Universal design is attained when a home is built, crafted or remodeled in a way that makes function accessible to for all inhabitants regardless of age or condition. As a section of the remodel market expected to expand, there are seven important ways that apply to a home exhibiting universal design. 1. Equitable Use Design that accommodates everyone from aging grandparents to children with limited mobility. 2. Flexibility in Use Accounting for a wide variety and range of usage, whether tall or short. 3. Simple and Intuitive Use…
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Remodel of the Week: Luxurious Modern Mediterranean Style Coastal Home
A vacation retreat in Pismo Beach, California was recently remodeled to the vision of the ultimate beachside retirement home using modern Mediterranean style to naturally brighten up the previously dark and dimly-lit house. Tackling the whole house with new paints, materials and detailing transformed the home into the ultimate coastal paradise. Substituting lighter-colored cabinetry in place of the red-stained wood and changing the dark countertops to white made the most of the decision to more light enter in through the bigger windows near the kitchen. The entrance and living room…
Read MoreHome Improvement Originations Surge Despite Weak Outlook
Although suffering a dip from the previous quarter, home improvement loan originations have increased over 35% year-over-year to over $3.5 billion, signaling a strong demand for home remodeling and renovations. Datasets from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and the National Association of Homebuilders point to signs that remodeling activity is softening, but the increase in home improvement loan originations demonstrates that remodeling activity fares well, especially as many are likely to finance through home-equity lines of credit. Remodelers are mostly positive while some see activity slowing…
Read MoreThe Process of an Award-Winning Bathroom Remodel
The team at Bath Tune-Up in McKinney, Texas, shared their process on their Chrysalis Award winning bathroom remodel. The budget of the remodel was a modest $39,000 and the team kept it within the original footprint of the room. They adressed client concerns about aging in place and added accessibility features without sacrificing contemporary design elements. The bathroom remodel prioritized safety, an addition of a foldable bench and accessibility bars allows for seamless and easy movement regardless of age. This was complemented by stunning tile-work and fixture selection to make…
Read MoreSurveys offer glimpse into home remodeling, improvement sentiment
Staying up to date with consumer interest is of vital importance in the remodeling industry, and luckily the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University have released surveys that detail what statistically receives the most attention from homeowners pursuing renovations. NAHB survey results found a slight decrease in measures from the first quarter, especially in the western part of the country despite an overall positive sentiment among the remodeling market. Directors at Harvard’s Remodeling Futures Program also pitched in their views…
Read MoreNumber of Remodeling Firms Outpaces Single-Family Builders in U.S.
An increase in the number of residential remodelers between 2017 and 2022 of 25% has widened the gap between how many remodelers there are compared to how many residential builders, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders. Further analysis seems to support that the pandemic played a role in the increase of the remodel market as a report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies demonstrated a dramatic rise in remodeling spending that remained above $600 billion despite leveling out after 2022. Nevertheless, some data from the…
Read MoreSeven Home Upgrades That Just Aren’t Worth the Cost
Home upgrades can completely change the aesthetic of a home, however some may be worth less than the money and energy put into them. Promising upgrades such as skylights and outdoor kitchens appear to many as bedazzling investments as remodeling choices, yet the cost and maintenance associated with such installing such features make them less wise choices in the eyes of some remodelers. Whether these additions are worth the expense or place an unnecessary financial burden is ultimately a conversation to be had between homeowner and builder, but there is…
Read MoreSlower Growth Projected for Remodeling Into Next Year
According to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), annual expenditures for improvements and maintenance to owner-occupied homes are expected to soften in 2026. Under the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard, the conducted study measured changes in remodel activity across the broad market. Year-over-year spending on home renovation and repair is indicated to increase by just 1.2 percent by the second quarter of 2026. As noted by Chris Herbert, Managing Director of Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, “federal cuts to incentives for home energy improvements could spur an increase in…
Read MoreResidential Remodelers Outnumber Single-family Builders in the U.S.
The number of residential remodelers in the U.S. hit a record high of 128,187 in 2022, 65% more than the 77,455 residential builders, according to new Census Bureau data. Remodelers have seen much faster growth than builders, rising 25% from 2017 to 2022 and 73% since 2007, while the builder count grew 12% and fell 21% over the same periods. Remodelers made up 62% of all residential construction businesses in 2022, continuing a trend that began after builders last held the majority in 2007. Read More
Read MoreHenderer Design and Build recognized for interior renovation project
Henderer Design and Build, based in Corvallis with ties to Philomath, has earned a 2025 Chrysalis Award for a standout interior remodel. The project, which addressed a poor layout by reconfiguring living spaces and adding custom features, won in the $300,000-$500,000 category. Judges praised the company’s creativity and craftsmanship, noting it as Henderer’s fourth Chrysalis Award in four years. Read More
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