2013 Houzz & Home Survey Finds More Homeowners Are Choosing to Remodel
Bathrooms and kitchens are a top priority
More than 100,000 homeowners who responded to the 2nd annual Houzz & Home Survey believe that the coming year will be a big one for remodelling projects, and we agree! We started to see a steady increase in calls last fall, and this summer at Mystic River Building Company (MRBC), we have several active remodelling projects.
According to the Houzz survey, more homeowners are opting to update and remodel their existing home, either to make it work better for their growing family, or if they are empty nesters, to make their existing home to fit a new lifestyle.
Another key motivation is increased energy-efficiency and comfort, which offers the bonus of utility savings, and our Mystic River E-Save remodeled homes do just that.
More than two-thirds who participated in the Houzz survey also said that when it comes to hiring a professional for their project, “a personality I can work with” is very important.
In hiring a professional, the following criteria were rated as “Very Important”:
- Good reviews & recommendations 81%
- Expert in their field 70%
- Personality I can work with 67%
- Completed projects like mine 59%
- Lowest cost option 8%
Key motivators for remodeling
While improving the look, feel, flow and layout of their home is still the key driver for remodeling projects, according to the survey, this year, an increasing number of homeowners who have or will make improvements to their home are investing in it to increase their home’s value.
Bathrooms and kitchens are top priority
The most popular areas where homeowners undertake projects year after year are bathrooms and kitchens.
Even though it is one of the smallest rooms in the house, a bathroom remodel is one of the most worthwhile home investments you can make. Adding updates — like a new bathtub, walk-in shower and double sinks — will increase the overall value, quality and comfort of your home.
Top 3 Bath Trends
The master bath has become more luxurious, eco-friendly and high tech, but above all, homeowners want their master bath to be a room where they can pamper themselves.
1. Bath as spa
Luxurious marble continues to be the favored material for master baths, and this master bath in a Mystic River custom home on a marina in Westbrook has it all.
Marble walls, tub deck and floor exude luxury, while a large picture window frames the view of the outdoor landscape, and a fireplace completes the spa-like feel of the space. The shower is just as luxurious, with radiant heated seats.
This bath was recently featured in Professional Builder magazine.
For the more practically minded homebuyer, there is a marble alternative available from Syn-Mar Products and a Aker garden tub from Maxx .
Freestanding designer tubs
Pedestal or free standing designer tubs are very popular today. Pictured below is the Bain Ultra Essencia oval pedestal tub. Available in two product categories: ThermoMasseur® an air jet bath offering a deeper massage or the new ThermaSens™, 3 combined therapies to awake your senses.
Tricked-Out Shower
On the left below, Kohler’s DTV shower was introduced last year, but the latest version is fully loaded. It features a control system with functions like water pressure and temperature, but also chromatherapy (from above), steam, and a built in stereo system, all controlled from an LCD screen that can be mounted on the wall.
On the right is a Mystic River custom master walk-in shower with multiple sprays and rain shower head.
Kohler DTV Shower
MRBC custom home master shower
Some homeowners are opting to eliminate a bathtub to make room for that all important walk-in shower. Here’s a tiled shower and dressing room we added to a home in North Stonington.
2. WATER SAVING FEATURES
With the introduction of the WaterSense label (similar to Energy Star), manufacturers are getting smart about reducing toilet and faucet water use.
Hands-Free Faucet
Now, we are easily and affordably able to save water by installing low-flow aerators on new and existing faucets.
Kohler’s version features a 30 percent water flow reduction over standard models. The company’s Tripoint Touchless Electronic Faucet utilizes an activation sensor that saves water by keeping false activations to a minimum.
Smart Shower
This water-efficient showerhead with H2Okinetic Technology® from manages the water droplet size and velocity, spray coverage and thermal dynamics, delivering the feeling of a standard showerhead at a lower flow.
3. UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Walk-in tubs, shower seats, and towel bars are not only functional, but they can be stylish too.
Easy Bathing
Walk-in tubs like this one from Oceania, allow people with reduced mobility to enjoy bathing. The Serenite model is available with an air bath system, great for getting the circulation going.
Extra Protection
Nine-inch designer hand grips from Home Care by Moen are available in both chrome and brushed nickel, and the contemporary look allows for easy integration into any bath design.
Check us out on Houzz – the leading online platform for home remodeling and design.
Next up … Top Kitchen Trends in our August blog post.