| Home Sweet Home; Trends in remodeling |
By: Carol Odell
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Carol Odell, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado
Our fast-paced lifestyle is effecting our spending at home. When we get home, we want to stay there and not rush off to another place. It shows in what we are putting in our homes.
Homeowners are spending a substantial amount of money for amenities to be built in their houses. The industry average cost for these amenities is about 10% to 15% of the cost of the home. Where is this money going? Mostly into design options for the kitchen and bathroom.
In the kitchen, hard surface materials such as granite and Corian countertops are popular. Patterns are giving way to solid colors.
Jetted or Jacuzzi tubs are being installed in bathrooms. Again, solid color granite and Corian countertops and sinks are popular.
Entertainment centers continue to grow in popularity. With a big screen TV, wireless computer, sound system and phones all contained in a beautiful entertainment center, people want to stay home. They can put their feet up, relax and be entertained in the comfort of their own home.
Homeowners are choosing hardwoods floors to use throughout the house. They are not selecting oak, as in the past, but more exotic woods.
Lighting is being upgraded in all the rooms.
Some people are painting rather than staining their inside doors. For a warmer feeling, moldings are being painted a shade darker than the walls. In formal areas, moldings are still being painted shades lighter than the walls.
If you are planning on remodeling or building, leave plenty of time to select products, materials and colors. There are many options.
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