Interior updates, decks, room additions keep builders busy

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Local remodeling specialists have kept a full schedule of projects in 1999 and many are booked through the end of the year.

Remodeling is up nationwide this year, totaling $180 billion to date, according to Russell Caldwell, owner of Caldwell Construction Inc.

Remodelers agree that the hottest trend is updates on kitchens and baths. People are taking advantage of technology and installing new appliances and fixtures, Caldwell said.

One goal of the homeowner is to get that microwave up off the countertop and mount it over the stove or in a cabinet, he said. More counter space and center islands are in demand.

Traditionally, the kitchen is the gathering place of a home, Caldwell said, and people are going for lighter and brighter cabinets and finishes to enhance the space where they spend so much time.

Customers want lots of natural lighting, adding windows and skylights to bring in outside light, and installing recessed lighting for atmosphere and to accent certain areas, he said.

People are also taking advantage of improvements in durable surfaces. Many homeowners have chosen granite countertops and tile floors in light colors to add warmth and texture to rooms.

Most homes in the 20-year-old-plus range have soffits in the kitchen, he said. People are doing away with those and using the space for storage. Cabinets are being installed on different levels, giving the built-ins an interesting, staggered look, Caldwell said.

In the bathroom, the customer wants nicer fixtures, and tile showers are being replaced with maintenance-free cultured marble walls.

Water-saver toilets are also part of the update, although these are not necessarily popular with the homeowner.

"People don't especially like it, but the water-saver stool is what is available today," Caldwell said.

Caldwell is building a lot of sunrooms, usually enclosing an existing patio, and decks are still very popular, he said.

Many people have added decks and updated exteriors with maintenance-free siding, he added.

Kitchens and baths comprise a large part of what Jim Murphy and Sons Construction Company has done this year, according to co-owner Ron Murphy.

Light colors, white countertops and white appliances that never go out of style are the norm, Murphy said.

Customers are looking for modern conveniences and installing better cabinets with hidden hinges and smoother lines.

The cultured-marble shower wrap is the way to go in the bathroom, Murphy said, because it lasts a long time and is easy to clean.

Outdoors, Murphy builds a lot of ponds and waterfalls for customers who want to spruce up the backyard and make it a peaceful, relaxing place to congregate in the evening.

"This is the fastest-growing part of the landscaping business," he said.

Back inside, many people have updated old heating and cooling systems with energy-efficient units that save on space and utility bills, Murphy said.

Home entertainment centers with surround sound are still popular this year, Murphy said. Most of his customers want the system installed in an existing room, either the den or living room, rather than building a special room for the purpose.

In more than 30 years in the business, Roy Bright, owner of Bright Construction Inc., has seen a lot of changes and innovations in the remodeling business. He said he still likes what he does for a living.

"It's good to enjoy what you are doing and get paid for it," Bright said.

Bright said the customer's primary focus for a kitchen update is style and convenience. The cook wants ease in getting things done in the kitchen.

Most people who choose to remodel want the latest and best equipment in both the kitchen and bath areas for these reasons.

Several kitchen makeovers Bright has done have included high-end semi-commercial gas ranges, big built-in refrigerators and multifunctional microwaves.

Many of these kitchen jobs have required an extension of the room to accommodate the additions, Bright said.

Bright noted that if he counts the number of jobs completed, he has done more decks, window replacements and baths than anything in recent months. But in terms of dollars, room additions, enclosed porches and kitchens have been the big items for his business this year.

When homeowners are ready for kitchen updates, they usually go all out with new appliances and floor-to-ceiling makeovers, Bright said. They want lighter colors and more or bigger windows.

For Bright, one of the most common additions these days is expansion of the master bath. He said people want nicer decor, more space, a whirlpool tub and designer shower in their private domain.

Buyers are more informed today, Caldwell said. They know what they want and they've done their research.

"Part of our responsibility is to keep up with what's new to help them make the best choices available," he added.