Not all of us have the opportunity to move into brand new homes. As such, occasional repairs and remodels are necessary to ensure you are utilizing your new space as efficiently and luxuriously as possible. Therefore, whether you just moved or are thinking of moving, it always pays to know the hottest home remodeling trends across the country.
Bathroom Remodels
Barring a miraculous shift in mindset, bathroom remodels will always be near the top of the list. Since it’s the most trafficked room in the home, it’s no wonder more people choose to remodel their bathroom before any other room. Additionally, sellers and landlords know bathrooms sell residences, so the nicer they are, the faster they’re sold.
Some of the hottest bathroom remodeling trends include:
- Modern Metallics
- Modern Walls
- Subway Tiles
- Raised Cabinetry
- Heated Floors
- Spa-like Features
- High-tech Additions
However, like many home renovation projects, bathroom remodels do not always return 100% of your investment. According to Remodeling’s 2016 Cost vs. Value Report, midrange bathroom remodels return 66% of your investment.
Entry Door Replacement
Believe it or not, prior to 2016, entry door replacement had been the most valuable home remodeling project (in terms of cost recovered) for three years in a row. This year, the percentage recouped (ROI) fell from 102% last year to 91% this year.
While it’s not as high as last year, 91% is a very strong ROI. For comparison, according to Remodeling’s report, the average cost recouped for all projects was 64%.
Kitchen Remodels
Besides the bathroom, the other major room of the house is of course, the kitchen. The kitchen is where memories are made. It’s where you catch up on your day with your significant other. It’s where you teach your children how to bake cookies. It’s the new gathering place for family get-togethers and housewarming parties. It’s where everything comes together.
There are many moving parts, but some of the hottest kitchen remodeling trends for 2016 are:
- Bright Accents
- Neutral Colors
- Quartz Counters
- Contemporary Cabinets
- Hardwood Flooring
- Sleek Appliances
If you are looking for a major remodel, see the average costs of all major kitchen renovation projects.
Home Exterior Projects
Besides the front door, there are other home exterior projects trending in 2016. For one, decks are starting to become the rule rather than the exception. After all, especially for those of us in colder climates, most homeowners like to appreciate the great outdoors as much as possible. A new or improved deck gives you the space to not only enjoy it, but take full advantage of your outdoor living area.
On the other side of the house, curb appeal is gaining steam when it comes to buying and selling homes. Homeowners want both the inside and outside to look and feel perfect. Therefore, many homeowners are spending more to enhance their curb appeal with updated siding and landscaping projects. Whether it’s replacing your vinyl siding or adding new, bright flowers to your front yard, just know that a home’s exterior continues gain prominence in the design and real estate arenas.
Insulation Projects
As anyone can attest, bills are rising, but unlike some of the previous renovation projects discussed, insulation can actually lower your monthly utility bills. Fortunately, updated insulation is the best way to decrease your electric or heating bills. Luckily, there are plenty of different insulation projects to choose from.
The first and most obvious place expensive heat or air conditioning leaves your home are the windows. As the window industry has become much more energy efficient, many homeowners are replacing their old, beat-up windows for new, energy-efficient units.
Besides your windows, there are other areas where you can improve your insulation, such as the attic. In fact, as Remodeling pointed on in their report, attic insulation has the highest ROI among all home renovation projects this year (116%). While the overall cost is quite small ($1,278), the high return is the main takeaway.
Personalized Projects
All projects above are in hot demand, but like any other year, personalized projects you’ve been dying to accomplish should never get pushed to the side. If you want to add a bright accent wall to your bedroom, do it. If you want to rip out those tile floors, go for it. Your home should be your sanctuary. You should feel as comfortable as possible. No matter the update, if it makes you happy, do it!
Jacob Hurwith is the content marketing manager at ImproveNet, your source for all home improvement resources. Before joining ImproveNet, Jacob worked for various publications throughout Chicagoland including the Chicago Sun-Times. When he is not writing, Jacob enjoys keeping up with Chicago sports, catching up on his favorite TV shows and of course, running along Lake Michigan.
