ConstructionDeal.com Update

ConstructionDeal.com 2009 Renovation Trends
The condition of the economy has really halted many homeowner remodeling plans. Everyone has been affected and very few are thinking about major renovations, like an expensive new kitchen or a swimming pool.

Once the economy strengthens and consumer confidence picks up again, there will be some new trends when it comes to the home. The 2009 stimulus package recently signed into law will help steer a lot of people toward more green renovation, green remodeling, energy-saving home repairs and improvements, and ways to help save more money.

For many homeowners, that trend has already started. A long winter has been high utility bills. Many are already coming to our site to submit requests for window replacement, solar panel and wind turbine installations, as well as home energy audits.

Another trend could be the increase in home additions and sunroom additions. Quite a few people are in houses they couldn't sell if they had to. Or that the house might actually be worth less than they owe. This means a lot of people across the country will not be "trading up" to a newer, larger, or just a different house. They'll be staying put.

To stay put, many are planning to add on. Give themselves more room to live, more room for storage, more room for kids moving back in. A room addition will help or even a huge project like a second story addition will practically create a whole new house. Finding the funds to finance these projects will not be as easy but there should be a loosening of credit as banks realize they're not going to make any money without charging fees and earning interest.

Back to the green renovation trend... It's probably a bad idea to even label it as being green. So many people have politicized "Green" that in some circles, it could be considered a four-letter word. Let's say the trend will be energy and money saving. The green will be more cash savings.

People will be making changes to their home that will help their wallet as well as their planet. They've been wasting food so they'll try composting. They've been wasting water so they'll install low-flow shower heads. They've been wasting heat and air conditioned air so they'll put in insulation and triple-paned windows. They've been wasting electricity so they'll install a programmable thermostat and switch to a Energy Star washer and dryer.

The economy has soured and many homeowners will continue to do a lot of the work themselves. Others will find local contractors to help with their installations and home repairs. One trend may even come out of all this will be that more and more people may barter for services. A mini economy could spring up that has homeowners and small business owners trading their expertise for the services of another. Or trading a car or motorcycle for services. It's possible in any economy but more so these days.

Even with people who have plenty of money and job security, the trends for the American homeowner have shifted away from the extravagant. Gone, for a while, are the $80,000 kitchens and the $75,000 heated swimming pools. For most, they'll make due with what they have and hope for few, if any, major home repairs. Many more are tired of the $400 a month electric bill and the lack of room. They'll make changes but changes that increase their home value and help them live a better life.

For the services I've mentioned in this post, if you need to find any local contractors to help you, I've set up a set of links so you can submit a request. Submitting through ConstructionDeal.com works like this:

• Get 4 quotes from local contractors
• There's no cost
• There's no obligation
• It saves you time - contractors call you
• It saves you money - multiple quotes lets you pick the best price

Ready to get started with your home renovation plans for 2009?

1. Get quotes from window replacement companies
2. Get quotes from solar panel and wind turbine installers
3. Get quotes from insulation contractors
4. Get quotes from home energy auditors
5. Get quotes from air conditioning companies
6. Get quotes from heating contractors
7. Get quotes from home addition contractors
8. Get quotes from green remodelers

Labels: Home Trends, Remodeling Trends, Renovation Trends

An interesting story from the Wall Street Journal on how now may be the perfect time for home renovation projects, "It's not the best time to be selling a house in much of the country. But increasingly, it's a good time to build or renovate one.

The housing slump has pushed down prices on everything from lumber and drywall to labor and design fees. Legions of carpenters, tile layers and landscapers are idle. Architects are taking on small renovation projects they once would have sniffed at and contractors are offering their services at a discount. Some people in the building trades are even posting fliers at construction sites to drum up business.

It's a striking contrast from the heady days of the real-estate boom, when builders and contractors could hardly keep pace with demand, prices of materials soared and a six-month wait to start a kitchen renovation was commonplace.

Now, some homeowners are moving forward on renovation or building projects they've put off for years. Others are exacting substantial price cuts from contractors desperate for work.

A few months ago, Mike Bowes remodeled the bathroom and guest bedroom of his $200,000 condo in Las Vegas. The job, which cost $14,000, included a walk-in shower, a new vanity, bamboo flooring in the guest room and re-textured plaster on the walls and ceilings. Last year, the same work would have cost nearly twice as much, he estimates, "and I would have had to beg someone to do it." Now, the 47-year-old commercial roofing sales manager is planning to upgrade his kitchen, living room and porch. While prices remain low "I'm going to keep going," he says.

...More homeowners will renovate their kitchens this year -- 7.57 million, up from 7.44 million in 2006 -- but they will spend a lot less, $96.2 billion compared with $127 billion, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Bathroom renovations this year are expected to rise by 5.3% to 10.9 million from 2006, while spending on them will grow 3.8% to $70.2 billion from 2006, the trade group projects.

One reason some renovations will cost less this year is the falling price of many key building materials. The price of oriented strand board, a plywood substitute used for walls and roof sheathing, dropped 40% from the third quarter of 2005 to the same quarter this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. During the same period, framing-lumber prices fell 24%, says the association. And drywall prices -- which soared during the real estate run-up to a record -- dropped 35% from last year's third quarter, according to United States Gypsum Co., the largest manufacturer of drywall in North America.

'If you're going to do any kind of construction...now is the best time you're going to have to do that in the next five years,' says Bill Harrison of Harrison Design Associates, an Atlanta-based architecture firm that specializes in high-end homes."

Read more of the article at the Wall Street Journal.

If you're looking to take advantage of the low cost of construction and remodeling materials as well as finding contractors who may have an available schedule, start the process for free on ConstructionDeal.com. Just tell us about your project and we'll match you with businesses in your area - at no cost

Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation, Remodeling Trends

Always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in new trends, here at ConstructionDeal.com, we came upon the real estate magazine Realtor. The online site has compiled some hot new trends for this year when it comes to renovating the home. The article's author spoke with several designers about what to expect in 2008:

Comfort Colors Are In

As homeowners seek solace in their homes, natural shades have become more popular. Muted earth tones are being used throughout the home, on walls, floors, and even cabinetry. Green, particularly a soft sage color, has become a popular choice, especially as an accent color on kitchen cabinets.

Flooring and countertop choices also are muted; the days of highly polished granite or porcelain tile are over. Instead, honed granite and soapstone, as well as quartz countertops with matte finishes, are becoming de rigueur.

Kitchens Are Expanding

The kitchen has evolved over time from a place to prepare and eat meals to the focal point of a home. Today, kitchens are used as gathering places and a place for doing homework and crafts, paying bills, and surfing the Internet—and kitchen design is now reflecting that usage. Computer desks, huge islands, fireplaces, and comfortable seating areas are frequent choices in kitchen remodels.

Maple and hickory cabinets are catching up to cherry wood in popularity, and the simple, sleek lines of Shaker, Mission, and Asian design can be seen throughout the kitchen. Darker finishes are a frequent choice for cabinets. Merlot—a deep burgundy color—has become quite popular, as has black.

While homeowners still prefer a sleek, clean look in the kitchen, elegant touches, such as farmhouse sinks or Victorian faucets, add class and individuality.

Baths Are Getting More Luxurious

Like kitchens, bathrooms—particularly master bathrooms—are expanding. "Baths are becoming like a luxurious oasis where people can go and retreat," says ASID's Snyder.

Homeowners are replacing standard shower heads with oversized "rain" shower heads, and those doing more extensive remodels are adding showers with body sprays, steam showers, solid surface shower walls, and heated tile floors. Traditional-styled cabinetry, made to look like freestanding furniture with legs, is popular as well.

No statistics are available yet to track the home urinal trend, but maybe people are looking for more fixtures to fill their ever-growing bathrooms. Or maybe installing a home urinal is the ultimate way for men to avoid having to put the seat down.

How Big Is Your Laundry Room?

Laundry rooms are becoming a status symbol these days. No longer isolated in a dark corner of the basement, laundry rooms are now decked out with the best appliances and filled with color. That's because families are spending more time in their ultra-large laundry rooms, doing messy chores, crafts, and gardening projects there in addition to washing, drying, and ironing.

Specialty Rooms to Fit Every Need

As families spend more time at home, homes are evolving to meet the specific needs of every family member. Rooms such as wine cellars, media rooms, libraries, sewing rooms, meditation rooms, and even personal beauty salons and ballet studios are increasing in popularity, according to ASID. These specialty rooms are being added to homes through remodeling or as options made by purchasers of new homes.

Green Living

Solar power has come a long way in the last 20 years. The clunky panels that used to turn off homeowners interested in aesthetics are long gone, and they've been replaced by sleek integrated solar systems capable of handling all the power needs of a house.

The demographics of solar technology have changed as well. Today, there is a new generation of solar aficionados who are passionate about technology and preserving the environment. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 also have created interest in solar homes, as people seek to lead a more self-sufficient lifestyle. Solar technology is being integrated into new-home design—there are even entire new-home communities springing up with solar power as an available upgrade—but those who are remodeling also can add it easily.


Check out the whole article here for further details about the big new trends for your homes this year!

If you need to find a contractor for your home improvement project, look no further than ConstructionDeal.com. We're a fast, free, and easy way to find local renovation pros. There's no obligation, no commitment, and you get to choose how many bids you'd like to receive!

We help you get your project done!

Labels: Home Trends, Remodeling Trends

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!

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling Trends, Renovation Trends

We always know what's going to be the latest trend and which product will be the new "must-have" each year. When it comes to home improvement and remodeling, it's no different.

What is different is that most renovation projects you do in your home will last much longer than the latest clothing trend or cell phone. When you redo your kitchen, you're going to be stuck with it for quite some time...

However, a new coat of paint, some accessories, and some window treatments can completely change the look of your room - for just a few hundred dollars - and if you don't like it in a few months... you can always change it again.

If you're interested in hiring an Interior Designer for even more help -- post your request with ConstructionDeal.com.

We've got a plethora of information on Design Trends for home this year. Check them all out:

2007 Home Design Trends has a new look at what's hot!

Wendy, over at the Spacelift Blog, has some insights into the coming 2007 trends in interior design. She talks about what's going to be hot in color choices (Color), comfort choices (Atmosphere), sustainability (Building) and touches on luxury products that could be trending your way... if you're rich (Luxury. Elevators?!)

To touch on a little of her insight (she's an Interior Designer in Omaha), she talks about new colors for '07 - oranges, greens, and blues. She mentions that these colors have been hot in fashion and you may have been seeing them in magazines and in stores but that it takes a little while for trends to move over to the interior design world. She predicts blues, greens, and oranges will be the "must haves" for this year.

I also like her idea of homeowners going for a more comfortable style. As people have rushed, in the recent past, to expensive materials to fill their kitchens and baths, it's nice to know that the stuffy or formal is fading away.

I've got an article on our Kitchen Remodeling blog that talks about Jumbled Kitchens - which is about homeowners who are looking for a mix of materials in their new kitchens. They don't want a solid row of kitchen cabinets that are all the same size and all the same color. They're mixing it up for a more comfortable, European flair. Mixing wood with steel, adding quartz counters alongside a bamboo counter, or maybe even putting a marble center in the middle of a hardwood floor.

Whatever you do with your interior design this year, please don't renovate or decorate just to "show off" like some do just to get a picture of their living room in a magazine. It always looks forced and overly formal. Untouchable. You want to strive for whatever makes you happy and whatever lets you and your guests feel comfortable in your own home that will be the latest and greatest for 2007.

Finally, consider ConstructionDeal.com for any home improvement, decorating and design professional that you need. We've got a network of over 65,000 service pros, contractors, and designers to help you.

And it's all free for you to find a quality pro!

RELATED POSTS:
Kitchen Design Trends 2007
Remodeling Trends - The Home Office
From CNN: 5 Home Remodeling Trends

Labels: Design Ideas, Interior Design, Remodeling Trends, Trends

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling Trends, Stainless Steel Appliances

Over at CNN.com, they have a story on home improvement called, 5 Home Trends We Never Saw Coming and I wanted to provide you with a sampling of the article. Check out the rest of their article when you get a chance.

"Some of the latest trends in homebuilding and remodeling were not too hard to spot. Is anyone surprised that Americans, already living in monster homes, want even bigger ones?

But there were some developments we never saw coming.

Here's a few that Mark Nash, author of Real Estate A-Z for Buying and Selling a Home, has gleaned from a survey he conducted questioning 923 real estate agents, brokers and industry executives:

Upscale garages: Who knew that those smelly, greasy spaces overstuffed with junk and empty boxes would morph into showplaces for Home Improvement types?

'Today's owners want them decked out with cabinet and storage systems, matching refrigerators, air conditioning and residential looking flooring," says Nash.

Garage remodeling starts at around $7,500 and goes up, sometimes steeply, from there depending on size and just how nice you want it.

Caving: People want more personal space - for both mom and pop. Apparently, married people often like time alone. Who knew?

So, an amenity of choice these days is 'personal, dedicated space for one person in a household to go and work on projects or simply chill,' says Nash.

Rejuvenation rooms: No, This is not simply to work out in. These are one-stop sites for exercising, meditating, yoga, sauna and fancy steam showers.

'This is kind of a new age, serenity room where you do these quiet exercise things and then jump in the spa,' says Nash.

First you get your head together, then your body and then you steam off the sweat you expended doing it."

The article also lists Outdoor Kitchens, but we told you about those a while back. There's also a trend called a "Snoring Room" but I doubt something like that will be sweeping the nation anytime soon.

Finally, the article had some interesting remodeling trends that were now considered to be "out" and no longer a current trend (although I disagree with the Bamboo Flooring):

Spiral staircases, which were once the rage, are now death to the home seller. Aging boomers don't care to climb them and they're tough on pets and small children. Nash advises sellers to remove and replace them before putting a home on the market.

Bamboo floors are also out. The early reviews are in and owners have found them to be easily scratched and prone to warping.

Hardwood laminate flooring is also a no-go. 'They don't stand up to multiple sandings to change color or remove stains,' says Nash."

Well, if you have any plans to remodel your home, consider ConstructionDeal.com. We'll help match you with quality remodeling companies in your area, for free. It's a fast and easy way to find a renovation expert without have to pick someone at random from the yellow pages. You'll also get multiple bids, which means you'll get the best price, and that will save you money.

RELATED POSTS:
Is Now the Time to Remodel?
Kitchen Remodeling: Form AND Function
Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

technorati tags: remodeling trends, renovation trends, 2007 trends, 2006 trends, remodeling trends 2007, remodeling companiies, rejuvenation rooms, bathroom spas, garage remodeling,garage renovation, garage storage systems, home improvement trends

Labels: Remodeling Trends, Trends

Labels: Home Improvement, Remodeling Trends, Saving Money

What's in store for the rest of the 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 Renovation and Bathroom Remodeling will still be Number One on everyone homeowners remodeling wish list. 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 amenities - 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: homeowners are renovating garages or expanding existing ones 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. If you need to find a solar panel contractor or a green renovation contractor, we can help.

- Outdoor Kitchens - this is the huge trend. Moving the indoor outside by hiring an Outdoor Kitchen Builder. Homeowners know this is a great way to expand their home without having the added cost of the construction of new rooms. People want to bring it all outdoors in the summer: state-of-the-art grills and cook-tops, counters, sinks, fireplaces, wet bars, islands, and more.

Labels: Home Trends, Remodeling Trends, Renovation Trends