Home Remodeling Trends for 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
What's in store for the rest of 2006 when it comes to Home Improvement, Remodeling, and Construction? Homes are aging (the average U.S. house is 30 years old) and, as interest rates continue to rise, many are renovating instead of relocating. Homeowners today want to modernize, expand, and keep their houses low maintenance.
As the baby boom generation moves into retirement age, many are demanding options as they "age-in-place" (staying at home and foregoing the retirement communities.) They desire to remain in their single family home as long as it is safe and comfortable. Younger generations are interested in expanding the size of their homes, adding technical goodies, and increasing property values with the latest products and materials.
- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling will still be Number One on everyone homeowners remodeling wishlist. They want to expand the kitchen - it's the center of their home - or add or update a bathroom. It will be a big deal to re-do not only the tiles and counters in the bathroom, but also to add new ammenities - spa tubs, steam showers, rain (overhead) shower heads, radiant heat, flat screen TVs behind two-way mirrors and more!
- Home Technology Upgrades: Home Security - closed circuit cameras, alarms, & safes; Home Theaters - stylish theater components with controllable lighting and sound; and Smart Homes - home automation products that control media, lighting, security, and temperature.
- Garage Improvements or Additions: homeowners are adding garages, expanding existing ones, and finishing their garage to add workrooms that give plenty of storage with comfortable flooring.
- Home Restoration: returning the house to its original character - something that won't look dated in a few years. After many years of home flippers and home remodelers adding granite counters to every period of house, a home restoration can be in order to bring back and highlight the homes original architecture.
- "Specific Rooms" are hot: purpose-built rooms in new construction or current rooms that can be converted. Homeowners will want to add a library, home theater, gym, or wine cellar.
- Low Maintenance - everyone wants products and materials that are easy to clean, easy to fix, and easy to replace. This includes countertops, floors, windows, and appliances.
- Synthetic Materials - they are cheap, easy to maintain, and last longer so they won't have to be replaced anytime soon.
- Green - people will want more solar, biodegradable, and energy efficient materials and appliances.
- Outdoor Kitchens - this is the big trend for '06. Moving the indoor outside by hiring a Deck & Patio Expert. Homeowners feel this is a great way to expand their home without having the added cost of the construction of new rooms. Homeowners want to bring it all outdoors this summer: state-of-the-art grills and cooktops, sinks, fireplaces, wet bars, islands, and more.
As the baby boom generation moves into retirement age, many are demanding options as they "age-in-place" (staying at home and foregoing the retirement communities.) They desire to remain in their single family home as long as it is safe and comfortable. Younger generations are interested in expanding the size of their homes, adding technical goodies, and increasing property values with the latest products and materials.
- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling will still be Number One on everyone homeowners remodeling wishlist. They want to expand the kitchen - it's the center of their home - or add or update a bathroom. It will be a big deal to re-do not only the tiles and counters in the bathroom, but also to add new ammenities - spa tubs, steam showers, rain (overhead) shower heads, radiant heat, flat screen TVs behind two-way mirrors and more!
- Home Technology Upgrades: Home Security - closed circuit cameras, alarms, & safes; Home Theaters - stylish theater components with controllable lighting and sound; and Smart Homes - home automation products that control media, lighting, security, and temperature.
- Garage Improvements or Additions: homeowners are adding garages, expanding existing ones, and finishing their garage to add workrooms that give plenty of storage with comfortable flooring.
- Home Restoration: returning the house to its original character - something that won't look dated in a few years. After many years of home flippers and home remodelers adding granite counters to every period of house, a home restoration can be in order to bring back and highlight the homes original architecture.
- "Specific Rooms" are hot: purpose-built rooms in new construction or current rooms that can be converted. Homeowners will want to add a library, home theater, gym, or wine cellar.
- Low Maintenance - everyone wants products and materials that are easy to clean, easy to fix, and easy to replace. This includes countertops, floors, windows, and appliances.
- Synthetic Materials - they are cheap, easy to maintain, and last longer so they won't have to be replaced anytime soon.
- Green - people will want more solar, biodegradable, and energy efficient materials and appliances.
- Outdoor Kitchens - this is the big trend for '06. Moving the indoor outside by hiring a Deck & Patio Expert. Homeowners feel this is a great way to expand their home without having the added cost of the construction of new rooms. Homeowners want to bring it all outdoors this summer: state-of-the-art grills and cooktops, sinks, fireplaces, wet bars, islands, and more.
