Remodeling for the Future

by Kim Kinrade

Next to buying a home, remodeling your house is probably the biggest investment you'll make. Unlike the word sounds, "remodeling" is actually ripping apart a portion of your home which can produce clouds of dust, wood splinters and several bins full of smashed cabinets, lumber and drywall. Some remodeling contractors are clean and efficient while others – although good quality builders – make the demolition part of the project a smash-fest. So, remodeling is not for the faint of heart and the results should last. With this in mind the changes that are made should last and not be redundant within a few years.

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchens have been one of most popular renovation projects for the past 50 years. In the old days kitchens were either an afterthought or locked away in a separate room. In the movies and on television kitchens, like bathrooms, were never shown. The food was either already on the table or the mother, or housekeeper, was shown bringing them in through a saloon-style door.

The kitchen has expanded and will continue to get bigger as baby boomers move from their jobs to retirement. Culinary courses are a hot item at local colleges and the students want to experience the same food preparation areas as their teachers. This means advanced appliances, larger pantry areas and a muli-food preparation areas with stone countertops. Flooring is not longer linoleum but leans toward tile and cork.

Bathroom Remodeling

Like kitchens, bathrooms are getting bigger. The 3-piece, standard bathroom has evolved into a separate living area where showering and soaking could be in different rooms. The modern showers can provide jets from many directions as well as a rain shower and steam experience. Look for flat-screen televisions and high-end audio systems in the cabinet. Outdoor jacuzzis have given way to large indoor soaking tubs with multi-jets. Large patio doors can be opened to give the outdoor experience without having to actually be there.

Lighting is geared toward lounging and reading within the bathroom area. Comfortable lounge chairs make this a desirable area to spend time making it a great escape from the rest of the home. Tile will still be a feature in both flooring and wall areas – the bigger the better. And rather than the inset sink look for large individual basins made from stone or copper.

Patios

The great thing about decks is that they can be expanded without much cost and interruption of socializing. Composite wood/plastic materials increase the life of the deck and come in a variety of colors.

The biggest change in patios is the introduction of indoor living, outdoors. Stone or tile flooring is the base for plush furnishings which are weather-proof. Fireplaces, either wood or gas, extend the season for the patio northern areas providing a welcome heat. Patio covers and roof extensions allow comfortable lounging out of the rain and direct sun.

Basements

Once the dumping ground for seldom-used possessions, and a holding place for the furnace, the basement is becoming a whole new living experience. With proper drainage and moisture control even the deepest basement can provide a comfortable living space. Another advantage of the basement is that it stays cool in the summer lessening air condition use. And most people look at the basement as a retreat from the rest of the busy household, a place for recreation, a home theater or extra bedroom.

In the future more people will look down to the basement for expansion. Fewer home builders are settling for unfinished subterranean areas and are requiring home builders to finish them off as viable living space.

Garages

Just like they are with basements, homeowners are taking another look at the garage as an extension of the home. Whether the plan is to renovate the garage into living space or build above, the garage is a popular place for renovations and will continue to be in the foreseeable future.

Homeowners are also expanding on the work bench area to include more sophisticated tools. Garage storage is becoming a popular renovation project and look for garages which are lengthened for recreational vehicles and boat storage.

Renovation Plans

If the renovation is a room addition or other large project you might consider moving out of the home for the duration of the project. Even a kitchen remodel can disrupt life in the home for a month or more so plan it around summer holidays when you are going to be away anyway.

Whatever the renovation project for your home make sure that you have plans made up and the proper permits. The local county office should have all the information you require. In addition, get at least 4 quotes for your project from a qualified, licensed contractor.

For more information on renovating your home please contact