Hot Remodeling Projects: Kitchens and Baths

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that combined existing and new single family home sales were down 5 percent in 2010. "This is very telling of what homeowners are experiencing as a result of the recession," said National Association of The Remodeling Industry National President Dean Herriges earlier this year. "Because many homes have recently decreased in value, people are deciding to stick it out for much longer than they had originally planned."

The NARI reports that this has created an industry about making homes reflect individual lifestyles rather than one focused on returns.

According to the latest survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), kitchens and bath projects top the list of remodeling projects. These projects are up 17 percent from two years ago.

The survey found that these two projects have switched popularity since 2009. Today it's about bathroom remodels, with 78 percent of remodelers citing it as a common job. Sixty-nine percent report kitchen remodels as a common project.

It's not all about kitchens and baths, though. Many homeowners are choosing to upgrade windows and doors (44 percent), possibly for energy efficiency reasons. Others are doing whole house remodels (35 percent), room additions (35 percent), and enlisting handyman services (31 percent).

"Home owners are repurposing spaces and making more efficient use of their home's square footage," Moore said. "Whether it be young families or couples aging in their homes, people want to let their house adapt with their needs as they change over time."

"As the priorities of home owners shift, remodelers have to adjust to the needs of their clients," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman George "Geep" Moore Jr., GMB, CAPS, GMR and owner/president of Moore-Built Construction & Restoration Inc. in Elm Grove, La. "And while the motivation behind a home owner's decision to remodel may have changed, their desire for quality, professional results have not. Professional remodelers remain committed to the highest industry standards.



Copyright© 2013 Realty Times®. All Rights Reserved