When do you know it’s time to make some major changes in your home? Most likely when you can’t bear to look at your old bathroom fixtures and cracked tiles or the outmoded kitchen cabinets and shabby vinyl floor. Or it could be that you need some additional space to accommodate your growing family.

Demand Drives New Products and Services

Even when the stock market falters or mortgage rates rise, economists seem to agree that home building will continue to grow because rising home prices permit the homeowner’s equity to be reinvested. Instead of packing boxes and buyng a larger home, renovations have become more upscale and home remodeling businesses have expanded to meet the demand for more sophisticated projects.

The Open Kitchen

Remodeling the kitchen leads in adding resale value to the home.  One of the hottest trends is the “open design” kitchen.  This incorporates the overall living area of the dining room, den and/or living room.  Kitchens are being rebuilt larger to accommodate more people, food preparation, and storage. Space is being designed more efficiently with rollout shelves, pot drawers, trash compactors, recessed lighting, and underground cook-top venting. Many designs include dual work areas with separate sinks and cutting areas.  Large “islands” double as preparation and extended tops on these islands provide family style dining.  Dimmable lighting, stainless steel appliances, and wine coolers make the kitchen an attractive setting for entertaining guests and family while preparing meals.

The Lavish Bath

Bathroom improvements are also extremely popular with homeowners.  Owner of the older home are eager to sacrifice their small spare bedrooms to make way for huge bathing areas that could include a soaker tub, separate shower, dual sinks, and heated towel racks.  Beautiful floors floors and countertops complete the picture for new bathrooms.  Skylights are added for more light and allow a calming atmosphere while soaking in your tub.