Remodeling in itself is probably one of the most stressful undertakings the average person will have in his or her lifetime. Although it seems melodramatic just talking about it there are many items to consider before the action starts: financing, hiring a contractor, getting plans, picking out the right built-in cabinets, etc. If the remodel is big enough there are also spin-offs like having to move out another place while your home is being apart. The same conditions apply to building a new home.
If you are going to spend more than the next five years in the home after spending all this money it is a good bet that you want most of your choices to still be current at the end of 60 months as it is now. Because if, for some reason, you have to money because of a job relocation or some other reason you certainly don't want prospective buyers thinking that your style is from put of Dark Ages.
This is why it's good to find out now what will stay current and what is just a fad. You can search the internet for clues or get a designer to help you. Because th small amount you pay for professional help will come back in spades when you sell.
So Where Will Style Go in 5 Years?
Some designers will tell you that picking styles for the interior of homes is like guessing the weather at the same time period. However, most of them will agree that there are certain things that tend to change and others that are slow to disappear.
The facts are in that over 70 million persons born between 1946 and 1944 are ready to retire in the next few years. However, unlike their parent the old “Golden Years†adage does not apply. This bunch will go into old age as the most physically fit, entertainment-driven demographic in history with the money to support their lifestyles.
1. Maintenance-Free
If you have active people buying properties, especially baby-boomers, low-maintenace is the buzzword. All surfaces - exterior, walkways, floors, kitchen, bathroom - should be hardy so that they will glisten in 5 years with very little help. As with most properties that are built with the intention to sell look for quality paints in light colors. Surfaces painted with superior products wear well, are easy to clean and do not need any refinishing ten years.
2. Classic Kitchens
Look back to the 1970's and envision the harvest gold and olive-green stoves and fridges? Would you have bought a home with all major appliances in a completely out-of-date color? Maybe the person that did buy the home got a gem for a song because of the glaring â€oldness†portrayed by a few simple items in the home. This should give you a clue no to buy outlandishly-colored appliances or light fixtures.
However, you will still see stone like granite and marble if these surfaces have been properly maintained and sealed. And despite the “tuscan look†going around stick to a very clean look.
4. Bathroom
If you do your homework you should be able to get away with the bathroom of today, tomorrow. Stick with spa-jet, soaker tubs and a separate shower cabinet. Instead of the big, custom tile for the walls and showers go with a smaller size, around 12â€. However, cover as much of the wall surface as possible and your maintenance will be lower.
5. Keep the Original Style
If your present house is a traditional Cape Cod don't rip off the clapboard and stick on stucco. In other words maintain the style of the home. Many people in the 1970's put vinyl siding over old cedar shakes and wall-to-wall carpet over original hardwood floors. When the new owners looked underneath they realized that they got a fabulous deal and, if the house had been original, they would have had to pay a lot more.
6. Flooring
Woof flooring will still be in style but not engineered hardwood or bamboo. Look for cork and light hardwood as well as tile and cork for kitchens. Stamped and stained concrete done in a neutral color and patterning and high-end linoleum will wear awell and look great with little maintenance. Say no to wall-to-wall carpet but nice rugs will do fine.
7. Accessibility
Ground-level access to the home is essential. As well, the floor between the rooms should be level with no bumps from floor dividers. There should be at least one bedroom on the main floor.
8. More Rooms
Extra rooms off the master bedroom for storage, walk-in closets and “snoring rooms†are popular now and will be more welcome in 5 years as people are tending to make the bedroom a day living space as well as one for sleeping.
9. Smart Panels
Electrical outlet control, lighting and entertainment controls will be on one accessible remote control that operates a “smart panel.†Everything electrical should be kept in the man living area and not in the garage.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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