Posted by Bridget Chaney, Marketing Coordinator Red House Design Build and PR Committee Member
It’s been quite a year for those of us in the remodeling industry. We have faced unprecedented challenges as we navigate the reality of living and working through a pandemic. Although the pandemic caused widespread economic impacts for many businesses, housing has weathered the economic storm, rebounding quickly from an early Spring slump. But with the future unknown, now more than ever, it pays to be prepared. Let’s take a look at the top 7 most requested remodeling projects in the industry right now.
Home Office
Photo by Hutomo Abrianto
According to a recent poll conducted for NAHB, about 3 out of every 10 American adults are currently working from home. Of that demographic, 61% believe they will be able to continue working from home (either part- or full-time) when the vaccine becomes available, while another 18% do not know what to expect.
With more and more people working from home, it should come as no surprise that home offices are at the top of our list. But they aren’t just for adults! Home offices can also be a great option for creating a focused environment for children learning from home.
Photo by Nirzar Pangarkar
A home office design needs at least one dedicated workspace – or perhaps a shared space for multiple family members can also be an option. Many home offices will also need built-in storage solutions and plenty of natural light with new windows. And don’t forget a feature wall for a proper Zoom background.
Deck/patio
The spring and summer months always call for a big upswing in deck and patio requests. But in 2020, outdoor living is the perfect pandemic friendly project. Clients can feel at ease with the majority of the work completed outside of the home. A new deck adds value to your home and increases your living space, without the expense of adding a room.
A relaxing deck in Tiverton, RI by Red House Design Build. Photo by Aaron Usher III
Plus, with social activities being limited all summer long, it has been more important than ever to take advantage of your private space to breathe in the fresh air. A beautifully designed deck extends your living space and creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages socially distanced friends and family to hang out. With this in mind, more and more homeowners are indulging in the luxury of enhanced outdoor living spaces.
An inviting back patio perfect for dinner parties by Red House Design Build. Photography by Aaron Usher III.
New Construction
This year our homes have been more important to each of us than ever before. The concept of “home” has taken on new meanings as a place of work, school, as well as comfort. For this reason, many people have set out to find (or create) their perfect home sweet home.
Photo by Avel Chuklanov
With interest rates at historic lows, the real estate market in 2020 has been competitive for home buyers. With low inventory, many buyers are instead considering building a new home. New home building sales have been increasing at a historic rate this summer and fall of 2020. According to NAHB:
“The pace of single-family starts in September was the highest production rate since the summer of 2007. Single-family building increased 8.5 percent to a 1.1 million seasonally adjusted annual rate. The September reading of starts was consistent with surging builder confidence, as single-family construction rises to meet strong buyer traffic, supported by low-interest rates, changing geography of demand, and a growing number of sales that have not started construction. However, builders continue to face challenges in terms of elevated lumber prices and supply chain shortages of other building materials.”
Exterior Renovations
Exterior renovation projects like painting, siding, window, and door replacement are on-trend for 2020. Bitter New England winters, hotter-than-average summers, and general wear and tear can do a number on your paint and siding, detracting from a home’s curb appeal. New siding or a new paint job can make a home feel brand new again.
A brand new all-white facade plus all-new Marvin windows, by Red House Design Build. Photography by Aaron Usher III.
In 2020 it’s always time for some fresh air circulation! Windows are an essential element of every home. They provide natural light and keep out the elements. Plus, windows give an opportunity to add detail and beauty to your home while preserving and protecting your investment. There are so many varieties of windows that can transform the look of a space. They deserve the utmost care and attention when selecting, maintaining, and replacing.
The new windows by Marvin Windows add a modern look to the home. Photography by Aaron Usher III.
Basement
The ultimate flex-space, the basement. It’s the perfect spot for that little something extra your clients have been looking to add to their home. Finished basements are a necessity for every growing family. They add additional living space like a playroom, a gym, a home theater, or a craft room. With many public spaces like gyms and theaters closed due to the pandemic, now is the ideal time to install some of your own.
A finished basement with a game room and wet bar in Cranston, RI, by Red House Design Build.
Besides expanding your home’s functional space, finishing a basement can increase the value of your home. A finished basement that includes a bathroom, bar area, and living space recoups around 70% of its cost in improved resale value, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2017 Cost vs. Value Report.
Garage
A beautiful garage addition with second-floor storage space and a charming front porch increase curb appeal on this delightful home. By Red House Design Build. Photography by Aaron Usher III. Styling by Liz Pinto.
A garage addition is a perfect way to add that extra storage your clients have been craving. It allows the space to keep your vehicles protected in the winter weather while storing all your tools and gear. Plus, since the garage is out of the way of most day-to-day life, it is the ideal renovation project for social distancing conscious homeowners.
A gorgeous garage in East Greenwich, RI by Red House Design Build. Photography by Aaron Usher III.
When a new garage addition isn’t in the budget, some simple renovations can have a big return. A good-looking garage door is at the top of the list when it comes to getting a return on your investment. This curb-appeal enhancer will get you back around 94.5 percent of what you spent on it when you sell your home, according to the Cost vs Value Report.
Mudroom
With the growing popularity of celebrity organizers (like The Home Edit or Marie Kondo), it’s no surprise that storage-centric mudrooms are moving up on the renovations request list. Plus, spending all this extra time at home can really make you aware of all the clutter and disarray.
Everything in the right place. A light and sun-filled space with customized storage for a busy family by Red House Design Build. Photography by Aaron Usher III. Styling by Liz Pinto.
A well-designed mudroom can transform your client’s daily greeting. There’s nothing like a warm welcome home to everything in the right place. It gives us just one small opportunity to gain a little more peace in this chaotic world. Plus, there are many options for unique mudroom offerings – like this custom dog bath for our furry family members!
A custom dog grooming station and mudroom by Red House Design Build. Puppy Model: Tucker. Photography by Aaron Usher III. Styling by Liz Pinto.