicest house in the neighborhood.

Have a great week!

Remodeling advice for empty nesters and other links

School has started for many homeowners, which means more people are getting their first taste of being empty nesters.

Don’t fret! Some good can come out of the adjustment period.

Many people use an empty house as a tool to improve their living space. This article outlines several ideas for empty nesters, including investing in finer furniture, installing new flooring, repurposing children’s bedrooms, updating your entertaining space, or taking care of projects to boost your resale value.

Without kids and young adults to put wear and tear on your house, now is the time to remodel the house to your particular taste. Go wild!

If smaller projects are more your speed, don’t worry because we have ideas for you too.

As this article points out, many homeowners will use a remodel of a powder room as an opportunity to experiment with high-end finishes and bright colors since the space is small and mostly for guests.

Furthermore, many homeowners can use the powder room as a testing ground for things they might want to use in the rest of the house down the road.

Finally, if you just want to see what other people are doing, we have a list of six remodeling trends for 2018.

The list covers both inside and outside of the house, so you are sure to find something you enjoy.

Have a good week!

Bathroom remodeling notes from the past, present and future

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!