Kitchens and Bathrooms Remain Top Remodeling Jobs

RISMEDIA, Saturday, October 06, 2012— A new survey released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows common remodeling projects have increased, compared to a similar survey from 2010. The survey, released in conjunction with National Home Remodeling Month, describes the changes the remodeling market has undergone in recent years.

Remodelers report that kitchen and bathroom projects remain the most popular remodeling jobs with home owners increasingly upgrading both rooms and making major repairs as they decide to stay in their current homes longer. 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. 

Both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects were up 17 percent from two years ago, with bathroom remodels cited as a common job by 78 percent of remodelers and kitchen remodels at 69 percent. Since 2009, bathrooms and kitchens have switched places in popularity, with bathroom remodels moving into the top spot as the most common type of remodeling project.

“As the priorities of home owners shift, remodelers have to adjust to the needs of their clients,” says 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.”

Repairs and replacements of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities were cited as the top reasons for customers to hire a remodeler. More than 60 percent of remodelers reported increased demand for repairs and replacements of old components in the past two years, while more than half of remodelers said that the desire for upgraded amenities increased. In contrast, more than 20 percent of remodelers said there was a decrease in customers remodeling to increase home values as an investment.

In addition to kitchens and baths, other popular remodeling categories included window/door replacements (44 percent), whole house remodels (35 percent), room additions (33 percent) and handyman services (31 percent).

“Home owners are repurposing spaces and making more efficient use of their home’s square footage,” Moore says. “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.”

For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
 
www.BHGshortsales.com

To Remodel or Not to Remodel: 7 Questions Homeowners Need to Ask Before Commencing Construction

RISMEDIA, Saturday, October 06, 2012— In the age of HGTV, home and garden magazines, Pinterest, and more, the thought of remodeling your home might be tempting. After all, there’s a lot to love about redesigning, updating, and maximizing your space. Plus, whether you’re thinking of joining the do-it-yourself crowd or prefer to let hired professionals do the heavy lifting, any number of popular TV programs and encouraging articles make home remodeling look like a piece of cake. But before you start measuring walls and making demolition plans, Dan Fritschen, founder of www.remodelormove.com, encourages you to stop a moment and really consider what you’re about to jump into. 

“Remodeling isn’t for everyone, and many times it could be a downright bad decision,” says Fritschen. “It’s well worth your time to pause and consider what your proposed project entails, and whether the commitment is worth the time, energy, and money you’ll end up pouring into it.”

So, how can improvement-oriented homeowners determine whether remodeling is a good idea or not? 

Here, Fritschen shares seven of Remodel or Move’s important considerations that can indicate whether or not to remodel. So before you launch into your own project, ask yourself these questions:

Which are we more excited about: Hawaii or hardwood floors? Yes, that updated living room you bookmarked in a magazine looks fantastic. But in the grand scheme of things, how much joy will it bring you? For instance, would you be happier with a trip to (and later memories of) a pristine white sand beach or with brand-new flooring?

“It may sound elementary, but give some serious thought as to whether you’d rather spend your time and money on a vacation or on a new and improved living space,” Fritschen advises. “Even if you don’t end up booking your trip immediately, leaning toward ‘vacation’ over ‘remodel’ is a good barometer for determining how important an updated home actually is to you. And the truth is, unless a specific renovation really is your heart’s desire, you’d probably be better off traveling than pouring money into an already-functional room.”

Are we the Joneses? It’s a fact of life: Everybody wants to keep up with the Joneses. (In fact, Fritschen says, that’s a very popular reason for deciding to remodel!) Before you hit up the hardware store, though, take a moment to consider whether or not you are the Joneses. Is your home already one of the biggest or nicest in the neighborhood? If so, it’s likely that the addition or remodel you’re planning will end up being a lot of work that won’t significantly increase the value of your home.

“If you really want to remodel because you love the design and remodeling process, then go ahead,” urges Fritschen. “But if all you really want is a bigger or nicer home and you already have the biggest and nicest in the neighborhood, it may make more sense to move to a new home that has all the features you want in a neighborhood full of larger and nicer residences.”

Can we really afford this? Even on sticking-to-a-budget-themed renovation shows, the main emphasis is on the work being done and not on the financial decisions being made. So what many homeowners fail to fully understand is that remodeling usually costs a lot, even when you’re going the DIY route and looking for bargains.

“If you’re not exactly rolling in the dough, don’t write off your remodel entirely,” Fritschen advises. “There are smart, financially savvy ways to remodel, including using money from savings, using a 203k mortgage, or refinancing and getting cash back on your home. However, if the only ways you can pay for your remodel are to tap into retirement accounts or use your credit cards, then the cost of remodeling increases significantly and is then much harder to justify. If you can’t pay for a remodel the ‘smart’ way, then it is better to wait a few years and focus on saving up the money you’ll need.”

Is the finished product worth the stress and mess? Again, this is an area in which TV shows can be misleading. Think about it: All of the chaos, frustration, debris, and stress are compressed into a 30-minute or hour-long slot. (And magazine or internet articles might not address these factors at all!) In the real world, though, even the most mellow and easy-going people can find remodeling to be a difficult process.

“The decision-making, the expense, the mess, the interruption to routines…it all makes remodeling a potential nightmare,” points out Fritschen. “So carefully consider everyone’s response to the turmoil of remodeling. If you suspect that some in your household won’t be able to effectively deal with the stress, then deciding against remodeling—or putting it off—could be a better decision.”

Is our income secure? For obvious reasons, if you aren’t sure of your income stream, spending all of your savings on a remodel isn’t a smart choice—especially when the economy isn’t exactly stable and thriving.

“If you aren’t sure about your job or other source of income for the next few years and have just enough in savings to pay for the remodel, think about waiting,” says Fritschen. “For your peace of mind, and perhaps the outcome of the project, it’s worth waiting until you have saved more or are 100 percent confident that you will have a steady income in the future.”

How long will we be in this house? If there’s a chance you may be moving soon, Fritschen says there are two very good reasons not to remodel. First, remodeling is a lot of work. And secondly, in many cases, the cost of updating your home might exceed the amount your home appreciates after the work is finished.

“In each of these cases, the only way to justify a remodel is by quality of life improvement—but if you are moving a few months or even years after the remodel is done, then you might never be able to truly enjoy the updated home enough to justify the costs,” he shares.

Is this a good investment? As Fritschen has pointed out before, in many cases, the cost of a remodel might exceed your home’s overall increase in value once the project is complete.

“I want to stress that it’s very important to know going in that you might not make money, and to be okay with that,” he emphasizes. “Do your research before making any commitments so that you’ll have a fairly accurate idea of what to expect in terms of cost and your home’s updated value. If the numbers aren’t promising and the thought of not making a clear profit when you eventually sell your home horrifies you, you might want to rethink your renovations.”

“Always make sure you have an accurate perspective on when a remodel makes sense and when it doesn’t,” Fritschen concludes. “Remember, the project should improve not only your home, but also your happiness and quality of life—without breaking the bank or driving your family around the bend. Still not sure? take advantage of the free Should I Remodel? Online Calculator at www.remodelormove.com/should-you-remodel.”

clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
 
www.BHGshortsales.com

3 Hot Trends for Kitchen Remodeling in 2012

Mulling a kitchen remodel but want to keep costs low? You’re au courant with today’s trends that emphasize options and high-tech wizardry at affordable prices.

Trend #1: Remodeling scales back

A new focus on moderation and value has entered the remodeling mind-set. Trends that are likely to show up in your kitchen next year include:

You’ll repair your existing appliances instead of replacing them, extending their life with good maintenance and care. If you’re replacing cabinets, you’re likely to build around your current appliances rather than choosing new models.

You’re scaling back your cabinetry purchases, with an increased emphasis on kitchen storage and functionality overelaborate decoration. For example, rather than stacked crown moldings throughout the kitchen, you’ll put your money into practical roll-out trays and drawer organizers.  

Small-scale kitchen projects are big news. Changing out cabinet hardware, replacing a faucet, and refacing your cabinets upgrades your kitchen without major expense.

Trend #2: Simpler, warmer styles dominate

Fussiness and excess have faded away in favor of pared-back looks that present a more timeless, value-conscious style.

Cabinet decoration continues to streamline. For example, massive corbels, once fashionable as undercounter supports, will give way to sleeker countertop supports and cantelivered countertop edges. Stacked moldings will pare back or disappear entirely. Elaborately glazed finishes will yield to simpler paints and stains. 

Kitchen finishes will continue to get warmer and darker, and feature natural and stained woods. Walnut especially is growing in popularity.

Laminate countertops will continue to surge in popularity, especially in contemporary design. The latest European-inspired laminates offer more textured and naturalistic finishes than ever before. While exotic wood kitchen cabinets are out of reach for most home owners, glossy, look-alike laminate versions can be had for about one-third the price.

Trend #3: Technology expands its kitchen presence

Many of the techno products and trends that relate to your smartphones and tablets have just started making their way into your local showrooms and home centers.

Appliances will be equipped with USB ports and digital screens so you can display your family photographs and kids’ artwork.

Smart, induction built-in cooktops ($500-$3,000) remember your temperature settings as you move your pans across their entire surface.

One light finger touch is all it takes to open the electronically controlled sliding doors of your kitchen cabinets — a boon to people with limited mobilities. You’ll pay 40% to 70% more for cabinets with electronically controlled doors than standard models.

You’ll be able to use your smart phones and tablets to control lights and appliance settings from anywhere you have a wi-fi connection, as well as to shop for appliances from major manufacturers.

You’ll be opting for LEDs for your recessed lights, under-cabinet task lighting and color-changing accent lighting. You’ll see more LED-powered pendants and chandeliers from major manufacturers as inefficient incandescent bulbs continue their march toward extinction.

A wide selection of affordable microwave ovens with convection and even steam features gives owners of smaller kitchen spaces more high-end cooking power.

What improvements — big or small — are you planning for your kitchen this year?

clear skies,

Doug Reynolds

 

www.BHGshortsales.com

What Your Remodeling Contract Should Say

By: Oliver Marks

Review your remodeling contract carefully and adjust it to make sure it protects you in terms of payments, work schedules, and project specifications.

The essential job of a construction contract is to spell out the project’s “scope of work.” This is the document you and your contractor will consult throughout the job, so make sure it’s as detailed as possible.

Some states require the contractor to write his license number on the document and to include a clause that allows you to rescind within a certain time period after signing. Check your state laws to learn what your construction contract should contain.  

A thorough contract is filled with numbers and stipulations that will take several hours to review, so leave enough time to review it before signing. The contract should state:

·         Contractor will secure all necessary permits and approvals

·         Where and which walls will be moved

·         Payment schedule

·         Work hours

The contract needn’t contain product specs on its pages: It may refer to the contractor’s attached, itemized bid.

Set a payment schedule

The contract is your summary of how much and when you should pay for completed work. Payments should be linked to work milestones, such as when the foundation, rough plumbing, and electricity are completed. Here are some general guidelines:

·         First payment should be no more than 10% of the total job.

·         Final payment should be enough money--at least a few thousand dollars--to make sure the contractor returns to correct niggling details.

·         Keep back enough money to hire someone else to finish the work if things go south with your contractor.

Schedule start and end dates

A boilerplate contract rarely says when the job will begin and end, so make sure you add those details to the document. 

Look at these dates as a timeframe, not a minute-by-minute promise: Delays happen and an eight-week job wraps up in nine. But if the project drags on for months, written start and end dates will help make--or defend--your case in court.

Address change orders

Make sure the contract states that any changes that will affect the cost of the job must be priced in writing and countersigned by both the contractor and home owner before that work commences. This line ensures that offhand discussions don’t result in unforeseen additional costs. 

Written change orders also help you update your budget and resist the frequent urge to expand the job.

Research your arbitration options

Many remodel contracts contain a clause that stipulates that an arbitrator, rather than a judge, will resolve disputes. This clause can save you time and money because a court fight is expensive, even if you win.

Problems arise, however, when the contractor names a specific arbitrator.

“There are some big, national, well-respected arbitrators, like the American Arbitration Association,” says Tampa, Fla., attorney George Meyer, chairman of the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry. “And there are other questionable arbitrators that always side with the contractor.”

Before you sign the contract, research the arbitrator named. If you don’t like what you find out, insist on another.

Turn down contractor’s warranty

Agreeing to a warranty may limit your contractor’s liability and cost you money in the end.

Warranties often are loaded with exclusions and time limits that favor the contractor, not you. Frequently, state statues provide better protection, which you forfeit if you accept less from the contractor. Unless a lawyer reviews the contract, strike the warranty clause

clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
 
www.BHGshortsales.com

December17: 7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

By: John Riha

Kitchen remodeling can turn a ho-hum room into your home’s pride and joy. Here are strategies to help your project run smoothly.

A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 66% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

A minor kitchen remodel of about $20,000 does even better, returning more than 72% of your investment.

To make sure you maximize your return, follow these seven smart kitchen remodeling strategies.

1. Establish priorities

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending at least six months planning your kitchen remodeling project. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction, create change orders, and inflate construction costs. Here are planning points to cover:

·         Cooking traffic patterns: A walkway through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.

·         Child safety: Avoid sharp, square corners on countertops, and make sure microwave ovens are installed at the proper height—3 inches below the shoulder of the primary user but not more than 54 inches from the floor.

·         Outside access: If you want easy access to entertaining areas, such as a deck or patio, factor a new exterior door into your plans.

A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.

2. Keep the same footprint

No matter the size and scope of your kitchen remodel, you can protect your budget by maintaining the same footprint: Keep the walls, locate new plumbing fixtures near existing plumbing pipes, and forget bump-outs.

Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you’ll cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.

3. Get real about appliances

It’s easy to get carried away during your kitchen remodeling project. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.

High-priced appliances are worth the investment if you’re an exceptional cook. Otherwise, save thousands with trusted brands that receive high marks at consumer review websites, like www.ePinions.com and www.amazon.com, and resources such as Consumer Reports.

4. Light your way

Good kitchen lighting helps you work safely and efficiently.

·         Install task lighting, such as recessed or track lights, over sinks and food prep areas; assign at least two fixtures per task to eliminate shadows. Under-cabinet lights illuminate cleanup and are great for reading cookbooks. Pendant lights over counters bring the light source close to work surfaces.

·         Ambient lighting includes flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights. Pair dimmer switches with ambient lighting to control intensity and mood.

5. Be quality conscious

Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains, and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.

If you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage.

“Individual upgrades don’t necessarily give you a 100% return,” says Frank Gregoire, a real estate appraiser in St. Petersburg, Fla. “But they can give you an edge when it comes time to market your home.”

6. Add storage, not space

Here’s how you can add storage without bumping out walls:

·         Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more--and you might need a stepladder--but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.

·         Hang it up: Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas and inside cabinet doors; hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack; and add hooks to the backs of closet doors for aprons, brooms, and mops.

7. Communicate early and often

Establishing a good rapport with your project manager or construction team is essential for staying on budget. To keep the sweetness in your project:

·         Drop by the project during work hours: Your presence broadcasts your commitment to quality.

·         Establish a communication routine: Hang a message board on site where you and the project manager can leave daily communiqués. Give your email address and cell phone number to subs and team leaders.

·         Set house rules: Be clear about smoking, boom box noise levels, available bathrooms, and appropriate parking.

clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
 
www.BHGshortsales.com