Home Improve, Not Move Is The Trend In North Carolina
Remodeling is a popular choice for homeowners in North Carolina and the rest of the country
. According the BuildFax Remodeling Index,May, 2011 showed the highest level of remodeling activity since 2004 and increased 22 percent since May, 2010. The index has been on the rise for 19 straight months. Why? In an uncertain economy, homeowners are often remodeling their homes rather than moving to new ones. They are renovating outmoded kitchens and baths, making homes more energy efficient, adding a few custom features, and maybe even making changes to accommodate parents or other family members who are now sharing the space. Home improvement is IN, home replacement is OUT as homeowners strive to make their homes closer to what they need and want.
Remodeling for Energy Efficiency
Even if your home was built as recently as the 1990s, it may be costing you money in higher energy costs. Windows and doors are better insulated now, so new ones will keep you warmer and lower your bills. Even though federal credits may disappear in later 2011, other programs available to North Carolina residents offer additional incentives in the form or rebates and tax credits for adding energy-efficient features.
Windows, which provide natural sunlight, can also be a focal point of a room and give you a beautiful view of your yard or other scenery. You can even add a sunroom with ultraviolet protection from glaring rays and a polycarbonate roof system that can withstand even the harshest elements. When you add a room with lots of windows or replace existing windows, you may enjoy your home even more.
Upgrading When Repairing
You may undertake some remodeling projects because you need to make repairs or perform maintenance. When your house needs painting, that might be the time to consider new vinyl or cement fiber siding; the initial cost is more, but the house will look great and be maintenance-free for a few years. Even if you hope to sell your home when the economy improves, replacing the roof, siding, or windows will prepare your home to be competitive in the real estate market and be one less thing you need to attend to when you do want to sell.
Modernize Your Home
Your home may be in perfect shape, but the colors and styles may date it. You may like a retro look but those harvest gold appliances and shag carpet may not reflect your current taste. Remodeling can shave decades off your home, plus give it some features you would like to have. If you need more space, adding on to or reconfiguring the space can make the homework for you and your family. Updating the kitchen or bath are the most popular upgrades.
Double Up to Save Dollars
Children leave the nest, but in the current economy, kids come home, parent come to live with their kids, and other related or unrelated families decide to reduce their costs by living together. According to the Census Bureau, between 2000 and 2007, there was a 67 percent increase in the number of parents who moved in with their children. The biggest increase was in parents under 65.
Combining households tends to work best when each part of the extended family has some privacy. Adding an addition, putting in another bathroom, or renovating some space, preferably with a separate entrance can make the arrangement workable.
Remodeling and home improvement trends in North Carolina show that homeowners want to make their homes more comfortable, modern, and livable.
by: Joaquin Erazo, Jr.
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