Based on a recent poll, here are tips you can use to increase the value of your home by making it current, clean and green.
WHAT’S IN?
- A Reduced Carbon Footprint: How your home and you impact the earth matters to more homeowners and buyers who want a home that lets them save energy and lessen their contribution to global warming. Make your home more energy efficient.
- Outdoor Living: Massive fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and under-patio heating to extend the season are not just for the Sun Belt anymore. Improve your outdoor living space.
- Fully Concealed Appliances: That wood printed cover for the fridge is not enough any longer. The current trend is to hide appliances behind hinged doors that match your kitchen cabinetry.
- Hardwood Floors: Very much in vogue these days. When thinking about new carpeting for your home, also consider the option of installing hardwood floors.
- Home Elevators: Even builders of mid-priced homes are adding this amenity for boomers wanting to age in place.
- Freestanding Bathtubs: These oversized soaker tubs, or “bath thrones” have supplanted whirlpool baths as the must-have bathroom centerpiece. Keep this trend in mind when planning a bathroom remodeling project.
WHAT’S OUT?
- Living Rooms: The Great Room is in and the “parlor” has ceased to exist in many contemporary floorplans. Consider re-purposing your living room, if you are contemplating a home remodel.
- Ceiling Heights: The wasted space of 20-foot ceilings in 12- by 10-foot rooms is unpopular now, as more homeowner and buyers become energy conscious and strive to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Tiny Balconies: Standing room only is worthless; balconies and patios must now function for entertaining, too.
- Wallpaper and Wood Paneling: It’s gone out of style! These outdated looks have been replaced by preferences for neutral and soft paint colors.