12 Top Remodeling Trends for 2011
New year, new list of remodeling projects to start around the house. At least that’s what remodelers and contractors are hoping.
So, what remodeling projects are on top of everyone’s list?
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conducted an exclusive poll of their top builders and developers for us and found that while most people are not starting major renovation projects due to the economy, now is the time to take care of the smaller jobs around your home.
Call it the over-arching remodeling trend for 2011: Tackling small projects while you wait to do the really big remodeling project that’s on your list.
Here are 12 top remodeling trends for 2011:
1. Save Money: Remodel Your Bathroom. Old tile getting a little grungy? It looks like 2011 is the year for a bathroom update. Bathrooms are the hottest project, we think it’s due to the economy. Baths cost less than a kitchen or addition and most houses have more than one bath, so there are more available to be remodeled.
2. Must-Do Remodeling Projects. Rather than going through major renovations, next year people will continue to only complete the projects that need to be done, like repairs to siding or roof leaks. There is a trend of people doing “‘have-to’ projects instead of ‘want-to’ projects.”
3. Warming Up The House. Warmer tiles and colors are coming back. People tend to be moving away from minimalist, white designs in favor of cozier, earth tones. The trend, however, is not rustic. Instead, it’s s a mash-up of earthiness and modern design. People are favoring rooms that are more contemporary and calming, but are still not totally contemporary.
4. Getting Decked Out. Clients are now building outdoor spaces for themselves. It appears that people want to sit outside again and are staying at home more frequently. Many pools are also being built in the neighborhood.
5. Hiring A Great Contractor. The diligent consumer is on the rise. Folks are finally getting the message that it is important to look closer at the companies they are considering for their project. They are asking the right questions and are much more careful on checking their background.
6. Paying in Cash. Rather than taking out loans for renovation projects, homeowners are using cash for projects. Homeowners are giving themselves a budget and picking and choosing what projects they can do with the money. One way to save money is by updating features, like cabinets, but not remodel an entire room.
7. Opening Up Rooms: Open floor plans are in, so we’re removing interior walls and opening up the spaces in older houses to modernize them. Open floor plans help families be more flexible with the square footage they already have.
8. Bronze Age. Along the with warmer tones in homes are warmer tones in metallic features. Oil rubbed bronze, aged bronze, or distressed hardware will be big in 2011.
9. Going Green. Bamboo floors, grass thatched roofs, and bark siding may sound like something from “Jungle Book,” but they are just a few of the newest green home products. In addition, people are getting energy efficiency upgrades. Upgrades on glass will be continue to be big.
10. Industrial Flair. Exposed beams will continue to be popular, but so will stainless steel cable and architectural products. With so many people working from home, home will take on more of an industrial or commercial look to enforce business credibility.
11. Creating Relaxation Space: With home values still falling in many areas and a new prediction of three more lousy years of real estate, homeowners are more stressed than ever. So it’s no surprise that when they are developing new spaces, tranquility comes to mind. People are now asking for “zen-like” bathrooms. The bathrooms don’t have to be big but they have to be relaxing and soothing. They seem to prefer showers with the works-steam, seats, body sprays, etc.
12. Planning ahead: A lot of people are thinking about their retirement years. Some clients-even those far from retirement-are putting in easy-opening cabinetry, hand-held showers, and more accessible kitchens and baths. Even though people don’t need those things right now, they are planning for when they might find them needed.
Are you planning a remodeling project this year? Contact Us at GRNY Renovation and we will help to make your dream turn into reality.
