Design Trends in Remodeling

Changing Trends in Remodeling Reasons and Rooms

Americans are in love with remodeling. Television networks such as HGTV and DIY run 24 hours a day with shows like "BATHtastic" and "Design Star." Magazines, websites and blogs feature happy home owners gushing over perfect room makeovers. And with the continuing challenging economy, more home owners have decided to stay in their current home longer, which has created higher demand for remodeling.

A survey released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in 2012 shows that common remodeling projects have increased, compared to a similar survey from 2010. And nearly 50 percent of remodelers report seeing an increase in the number of home owners who undertake remodels to avoid moving, compared to the 2010 findings.

Bathroom and kitchen remodeling remain the two most common types of jobs, as they have been consistently since 2001. After 2009, however, bathroom and kitchen remodeling switched places—bathrooms became the most frequent type of job for professional remodelers. Seventy-eight percent of the survey respondents cited bathroom remodeling as one of the most common jobs, an all-time high.

Home owners are frequently asking for a high-end spa feel to their new bathrooms, with features and materials such as television screens built into mirrors, exotic wood finishes, recycled glass tiles and sophisticated lighting systems. Other popular features include those that enable a home owner to stay in their home as they age; including step-in tubs and shower stall benches and rails.

Both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects were up 17 percent from two years ago.

Other popular jobs were window and door replacements, room additions, handyman services and whole house remodeling, although whole house remodeling is down significantly from its peak in the mid-2000's.

The motivation behind many home owners’ decision to remodel has changed as well. The top two reasons for remodeling were the need to repair or replace old or outdated components and the desire for better and newer amenities. More than 50 percent of remodelers said that these two reasons for remodeling have become more common over the past two years.

In contrast, more than 20 percent of remodelers said there was a decrease in customers remodeling to increase home values as an investment or to prepare for a sale (whether distressed or not). Remodeling to accommodate a change in the number of people living in the home also received low scores.

Whether they are inspired by the amazing makeovers shown on television shows, or their changing lifestyle necessitates repurposing spaces to make more efficient use of their home’s square footage, home owners are turning to professional remodelers to help improve their home.

For more information on remodeling, give us a call or send us an email.  We can discuss your specific needs an work with our on staff designers.

CGP - Certified Green Professional
CGB - Certified Graduate Builder
RRP - Certified Lead Paint Renovator
CAPS - Certified Aging in Place Specialist
2012 NAHB State Representative, Colorado
2012 NAHB Design Committee, Chair
2013 NAHB Public Affairs Committee, CHair
2013 NAHB Education Committee, Member
Scott Homes, Ltd., Designers & Builders
RE/MAX Performance, Colorado - Broker
Wildfire Balloon Team, Pilot
NAHB Senior Life Director

Colorado Springs HBA Member since 1985
BBB- Better Business Bureau Member since 1991