Construction Deal Update

One is the loneliest number.

And we're not just talking relationships. We're also talking home renovation. Many of us had that second refrigerator out in the garage while we were growing up. Or maybe another freezer full of meat down in the basement. But today, the hottest trend when remodeling is to add two of just about everything!

People are wanting the best in convenience. We have less and less time to do things but we have more and more options when it comes to renovating the whole house, the kitchen, or any other area of the home.

It started with adding those second appliances. Next came dual sinks in the master bathroom. People are now bringing in additional dishwashers to handle a large mess after they entertain. Second sinks are being added to kitchen islands as a food prep resource. And for the past few years, people have begun adding a whole second kitchen -- although it's usually outdoors. Gone is the lonely barbecue grill. Now, it's surrounded by counters, cabinets, and another set of kitchen appliances.

Since kitchens have gone from the food preparation spot to our new dining room and entertaining area, homeowners have also been opting for a second indoor kitchen. This scullery, as it's known, is a "back-up" kitchen that is being used to do all the hard cooking and cleaning work while keeping the main kitchen presentable.

Two of everything is not the only hot trend in home remodeling this year.

This year, Green is the new black. Sure it's a big buzzword, but people are genuinely interested in reducing the mark they leave on our environment. What people want when they renovate is to bring in renewable, recyclable, and sustainable building products and materials.

There has been a huge interest in recycled denim being used as insulation in homes. People are recycling wood previously pulled from some other use and they are refinishing it and using it as flooring. Stone can last for a very long time and it's being used for patios, flooring, counters, and walls. Glass countertops or even a colored glass backsplash can be great way to avoid synthetic and sterile-looking materials like linoleum, vinyl, and even brand names like Corian.

Many also want products and appliances that last a long while. Big, industrial-strength stoves, fridges, ovens, and more. Homeowners want the same type of appliances found in commercial kitchens. They are more expensive and take up a lot of room so they're not for everyone. But these stoves and refrigerators can outlast most regular appliances and are easily maintained or repaired.

There is also a need to bring the outdoors back inside the house. Beyond the wood floors and stone counters, homeowners want to feel like they are part of nature. Bamboo is still popular. Glass doors, counters, walls, and indoor windows allow the sites of nature to reach remote areas. Even the stone used on counters, backsplashes, walls and floors has a more natural look. People aren't looking for the polished granite or marble but the rougher looking stone. They want large tiles with less grout lines visible so that it feels more like the great outdoors. Hardwood flooring not only looks great and adds value, but it can last the life of the house if properly cared for. This adds to the green vibe homeowners want.

If you'd like to find a local home remodeling pro to help update your home with the latest and hottest trends out there... we can help. Post your home renovation project and we'll connect you with local pros. You're under no obligation to hire any of our professionals. It's a fast, free service to find a contractor!