Top home remodeling jobs according to new survey

Remodeling Jobs—Baths Edge Kitchens Again for Top Spot

To lead off National Home Remodeling Month in May, we report results from NAHB’s quarterly Remodeling Market Index (RMI) survey on the most common type of jobs performed by NAHB Remodelers in 2014.

The results show that kitchen and bathroom remodeling remain the two most common types of projects, as they have been consistently since NAHB started asking the question in 2001.  Through 2009 kitchens were was slightly more common than bathroom remodels, but this tendency flipped in 2010, and in 2014 bathroom remodeling finished first again, but only by the narrowest of margins.   Bathroom remodeling was cited as one of the most common remodling projects In 2014 by 78 percent of NAHB Remodelers, compared to 77 percent for kitchen remodels.


Source: NAHA, National Association of Home Builders, Paul Emrath
http://eyeonhousing.org/2015/05/remodeling-jobs-baths-edge-kitchens-again-for-top-spot/

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A Kitchen?

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A Kitchen?

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development American Housing Survey, the median age of an owner-occupied home in the United States was 35 years in 2011, and it's even older now. With few new homes being built post-recession, the chances are good that the home you buy is in need of some major renovations.

For most homebuyers, the most important room is the kitchen, the heart and soul of any home. But if your kitchen is from another generation, it might not meet your needs. It may be closed off the way kitchens were in the 1950s or have outmoded cabinets, drawers and appliances that don't function as well as today's products.

No matter what needs to be done, get ready to spend some real money. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) suggests that you allocate your kitchen remodeling budget somewhere along these lines. One third of your budget is going to cabinets and another 25 percent to appliances and ventilation, and countertops. Approximately one fourth of your expenses will go toward designer fees, labor and installation. You can also get a lot of bang for the buck with new faucets, lighting, doors and windows.

Obviously, the quality of materials you choose will make a big difference to the amount you spend. The cost of living impacts labor, and you could find yourself paying quite a bit if you make changes to the footprint of the kitchen like relocating the sink or range and tearing out walls. Change orders for the contractor can also drive up costs.

So what will you pay to renovate your kitchen? Cost estimates are all over the place.

HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost to remodel a kitchen is $20,000, with most homeowners spending between $10,630 and $30,000. Houzz says the average is about $25,000, but that figure includes do-it-yourself kitchens as well as those that used kitchen designers.

Kitchen designers work with interior designers for a seamless ambiance with the rest of the home. A HadleyCourt.com survey of professional kitchen designers, remodelers and HVAC experts found that a 200 square foot kitchen remodel in major metros was $120,000 to $150,000, and $80,000 in secondary real estate markets.

The best way to determine the cost of remodeling your new home's kitchen is to decide whether the changes you want to make are mostly cosmetic or structural. Then decide if you want to DIY or hire professionals. You can certainly paint, install new tile and countertops, and buy new appliances, but if you want to improve the functionality or size of the kitchen or move any plumbing or electrical, you should hire a kitchen designer for best results.

Don't avoid buying a home you love because it needs renovations. Chances are good that you're going to get the home at a discount because it needs updates. This is your opportunity to make the home your own.

Source: Blance Evans, RealtyTimes

http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1/item/34671-20150501-how-much-does-it-cost-to-renovate-a-kitchen

Creating a Glamorous Kitchen

Creating a Glamorous Kitchen

Used to be the kitchen was a hardwearing, hidden-from-the-rest-of-the-house space that was all about utility, nothing about attraction. Today's kitchens look as good as they live, especially when a few glamorous touches are thrown in.

"Luxe textiles and reflective pieces add excitement to contemporary interiors," said Houzz. And that's never been more true than in today's kitchen. Just witness the return of brass, now being seen in fixtures, finishes, and even appliances. For warmth and luxe factor, it doesn't get much better than the antithesis of cool stainless and brushed nickel.

Also see: Brass Is Back In Town!

Check out these glamourpuss kitchens and tell us you're not ready to up the luxe quotient in your kitchen.

Glam doesn't mean overhauling your whole kitchen. Sometimes, one spectacular chandelier is all you need to transform a space from "Just OK" to "Holy cow." A gathering of modern Kelly green chairs doesn't hurt either.



If you're looking for one spot to start in glamorizing your kitchen, lighting is a good place to start.

"Chandeliers and pendants are the perfect accessory to not only brighten your kitchen but change the mood of the space," said House Beautiful. "Standard lights that come in most homes and rentals are uniform, change it up and give the most used room in your house some personality or an unexpected element."



It doesn't get much glam than a room full of Calacatta marble.



Don't want to update your counters or your lighting? Modern tin ceilings bring in a little shine from the top down.



It's all in the details. This kitchen featured in Domaine takes showstopping lighting and pairs it with a contrasting paneled island and uniquely detailed range hood.



You can also achieve glam status without baubles and reflective surfaces, as proven by this modern industrial kitchen, which happens to belong to actress Hillary Duff. The loft-like space's hard edges are softened by the plush seating.



Speaking of plush fabrics…a banquette can be utilitarian or it can be luxurious. Or, it can be both. The curvy lines of the table legs and chairs and the sleek modern light fixture overhead create the ideal space for dining and relaxing.



Source: RealtyTimes, Jaymi Naciri
http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1/item/34571-20150427-creating-a-glamorous-kitchen

The $50, $500, $5,000 Bathroom Remodel

Happy Monday everyone! I hope your ready for the week ahead, I know I am.

Here's a great article from RealtyTimes with some bathroom remodeling ideas.

By the way, I know of a few good contractors I can refer you to if any of you are thinking of doing any remodeling.


THE $50, $500, $5,000 BATHROOM REMODEL

Looking to redo your bathroom? We'd all love one of those giant showers with the all the jets everywhere and a big soaker tub for two. Throw in some new cabinets while you're at it, and sparkly finishes to replace your old, rusted ones. Sounds good, doesn't it?

But not everyone has the budget to support that expensive reno. The good news is you can make an impact on your bathroom even without big dollars. Here, we lay out some options for a $50, $500, and $5,000 bathroom renovation budget.

The $50 Bathroom
The biggest bang for your buck with a $50 budget will be in changing your paint color. You can get a gallon for as little as $20, plus another $20 or so for supplies if you keep them to a minimum.

Or, if your cabinets are looking a little tired, pick up a quart of good paint and transform your space. Then, swing by Target and pick up a couple of $5 bath towels. Quality is less important than color since these will just be for display. Anna's Linens is another great place to find a bargain, like these $3 bath towels and $5.99 bath rugs.

If you are a DIYer with a good eye for a deal, you might even be able to pull off a flooring redo in a small space.

Check Lowe's and Home Depot for closeouts, clearance, and overage returns. Your local flooring shops may also have some merchandise they are willing to discount. Tile Clearance is another great place to look for everything for floor tile to wall tile and deco inserts.


If the only thing you really want in your bathroom is a more luxurious shower, try this five-spray WaterSense showerhead, $32 at Lowes.

The $500 Bathroom
At $500, you can replace a vanity, flooring, refresh your tub, and make your bathroom prettier and more functional. But, as Huffington Post advises "prepare for a lot of DIY. You can make a lot of updates to your home on your own with great success. But there are some projects you should leave to the professionals. Electrical and plumbing projects, for example, are complicated -- and doing them incorrectly can lead to additional repairs and additional costs."

A new single vanity can be found at Lowe's for as little as $119 on sale. A faucet will cost you a few bucks more. You can also replace an outdated wall mirror with smaller framed option like this $29 espresso framed mirror. And don't forget about the lighting. New vanity lights can cost less than $100 and do wonders for the modern livability of your bathroom.


A more luxurious spa experience can be had with a $79 TotalSpa 3-in-1 Hand Shower Slide Bar with Body Jets

The $5,000 Bathroom
The average bathroom remodel (and we're taking a total overhaul) costs about $15,000. But for one-third of that, you can achieve a great result.

The tricks for remodeling with a $5,000 budget are the same as for $50 and $500: 1) Make smart choices for the highest impact for your budget; 2) Research, research, research; 3) The more you do yourself, the more you get. You may choose to outsource the tricky stuff like plumbing and electricity, but demo and tiling are two things you can help with so you have more money for other cool stuff, like this $1000 American Standard soaking tub.


Too much of a splurge? You can scale back to this Kohler soaker tub for $634. Either way, you've upgraded your bathroom to more of a spa experience. Prefer to upgrade your shower instead? A multi-jet panel will turn it into a vertical spa.

Float your vanity for $1,500, choose a standout color for $1100 or express your classic side with two espresso single vanities side by side for $406 each. Tile your floor, shower, and all the way up your walls if you so want. By selecting a more budget-friendly tile and using the good stuff for accents, you'll make it go farther. Or, forgo broad use of tile and choose key areas to add in rich detail.

Get more information about bathroom tile here.

Of course, if you really feel like expressing yourself through a few stellar items, there is always the Neorest 550 toilet, priced at $2,992. With a dual flushing system, a programmable nightlight, hands-free automatic flush, an integrated warm air dryer, and a built-in air purifying system, what could be better?

Source: Written by Jaymi Naciri on Sunday, 22 February 2015 9:43 am, RealtyTimes

8 Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back

Happy Monday Everyone! Great article for you homeowners out there thinking of what you should remodel in your home.


8 Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back

When you own a home, it seems like there is almost always something you would like to do to make it more comfortable, attractive, or eco-friendly. But, home remodeling experts tell us, if you plan to sell your home at some point, put your time and effort into one of more of these renovations proven to pay you back because they increase the value of the property:

New garage doors – Nothing says curb appeal like attractive garage doors – and you can’t beat the bang for the buck. A mid-range replacement will likely return more than 80 percent on your investment.

A wood deck – Here’s a renovation you are likely to enjoy – and a $10,000 investment will also return about 80 percent of what you spent.

Exterior siding – New siding will not only give your home a major facelift. It will return a strong 87 percent on project costs of about $14,000.

Attic conversions – Adding another bedroom or playroom upstairs give a home more usable living space without increasing its footprint. The remodel investment will likely return 84 percent of a $50,000 project cost.

Kitchen updates – No need to overhaul the entire kitchen, experts say. Upgrading the counters, and replacing cabinets and appliances will likely cost about $18,000 – and will return some 97 percent of cost. Oddly, a big-ticket total kitchen remodel costing over $100,000 may only return 63 percent of the investment.

New windows – New, energy–efficient windows throughout your home will save you money on heating and cooling bills – and you will probably get a return of 79 percent on a $10,000 investment.

Basement remodel – Another great way to add living space to a home is with a basement remodel. Adding insulation and flooring, and upgrading the walls and ceiling may cost as much as $60,000. But return on investment is estimated at 77 percent.

Back-up power generator – The unpredictable weather of the past few years has led to a surge in the popularity of this relatively inexpensive home addition. An average cost of $11,000 could net you a 67 percent return on your investment.

8 Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back







Source: RISMedia's House Call, Posted on Feb 5 2015 - 12:00pm by Barbara Pronin

Five Key Tips to a Smooth Bathroom Remodel

Five Key Tips to a Smooth Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodeling is an extensive process involving many parts. If you miss a piece, there’s a good chance your project is going to head south, requiring you to spend more money than you’d intended on parts and repairs. It’s important to consult with a bathroom remodeling contractor before you begin your project to make sure you’re covering all the bases and avoiding these common mistakes:

Budget
Budgeting for the cost of a bathroom remodel is imperative to a successfully finished product. If you budget for small improvements and then invest in expensive materials or major renovations, there’s a good chance you’ll go over budget and find yourself cutting corners mid-project to make up for the added expenses. It’s best to shop around for materials and ideas ahead of time. This allows you to save money for the materials you really want. It’s also smart to leave some cushion in your budget for any unforeseen complications.

Energy efficiency upgrades
Bathroom renovations provide a great opportunity to go green. While some green renovations are a bit more expensive on the front end -- dual-flush toilets, double-pane windows and bamboo flooring, for example -- they can also save you money over the long term. Some smaller-scale, less expensive improvements can also provide long-term financial and environmental benefits. Consider LED lighting, low-flow showerheads and automatic shut-off faucets.

Ventilation
Replacing the ceiling fan in your bathroom will help keep mold and mildew at bay. Airflow keeps moisture from building up humidity in small areas, which can rust metal and encourage mold growth on flooring and cabinets. You might need to hire an HVAC contractor to do the installation; they can recommend the best ceiling fan for your climate and bathroom size.

Fixture Choices
Bathroom fixtures aren’t something you’ll want to skimp on. It’s best to buy quality, durable materials to avoid short-term repairs and replacements. This applies to flooring, lighting and appliances. Speaking with a bathroom designer will ensure that you get the best product for your budget -- especially when it comes to your bathtub and shower. Cheap plumbing components can break down easily, causing leaks and other issues.

Storage
Strive to create enough space for the essentials without cluttering your bathroom with cabinets and shelves. You will probably need space for your linens -- towels, washrags, hand towels, etc., along with your toiletries and other essentials. You’ll also want to make space for cleaning products, so that it will be easy to keep your new bathroom looking its best. Shelving is ideal for toiletries and such; cabinets are optimal for everything else.

Five Key Tips to a Smooth Bathroom Remodel



Posted on Jan 26 2015 - 11:42am by Andrea Davis with RISMedia Housecall

Breakfast Nooks That'll Change The Way You Use Your Kitchen

Breakfast Nooks That'll Change The Way You Use Your Kitchen
Written by Jaymi Naciri on Sunday, 15 February 2015 8:01 am

A breakfast nook is one of the most desirable features for today's families, serving as the ideal spot for casual meals, homework, art projects, meal planning, and catching up at the end of the day.

"Whether you're drinking your orange juice and reading on a bleary-eyed weekday or gathering with the whole family for pancakes on Saturday, a breakfast nook is an ideal place to start your day," said Houzz.

"A mix of built-in booths, banquettes, chairs, tables curved or rectilinear, dimmable light and throw pillows makes for cozy spots where you can get a jump on things. Breakfast nooks also work hard the rest of the day as homework stations and intimate spots for candlelit dinners."

You can have a perfectly configured spot under a sunny wall of windows or an odd, small corner that takes a little ingenuity to plan, and a breakfast nook can shine in either thanks to a seemingly endless array of options both custom and store bought. One thing is certain—with a breakfast nook, the way you use your kitchen will change, for the better.

Built-in benches and a bookcase create a cozy space.

A row of cabinets in front of a bank of windows turns a pretty, blank space into a pretty, useful one.

"Don't have a built-in breakfast nook? Try making one yourself by adding a small table to a sunny corner that doesn't get a lot of use," said Huffington Post. Here, a round table and corner benches maximize space and utility.

A built-in nook works well even in a space without right angles.

Have the space in the center of your kitchen but not so much a separate space? Incorporate a breakfast nook right into your island.

A banquette with extra storage serves multiple purposes.

A banquette can be as fancy as you want.

Use it as a showcase for your personal style.

Don't want to spend a lot? You can DIY your banquette using IKEA cabinets or bookcases.

Breakfast Nooks That'll Change The Way You Use Your Kitchen