Seminars highlight trends, tips for home remodeling

Remodeling is a word that often makes people cringe. However, local remodelers point out that remodeling can be a wonderful option, especially for homeowners who are happy where they are.

"People that remodel usually enjoy the location of their existing home and are looking to improve the functionality of the home," said Sam Bradley, of Sam Bradley Homes.

The key is to be prepared. Several seminars at the HBA Home & Remodeling Show are designed to educate and protect consumers contemplating remodeling.

According to Russel Caldwell, president of Caldwell Construction Inc., "Remodeling Trends' will cover what's hot and what's new. Remodeling Costs vs. Value' will help you to decide How much return will I get for my dollars spent on remodeling.' Remodeling: The Horror Stories' will give you an idea of where to start and how to select a remodeler for your project."

Regarding current trends, "Kitchen and bath projects are certainly the most popular home improvement," Bradley said. They are also on Caldwell's list of hot projects, along with sunrooms, in-home theaters and family rooms. Also, people are choosing easy-to-clean and low maintenance options, Caldwell said.

"People are wanting specific-use rooms computer rooms, playrooms, media rooms," said Alane Shultz, project manager at Roland G. Shultz Inc. "People have different needs now than they did 20 years ago."

"If you haven't done any changes in 20 years, there's a whole different world of choices. What once might have been considered a luxury item is now standard in a lot of projects. People have certain expectations. They are usually upgrading to bigger and better than what they have, as in a kitchen remodel," Shultz said. "It's not uncommon for people to use commercial-type stove or oven units with custom functions like a warming drawer or pizza unit. Wine cellars are common in custom home kitchens."

The age of people remodeling varies. Caldwell estimated most are between the ages of 33 and 54.

"Empty nesters are changing existing spaces into exercise rooms. Now that the kids are off, they can spend money on themselves and the house. Or, perhaps if they entertain more with the kids gone, they remodel the kitchen for gourmet cooking," Shultz said.

Remodelers recommend owners make sure they budget more for work and materials than they expect to need. "Generally people end up spending more than what they anticipated because they say Well, we're only going to do this once.' You don't want to have regrets and wish later that you'd gone with the more expensive material," Shultz said.

Budgeting can be tricky because the cost is subjective. Costs vary greatly depending on what needs to be done and the materials selected.

In the long run, remodeling an older home may prove profitable when selling time arrives. "Every year Remodeling Magazine does a cost vs. value report. The study contrasts the cost of home improvements with their recouped value when the home is sold," Bradley said.

For example, Remodeling Magazine lists a minor kitchen remodel as paying off big at 81 percent, and a bathroom remodel or family room addition pays off at 71 percent.

Besides considering costs, remodelers recommend homeowners consider who they want doing the work. The main questions, Caldwell said, are, "Can I communicate well with my remodeler?" and "How much do I want to spend?"

"The overall success of a project will hinge greatly on the two parties being able to communicate well. Also, revealing your budget to your remodeler of choice will enable them to design the project to fit your needs and save valuable time and possibly costs," Caldwell added.

Always ask if they have workers' compensation and liability insurance because you, as the homeowner, might be liable for on-the-job injuries, Caldwell said.

"Check, check, check references. Do enough research to get comfortable with the remodeler before hiring them," Caldwell said.