NAHB Housing Economic Study released data showing homeowners are opting to live in their homes longer, and choosing to engage home renovations that enhance the role home plays in the life of family. Destiny Homes, a Minnetonka / Wayzata home builder comments on the findings and offers home renovation ideas for lakefront properties.

Minnetonka, Minnesota (PRWEB) February 19, 2013

Destiny Homes owner Butch Sprenger says: "Families preferring to stay in their homes longer are more likely to do a full house makeover or major home renovation. Their goal is to enjoy more time at home, putting a higher priority on quality time with family and making home a haven. For those opting for a lakefront home, it merits great character and architecture to the rear exterior of the home as much as the front."

The study, called "Latest Calculations Show Average Buyer Expected to Stay in a Home 13 Years", uses the latest data available from the 2011 American Housing Survey (AHS), funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and conducted in odd-numbered years by the Census Bureau. The new data reflects the trauma in recent years of the housing market, and, if housing annalists were to draw a number based only on mobility rates calculated from the most recent datathe expected homeowner's length of stay would be more like16 years.

Additionally, The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) was upbeat in its latest quarterly survey and summary of 2012 home renovations. It said two-thirds of respondents had a positive view of U.S. [home renovations activity in the first quarter of 2013.

Destiny Homes Ideas For Lakefront Home Renovations:

1) Kitchen Renovations With Center Islands - Open-concept kitchens remodels remain popular with a center island to accommodate today's homeowners who turn gourmet chef come evening. Restaurant-inspired cooking areas are custom built in. There may be a prep area for vegetables near the main sink, a baking station near the Wolf oven, and a bar area with a second sink and mini-fridge in the island. A well organized kitchen and pantry are musts haves on everyone list.

2) Remodeled Living Rooms And Fireplaces - Home improvement projects often include an expansive living room large enough for entertaining groups, and favor centering around the warmth of a fireplace for enjoying more moments at home.

3) Sun Room Additions To Highlight Lakeside Views - Breathtaking "ocean like" vistas allow fortunate homeowners to maximize the pleasures of living on or near one of the Twin Cities many lakes. Windows fill the entire walls overlooking the lake that carry the room through the day from enjoying full sunlight in the morning to soft lighting for evening times watching the boats as they settle in at local marinas.

4) Remodeled Formal Dining Rooms With Modern Lighting - Luxury dining rooms with modernized lighting are coming back as families welcome more time at home together. Custom wainscoting creates a fine dining atmosphere and adding a bay window gains an additional seating area that extends the room. A window seat set apart with a couch with chandelier and standard lamps is another alternative. Furnishing may include custom make serving tables from local vines and branches.

Excerpt from:
Homeowners Stay In A Home Longer: Home Renovations For Lakefront Properties

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) -

A group of Home Depot workers are rolling up their sleeves to help out some of Lubbock's abused and neglected children.

They are volunteering their materials and manpower to remodel an entire kitchen in the Emergency Center at the Children's Home of Lubbock.

President of the home, Lynn Harms, said the kitchen was overdue for a renovation.

"They said, 'We're going to donate all the cabinetry, we're going to bring our own crew in, we'll do the demolition, the installation, we'll do the appliances if appliances need to be replaced," Harms said describing the contribution made by the Home Depot volunteers.

Harms said the building was built 15 years ago and in that time, hundreds of kids have passed through.

"In that 15 years, it has had a lot of high use - wear and tear. They said, 'This is important to us. Can we do this project?'"

Ronnie Clary is the store manager of the Home Depot and was at the forefront of this service project after touring the facility in September.

"When we came in here and saw the kids that are less than toddler-aged, that was really what hit home for me," Clary said.

Clary said their goal is to make it feel as much like a home as possible.

More:
Home Depot remodels kitchen at Children's Home of Lubbock

Sequim, Garage, Home Improvement, Maintenance Kitchen Remodels
Welcome to Sequims Home Improvement, Maintenance Kitchen Remodels YouTube site. See our work gallery at http://www.my-work-photos.com. We are building a 30 X 30 garage to match the 100 year old farm house.

By: Brad Griffith

Continue reading here:
Sequim, Garage, Home Improvement, Maintenance

North South Construction Inc, Known for Turning Remodel Projects into Works of Art in the San Bruno Area, Specializes in Custom Homes with a Cutting Edge, Whole House Renovations, and Additions

San Bruno, CA (PRWEB) February 12, 2013

Such is the case with North South Construction (NSCI), founded by Frank McAlorum and Kieran Gibbons, a company well-known in the Bay Area for their ability to completely transform existing structures and create unique homes and commercial buildings.

We not only turn drawings into reality but strive to push the limits and turn projects into works of art, Frank explains in a charming Irish brogue. Over 60 years of combined knowledge gives us the edge to see beyond what is architecturally designed on paper. We put our own personal thumbprint on each project and are always looking for a new challenge or to be part of a cutting edge design.

This year is an exciting one for this San Bruno Remodeler. They are presently involved in building and giving design input to a new custom pool house in Hillsborough, their past work will be illustrated in a future publication of Design Bureau under the architect Peter Llang, owner of Bluetruckstudio Design, and they are excited to announce the launching of their new website.

Now clients who are ready to move forward with building and creating their dream home or commercial space can learn more about this company that has the ability and skilled professionals to finish the job. The website explains in detail the services NSCI offers including:

Whole house remodels

When a home seems to have outlived its usefulness or looks hopelessly out-of-date, homeowners often think about turning to a realtor. However, a whole house remodel is another option that allows families to stay in the neighborhood theyve grown to love while completely redefining their home. By opening up floor plans, moving stairs, moving bedrooms or other living spaces, its possible to create a plan that is appropriate for todays living and incorporate modern, cutting edge designs.

Room Additions and Renovations

NSCI enjoys the challenge of expanding a home to add space a family needs or wants. They have the ability to make the addition look seamless with the rest of a home, not only adding space but also architectural character. If expanding the footprint of a home, this company can take care of everything from the foundation, to framing, to finish carpentry or they can help homeowners explore other options such as adding a second floor or converting unused space like a garage or sunroom. If a family is living in the home during construction, NSCI will be sensitive to the working hours of the project and treat the home as if it were their own. The job site will be safe and clean at the end of each work day. They do their best to make the project comfortable and enjoyable during this creative process.

See the rest here:
San Bruno Remodeler Announces New Website

(photo credit: wtleggett.com)

Whether through hassle-free finishings, additional storage or clean, elegant design elements, Pittsburgh home owners are constantly seeking simple and affordable transformations to make their homes more efficient, beautiful and low-maintenance, as noted by Pittsburgh interior designer Nancy Sudsina, who creates kitchen and bath designs at W.T. Leggett Kitchens in Wexford. I have been designing kitchens and baths for the past 12 years and absolutely love it, says Sudsina, adding, Each project is unique and has its owns challenges. Sudsina, who enjoys creating beautiful, functional spaces, shares her tips for adding local flair to your home in ways that all Pittsburghers can appreciate.

W.T. Leggett Kitchens 11279 Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090 (724) 934-4490 http://www.wtleggett.com

Stylized SimplicitySudsina is seeing more use of simple, clean lines in design and door styles. These design options tend to require less maintenance, particularly in regards to cleaning, and are typically more affordable than more traditional, elaborate touches. One of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to achieve this is to shop for streamlined furniture, art and hardware with contemporary, modern flair. Choose neutral, cool colors like beige or gray and add pops of brighter, vibrant hues in accent elements.

Low-maintenance finishingsIn this busy world, Pittsburghers are less willing to devote long hours to cleaning and maintaining their homes, particularly in the kitchen and bath. Instead of natural stone or granite, for instance, which require a good bit of work to maintain, home owners are seeking more efficient, durable materials. The pendulum is swinging to more quartz countertops, which results in no maintenance and have the look of stone, explains Sudsina. She adds that the availability of so many vendors to select from makes purchasing these finishings quick and easy since it is no longer necessary to travel to the granite yard to approve materials. Opt for countertops made of quartz, stainless steel or paper composite (paperstone).

Related: Kitchen Remodeling Doesnt Have To Be Expensive

Work In additional Storage Where PossibleProbably 80 percent of the kitchens I do have cabinets with crown to the ceiling, says Sudsina, who attributes this style to Pittsburghers need for increased storage. Thinking about the ease of use and storage is very important. Home owners in Pittsburgh value additional storage that is super accessible and these types of cabinets are fantastic doing just that while preventing dusty cabinet tops, a benefit that adds to the perk of not needing to clean. In the living room or bedroom, choose multi-functional pieces that can be turned into modified shelving and those that feature under-the-bed or under-seating storage.

Extravagant, spa-like elements in the bathroomRecently, Sudsina has noticed a trend toward more luxurious updates and design features in bathroom remodels. In baths, the use of larger tiles and resistant-to-staining grouts are popular thanks to their spa feel and ease of cleaning, she points out. Pair these flooring details with relaxing paint hues like green, blue or neutral tans, all of which mimic a soothing, calming effect found in the most indulgent spas. To achieve an upscale style, Sudsina recommends incorporating a secondary handheld shower, which is also growing in popularity for its ease of cleaning a shower. A whirlpool tub and bath seating complete this in-home spa experience.

Baby Boomers In The BurghIn 2012, Pittsburgh was named the countrys most gray cities, according to Forbes, meaning that the greater Pittsburgh areahas a high percentage of residents older than 60 years of age more than 23 percent, in fact and Sudsina is working with many of these baby boomers looking to remain in the area for as long as possible. Aging in Place (AIP) is an important design element at the moment, explains Sudsina. Currently 60 to 70 percent of my clients are 60 years or older. Make your own home AIP-ready by finding ways in which you can bring less straining to daily activities and create a level entry in the kitchen and bath area. Replace your current walls cabinets for those easier to reach, install ramps where stairs once were and consider right-height seats and no-threshold showers, all in durable, long-lasting materials and finishes.

Related: Angies List: Refurbishing Your Bathroom

Read more from the original source:
Tips For Adding Local Flair To Your Home From A Pittsburgh Designer

Like so many other kitchen remodels, the Cornerstone Rescue Missions kitchen upgrade went a bit over budget and took longer than expected.

The end result, even with a $350,000 outlay and a seven-month time frame, was well worth it, according to staff members and diners who began using the Rapid City homeless shelter's new kitchen last week.

After months of serving sack lunches and borrowing kitchen space, Cornerstone chef Jamie Hagan was thrilled to serve a feast of ham and bean soup, fried chicken, pork with mushrooms over rice, fresh vegetables, salad and dessert to about 130 people at the first mid-day meal.

"I figured they've been suffering for a while now, so I sort of overdid it," Hagan said of his first day back in the improved kitchen.

"It's fantastic," he said. Hagan is enjoying all of the improvements, especially the custom-made stove vent that allows the 6-foot, 3-inch cook to stand at the six-burner, two-oven stove and not bump his head against the hood. "I had bruises on my head from the old one," he said.

All new stainless steel appliances fill the reconfigured space. To the left of the new stove is a double convection oven that allows Hagan to cook 14 sheet trays at once, a huge improvement over the four he used to be able to bake. Updates were also made to the electric, mechanical and plumbing systems.

There are new walk-in freezer and refrigerator units, each 12 feet by 8 feet, that give the kitchen staff two and a half times the cold storage of the old kitchen. In the serving and prep area, there is a double-door reach-in refrigerator and similar freezer unit. A tilt-skillet for frying large batches of meat will soon be installed.

The walls and floor were covered in coordinating porcelain tiles and non-skid pavers that improve the sanitation and safety of the kitchen, said architect Thomas Baffuto of Baffuto Architecttura. Along with cleanable ceiling tiles, the new surfaces make it much easier to keep a clean kitchen and pass health inspections.

"The primary goal of this was to redo it so it was more functional," he said. No square footage was added, but the newly streamlined and reconfigured space makes a huge difference in the size of the available work area. West Plains Engineering provided mechanical and electrical work on the project.

"Remodels are challenging, period," said Baffuto. "Decades of alterations had been buried in the building," he said. Cornerstone's kitchen is located in the basement of what was once the Rapid City city hall. The space contained numerous challenges, including a former holding cell for prisoners that had previously been turned into a walk-in cooler.

Read more:
Cornerstone enjoys upgraded kitchen facility

If youre thinking about selling your home this year, then its time to think spring.

The real estate research firm CoreLogic is predicting an increase in home prices in 2013, as the housing market continues to improve. We asked local experts what you can do to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Free fixes

Many of the things that make homes attractive to buyers are simple and more importantly, free. First and foremost, give your house a great cleaning, said Kellee Markwell, a realtor with Roediger Realty in Springfield. Buyers feel more confident buying a well-groomed home because they feel that if what they can see is well cared for, what they cant see was probably taken care of as well.

De-cluttering your home is at the top of every staging experts list. Get things off the counters and put childrens toys away, said homestager Trisha Rowland of ReDesign Mine in Beavercreek. Only leave out about 20 percent of the toys your children own. Dont be tempted to cram everything into a closet, though. Master closets are really important, Rowland said. De-clutter closets especially.

If your walls are covered in family photos, then its time to bid farewell for now. However, an absence of photos can make a house look too stark. If you have photos in frames, go to Google Images and print out some nature or beach scenes, Rowland said. And put them in the frame overtop of your current photos for some instant neutral art.

Keep up curb appeal by mowing grass, keeping the garage door down and weeding flowerbeds. As Rowland said, afresh coat of paint on the front door and neat landscaping can increase buyer interest as much as interior changes.

Think like a buyer, Markwell said. A house that looks clean and well-maintained will stand out.

Low- to moderately priced fixes

Paint is a key ingredient in market success. Repaint any dingy, dirty walls or walls that have a bright, bold color that may not appeal to the majority of buyers, Markwell said. You want to appeal to the largest number of potential buyers possible.

More:
How to get your home ready to sell

(BPT) - Even during a challenging economy, the outdoor living trend remains popular as homeowners seek to add lasting value and functional living space under the sky and stars. Whether its a do-it-yourself patio or a professionally installed outdoor kitchen, the beauty, usefulness, value and ease of maintenance in outdoor living space is limitless.

Extending living space outdoors is as old as time itself. Creating an outdoor room is a natural extension of your indoor living space, says landscape architect John Johnson of Burnsville, Minn. By creating a space in the open air and adding elements like fireplaces, pergolas, water features and greenery, you get a very different feel. People want and need that connection to the outdoors.

Adding value

Without erecting the traditional four walls and roof, outdoor living space can be easily added to large, small, twin or town homes. Enhancing an outdoor space with hardscapes adds value and can be adapted for multiple uses.

Homeowners continue to embrace the trend of maximizing outdoor living space, whether its an outdoor kitchen or patio living room with a fire pit, says Lonny Sekeres, a landscape designer with Villa Landscapes in Oakdale, Minn. Real estate experts say that for every dollar you invest in landscaping projects, you could see up to a $2 return when you sell your home.

Do-it-yourselfers will find easy-to-install, maintenance-free pavers and segmental retaining wall systems are budget-friendly for patios, walkways, courtyards, raised gardens, fire features and wall projects. New construction should include plans for exterior hardscapes, and remodels can benefit from the advice of design-build professionals or experts from a landscape supplies retailer, says Sekeres.

There are so many solutions to fit any budget and need, says Sekeres. Products like Willow Creek permeable pavers allow rainwater drainage if needed, and retaining walls come in colors that complement any environment.

Al fresco living

As a natural extension of the homes ground floor, a patio expands a family's living and entertaining space significantly. It provides a perfect gathering spot for guests and family who will be drawn from indoor dining areas to this enticing space.

A popular trend is to expand kitchen space with outdoor grilling areas, stone fireplaces for cooking wood-fired pizza, or stone counters around a grill for food preparation. Because the kitchen is typically the customary gathering place in the home, its a natural extension for family and entertaining guests, Sekeres says.

Read the original post:
Expanding outdoor living space adds value to your home

Annual survey and analysis of 11 million monthly users reveals top-rated U.S. professionals in the areas of highest customer satisfaction and design.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) February 07, 2013

The Houzz Best Of Houzz award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals. Design award winners work was the most popular among all users in the areas of comments, likes, and additions to ideabooks. Kitchens by Wedgewood won in the Design Award category for its popular rustic kitchen design images.

We are proud to be honored by such a prestigious award said Jim Ames, president of Kitchens by Wedgewood. We strive to provide unique looks and innovative solutions in each project that we take on, from bathroom cabinets in tight spaces, to rustic country kitchen remodels, and custom designs for any room in the house.

Kitchen by Wedgewood, with three locations around Boulder and Denver, has been designing and building cabinetry for almost 29 years. They specialize in custom cabinetry for both the kitchen and bathroom that fits a multitude of design styles whether one is remodeling the current look of their home or incorporating a design into a new home. Kitchen by Wedgewood incorporates innovative manufacturing practices that are environmentally friendly; their green cabinets are both beautiful and safer for the environment. They help with each step of the process from vision to conception through completion - designing the space, installing cabinets and managing the entire remodeling project.

Houzz provides homeowners with an in-depth, 360-degree view of building, remodeling and design professionals through images of their work, reviews and an opportunity to interact with them directly in the Houzz community, said Liza Hausman, vice president of community. Were delighted to recognize Kitchens by Wedgewood among our Best Of professionals for design as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.

With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like Kitchens by Wedgewood but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work, and evaluating their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

To view Kitchen by Wedgewoods complete portfolio of work showcased on Houzz, please visit their profile at http://www.houzz.com/pro/denverkitchens/kitchens-by-wedgewood.

About Kitchens by Wedgewood

Since 1984 Kitchens by Wedgewood has built its reputation for fine cabinetry for every room in your home for every type of remodeling or design project. Kitchens by Wedgewood is unique because their team of specialists build Wedgewood custom cabinetry and represent leading national cabinetry brands. In addition, they specialize in granite and quartz countertops, state of the art organizer components, and a wide selection of hardware to complement your cabinetry.

Read more from the original source:
Kitchens by Wedgewood of Denver Receives Houzz’s 2013 ‘Best Of Houzz’ Award

If it seems that you can never quite diminish the size of your laundry pile, you're not alone. Laundry is a part of everyday life, and the more people in your household, the bigger the pile and the more often you need to wash. Designate one place in your home to be the laundry zone and sort through these time-saving tips to make your laundry routine faster and easier, leaving you with more time to do the things you love.

De-clutter and reorganize. Clear some space from your shelves to give yourself more room to work in the laundry room. Get rid of old containers, trash and even those stray socks missing their pair. Place a small basket or tray near the washer for collecting small items and loose change found in pockets. This prevents clutter as well as accidents in the wash. Larger baskets labeled delicates, lights and darks help to keep clothes easily sorted and off of the floor.

Essentials at-the-ready. Keep frequently used items easily accessible by placing them on a shelf designed to fit on top of your washing machine. Store smaller items in stackable baskets or bins so they aren't in the way. Make sure your detergent is placed high enough so that little hands can't grab it, but within reach for older kids to take over their own laundry chores.

Get rid of hassle and bulk. Save yourself from the trouble of heavy bottles and messy spills. Choose a multi-purpose detergent that comes pre-measured. Just toss one in the washer with your laundry and go.

Sort and go. Give everyone in the family their own small mesh laundry bag for items that tend to get lost and mixed-up such as socks and underwear. Collect the bags and throw them in the washer and dryer together so that everything stays sorted.

Prep for final steps. Save time from ironing by pulling clothes directly from the dryer after the cycle is complete. Keep a stack of hangers nearby to hang clothes immediately for a wrinkle-free wardrobe. Designate an area of nearby countertop or a table to make folding and organizing clothes out of the dryer quicker.

-- Family Features

Home Selling Tip

When preparing for a showing, pay attention to details!Little things mean a lot in the big picture because they pull the house's look together. Things like small, colorful ceramic tiles placed into brick steps to carry through a color scheme. Edging the lawn. Large planters. Finally, don't forget to tidy up. Curb appeal also means a place that looks neat and clean, the kind of place you'd like to live.

-- Frontdoor.com

Original post:

Home Help: Simplify your laundry routine