Roomier Rooms
The “open floor plan” is still very popular. Perhaps driven by the economy, people are spending more time at home entertaining, cooking and enjoying family fun nights. Rather than expanding the home, more people are turning to the conversion of existing space. Attics and garages are the new media and game rooms or workshops/hobby rooms. Walls are being removed to allow for a better flow between the once separated kitchen and living room. The concept of open spaces has been very popular for several years and experts don’t see that changing any time soon.

All About the Aging
Both GenXers and the Boomers are remodeling their homes to accommodate aging. It is becoming more and more common for the Boomer to move in with the GenXers….parents moving in with their children. Equally so, aging Americans are preparing their homes for the coming years by remodeling bathrooms by installing grab bars, adjusting counter heights, larger curbless showers and wider doors.

Relaxation is the Key
Economics being what they are, people seem to be more stressed out than ever. Many of the home remodels taking place these days tend to focus on relaxation and comfort. People are moving away from the minimalist and contemporary styles and moving more toward an earthiness that offers a “Zen-like” coziness. Warmer color pallets, simple, clean, timeless designs are the order of the day.

Easy Does it Flooring
Wall to wall carpeting is a thing of the past. While most people still like plush carpeting in their bedrooms, the majority of homeowners are replacing carpet with wood, tile, laminates and other solid surface products in the main living areas of the home. These harder surface floors are easier to keep clean and typically require less maintenance.

High-Tech Homes
As technology advances with wonders like HD TV, Blue-Ray and Fios, our homes seem to be becoming more technologically advanced as well. More homes are converting unused space into media centers for in home movie night, gaming and the simple joy of watching the game with friends.

Going Green
The amount of green remodeling seen these days depends largely on the return on investment a home owner will see. Energy efficiency is the most popular green concept being implemented. The installation of replacement windows, doors, tankless water heaters, plumbing fixtures and appliances are just some of the ways people are helping the environment and reducing the cost of operating their homes.

Kitchens Everywhere
Of all of the rooms in a home, the kitchen is by far the most commonly updated room. Whether updating to sell or accommodating an expanding family, home owners are investing their remodeling dollars in the kitchen. Updates may include cabinet replacement, new appliances, updated flooring and new countertops.

Putting Away the Payments
Cash payments seem to be the order of the day. This is more than likely an economically driven trend, as home equity loans are harder to come by and financing options are limited. Home owners are saving up, setting budgets and sticking to them.

There are many areas of construction that offer green options.  Renewable energy, sustainable landscaping and conservation of natural resources are just a few of the ways to make your home green.  But the most commonly sought after green features is energy efficiency.  Ultimately, people want to save money by operating their homes as efficiently as possible.  

In this segment we are going to discuss some of the best ways to make your home run as efficiently as possible. 

• Windows – windows are among the most commonly updated items to reflect energy efficiency.  When possible, replace leaky windows with new Energy Star qualified windows.  If you are not able to replace windows simply caulking around window seals and frames will go a long way toward stopping costly air flow.  Also remember to use your window treatment wisely.  In the winter keep drapes and blinds open to allow the warmth of the sun to help heat your home.  Closing curtains and blinds during the heat of a summer day will help keep your home cooler and give your air conditioner a break.
• Appliances – when possible, replace inefficient appliances like stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers with new Energy Star qualified products.  Remember to use your microwave or toaster oven whenever possible.  Microwaves and toaster use less energy than conventional ovens.
• HVAC – As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. 
  1.  Remember to change your air filter regularly…check it monthly, and change it as often as necessary.  A dirty air filter will restrict air flow causing your system to work harder to keep your home comfortabl
  2. Seal your ducts.  Use duct sealant or foil tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts in attics, crawlspaces, basements and garages.
  3. Installing a programmable thermostat is an ideal way to control the heating and cooling in your home.
  4. Consider installing an Energy Star qualified heating and cooling system if possible.  If your HVAC is more than 10 years old or is no longer keeping your home comfortable you may be in need of a new HVAC system.
  5. Again, using window treatments properly according to the season will help your system run more efficiently.
• Water Faucets – if possible replace outdated kitchen and bath faucets with Low Flow faucets.  These faucets use as much as 40% less water than conventional faucets or about 2.5 gallons per minute compared to the standard 4 gallons per minute.   If you are not able to replace your faucets try installing aerators to the existing faucets to reduce water usage.  Low Flow faucets will not only reduce water consumption, but also save on energy required for heating water.  Newer toilets require less water to operate than older models.  If possible replace the toilet with a more efficient model.  If you are not able to replace it, try adding a toilet dam to the tank.  Simply fill a water bottle and placing it in the tank.  Take care to keep the bottle away from moving parts. 
• Lighting – replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.  Fluorescent bulbs use less electricity to operate and have a longer usage life than standard incandescent bulbs.
• Air Leaks – air leaks can contribute to as much as 30% of your heating and cooling costs.  Areas that may have significant air leaks are windows, doors and attic accesses.  Air leaks can be corrected easily and affordably by using caulk around windows and doors with gaps ½ inch or less.  For larger gaps try using closed cell foam or rope caulk.  Weather stripping can be used around doors and attic access to reduce the amount of air flow.
• Insulation – Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to maximize energy efficiency. 
  1. Before you insulate make sure that all the air leaks in your home have been corrected.  Insulation may make it more difficult to find and access air leaks. Penetrations in the sheetrock such as ceiling fan boxes, recessed can lights and ceiling lights are often overlooked areas for air leaks.  Check attics and crawlspaces for existing ventilation. Ensure that any insulation you add will not cover or block these vents. Check for exposed wiring in areas where insulation will be added.
  2. Areas most affected by the addition of insulation are attic and exterior walls.  Blown in cellulose insulation is the most common and effective for attic floors.  Consider installing batting or foam on attic rafters.  Remember to ensure that any and all water leaks have been addressed before adding attic insulation.  
  3. Take care with adding insulation to exterior walls as blocking, and wiring within the wall cavity can cause blockage when filling with blown in cellulose insulation.

By addressing any of these possible issues in your home you can easily and affordably help your home run more efficiently.

 The first thing to consider is Return on Investment.  The last thing you want to do is spend $10,000 on a bathroom remodel and have it only add $2000 to the value of the home.  Check out this link to Remodelers Magazine for more information on ROI in your area…  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2010/costvsvalue/national.aspx

 In the meantime here are a few suggestions:

 Stay Consistent with your Surroundings:   Use materials and finishes that are consistent with the look and style of your neighborhood.  Using low end products in an upscale area will bring down the value of your home, likewise, putting top dollar finishes in a lower priced neighborhood will not necessarily increase your homes value. 

• Adding Space:  If you are considering adding space to your home make sure you are not taking away from another space that may be of value to a potential buyer.  Don’t convert that third bedroom into a closet.  While you may love the walk in closet, having fewer bedrooms can lower the value of the home and make it less appealing to buyers.  Instead, consider converting attic or basement areas.
• Solid Structures:  More important to most buyers than cosmetics is the structure and mechanics of the home.  Make sure there are no roof leaks, plumbing leaks, electrical issues or HVAC problems before you start cosmetic updates.  Buyers are more likely to purchase a home that is a solid structure and worry about updates later down the road.
• Curb Appeal:  Make sure plants are healthy and grass is green and well maintained.  If it’s needed, add that fresh coat of paint.  The outside of your home is the first impression a buyer gets… make it a good one!

 We hope you have found these tips and idea useful.  Next time we will take a look at ways to help cut down energy cost in your home.

Start by examining the space around your bathroom that may allow for expansion.   Can you steal space from a neighboring room or closet?  Moving a wall just a couple of feet can visually increase the size of a room considerably. 

• Utilize the space between wall studs to create niches that can be used for storage or decorative accents.
• Replace opaque shower glass or shower curtains with clear glass walls and doors.  Using clear glass around a shower will not only open the space visually, but it will allow more light to pass thru helping to brighten up the area.
• Consider replacing a vanity cabinet with a pedestal sink to give the appearance of a larger room.  If storage is a concern, consider adding wall niches or using decorative baskets and floating shelves.
• Paint cabinetry.  Updating the look of a vanity with paint is always a great option.
• Replace outdated vanity tops with cultured marble tops.  Integrating the sink bowl with the vanity top is a great way to save on the cost of sink replacement.  
• Add a frame to the mirror(s) over the vanity.  Framing a mirror adds style and personality to any space.
• Consider replacing tub/shower units with a soaker tub.  This will not only open up the space but add charm as well. 
• Reglazing a tub is a great cost effective alternative to replacement.
• Replace outdated tub surround with marble rather than tile.  Marble sheets are not only easier to maintain, but should save you considerably over the cost of tile labor.
• Don’t be afraid of color.  Painting your bathroom walls is a great way to give it a fresh look without spending a lot of money.  Sticking with lighter color pallets will add dimension without weighing down the space.   Solid colors on walls will help make the space appear larger.  Save the patters for accents like curtains and towels.
• As always…shop around for your fixtures.  Replacing lighting, plumbing, towel bars and drawer pulls is another great way to update a space.  So shop around for the best deals.

 We hope you have found some useful suggestions in the last few features. 

Happy Remodeling!

The kitchen and bathroom are the most commonly remodeled areas of a home. Whether you are doing a total make over or simply making minor adjustments, updates to the kitchen can be the most effective and satisfying changes you can make to your home. While starting over with your kitchen is a very exciting idea, it’s not always the most cost effective. And since this segment focuses on Cost Effective Remodeling… we have a few suggestions for updating your kitchen while maintaining a budget.

General Tips
• When selecting colors for your new kitchen, stick to more neutral and natural color schemes. Staying away from popular color trends will help reduce the desire to remodel again in just a few years as fads change.
• Maintain the location of the appliances when possible. Relocating appliances can lead to costly plumbing and electrical charges.
• If at all possible, keep your appliances. If recycling your appliances is not an option, be sure to purchase energy efficient appliances to help bring down energy costs in your home.
• Don’t forget to shop around for new faucets, sinks, and fixtures. You may be able to achieve a designer look with out the designer price tag.

Cabinets
• If your cabinets are still in good shape try painting them. This option can also save the added expense of replacing counter tops that would have to be replaced with new cabinets.
• Replace just the doors to your cabinets. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to match stain on older cabinets. This is a great option for those interested in painting the cabinets.
• Consider standard cabinetry rather than custom cabinetry or a combination of the two if possible.
• If custom cabinets are your preference… watch your upgrades. Discuss with your cabinet designer the possibility of adding upgrades such as Lazy Susan’s or organizer units at a later date.

Counter Tops
• Laminate counter tops are less expensive than granite, tile or solid surfaces and can be easily dressed up by adding wood trim. However, it is important to consider durability when replacing counter tops. Laminate simply will not hold up as well as a solid surface product.

Flooring
• The right floor covering is very important in a kitchen. It needs to blend well with the flooring in neighboring rooms. Laminate flooring is among the most cost effective options. However, it is important to consider the longevity of the product you choose. Laminates will typically wear out long before tile or wood floors.
• Check out what’s under your existing flooring. Many older homes have hard wood that can be refinished revealing beautiful flooring. If you have a concrete slab, consider staining the concrete.

If bath remodels are what’s on your mind…. Check back next time!

General Tips
• Sometimes all a room needs is a fresh coat of paint. If structural changes aren’t really necessary, painting can give a room the revitalization you may be looking for.
• Updating window treatments can give a room a whole new look and feel.
• Simply adding chair rail in a room can quickly and easily add sophistication

For Bigger Projects:
• Plan ahead. Make your design selections prior to starting your remodel project. Knowing in advance the carpet, tile, appliance and lighting fixtures will help you better manage your budget and prevent costly last minute decisions.
• Shop around for products. Price compare as much as possible. You may be able to achieve the look you are wanting with a less expensive product.
• Hire a professional. Having someone who is familiar with the building codes in your area can help avoid costly mistakes. Updates that don’t meet code can be expensive to correct and very time consuming.
• Make sure you have a detailed contract. There should be a clear understanding between you and your contractor of the scope of work. Make sure any selections you have already made are included in the contract to prevent confusion down the road.
• Keep an open mind. Discuss with your contractor all options for your remodel. There are several ways to achieve any design goal. Your contractor may be able to make suggestions that will help cut costs.

Check back next week for tips on updating the kitchen…