The Top 7 Remodeling Projects Right Now

It’s been quite a year. As a community, we have faced unprecedented challenges as we navigate the reality of living and working through a pandemic. Working from home and social distancing has opened our eyes to exactly how our homes can improve to meeting our changing needs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at 7 popular remodeling projects in 2020.

Home Office

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.

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 

Next in our list of popular remodeling projects, outdoor living is the perfect pandemic friendly project. You 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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Basement

The ultimate flex-space, the basement. It’s the perfect spot for that little something extra you’ve 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.

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 garage addition is the perfect way to add that extra storage you 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.

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

Finally, 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 popular remodeling projects list. Plus, spending all this extra time at home can really make you aware of all the clutter and disarray. 

A well-designed mudroom can transform your 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!

We hope you enjoyed these popular remodeling projects.

Check out this article on design trends to see more inspiration! And contact us to schedule a Discovery Call to start your next home project.