Green remodeling trends are on the uptick according to American Housing summary by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University recently released study, and Minnesota homes frequently employ home remodels that add to a home's warmth. Home Destination, a Minneapolis residential Realtor and professional with RE/MAX Results, comments on the housing study and offers insights for homeowners to encourage green home remodeling.

Minneapolis, Minnesota (PRWEB) February 12, 2013

Home Destination's owner Jenna Thuening says, "Many Minneapolis homeowners ready to embrace greener homes ask about the costs of green home remodeling. Think of it this way, it is an inexpensive alternative to offer your family to reduce their risk of lung cancer, or other health risks that exist in many previously owned homes. Green home improvements often are less costly to maintain, and certainly can prevent future high medical costs that may be incurred without making necessary home upgrades".

While energy efficiency is a high priority, homeowners additionally show a growing interest in responsible environmental sustainability. Harvard's recent survey of home remodeling contractors indicated that high-efficiency toilets, low- or no-VOC paints, and mold resistant gypsum wall panels are among the most popular green products used in green home remodeling projects. "In 2012, the share of remodeling revenues from projects promoting environmental sustainability (24 percent) approached the share from projects designed to increase energy efficiency (32 percent)." according to the housing study results.

"Most homeowners green remodeling projects achieve multiple goals, and they benefit from a higher quality of home-life as well," adds Thuening.

A green home remodel is intentional to reduce health related problems caused or aggravated by mold, radon, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and toxic chemicals (Volatile Organic Compounds). To achieve superior indoor air quality to protect families, a home remodeler will pay very close attention to a homes moisture control systems, active radon management, building materials and finishing products installed. HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning and filtration) and combustion venting systems are a few to mention. Remodeling a home with a green-friendly goal is forward thinking that a healthy home is all about protecting the health and welfare of the household.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveyed home builders in a study to determine how widely used green home remodeling is across the Unites States. Here is Home Destination's summary of the most recent findings:

"Minneapolis home buyers often seek winter's warmth in and heated flooring and carpeted updates. Overall, Minnesotans have definitely embraced greener homes." says Jenna. Heat, water, weathering or aging can impact a home's flooring to the point where it is considered "friable". Friable flooring is when any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos has deteriorated to where it can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder with hand pressure. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends using a licensed asbestos contractor to remove asbestos-containing flooring during home improvements. Harmful components are commonly found in older floor tiles and vinyl floor sheeting (Linoleum). They need to be removed safely while a homeowner is installing new carpets, tile or hardwood green-friendly flooring..

Whether youre a homeowner on the cusp of making home improvement decisions or pondering things to do to prepare to sell, there are green resources and information that can help you sort through the options available.

Jenna Thuening Home Destination 612-396-7832 Email Information

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Green Home Remodeling Trends Are Embraced by Minneapolis Homeowners

Previz of shopping center remodeling. 3D graphics were composited over original footage.

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National Association of Remodeling Industry Honors BOWA with Three Remodeling and Renovation Awards as the Metro-D.C. Area Firm Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

McLean, Va. (PRWEB) February 08, 2013

The BOWA team is grateful to the NARI Metro-D.C. Chapter for this recognition of our work, said Josh Baker, founder of BOWA. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, these awards highlight our ongoing tradition and commitment to providing the highest quality renovation and remodeling work for our clients and innovative results.

BOWA received the NARI 2012 CotY awards in the following three categories:

BOWA received both the CotY grand award for Residential Kitchen more than $150,000 and the CotY merit award for Residential Addition $250,000 - $500,000 for a renovation in McLean, Va. The kitchen renovation included a rerouted staircase and incorporated abundant storage, state-of-the-art appliances and two islands complete with an under-the-counter microwave and a warming drawer. An addition to this same home created more space, with an enlarged family dining area, sitting room, screened porch and pergola added to improve the flow from the indoor to the outdoor spaces.

BOWAs renovation of a home in Washington, D.C. received the CotY grand award for Residential Interior $250,000 - $500,000. This renovation included many structural modifications, while transforming multiple formal spaces into a cohesive open, contemporary and sophisticated space. The most spectacular features include a foyer with marble floors and custom medallion, an astonishing three-sided stone fireplace and a multi-purpose island with a display area perfect for a family who loves to entertain guests.

For additional information on these award-winning projects and to view images, please visit http://www.bowa.com/kitchen-renovation-and-addition-in-mclean-va/ and http://www.bowa.com/spectacular-contemporary-renovation-in-washington-dc/ at http://www.bowa.com.

About BOWA

BOWA transforms houses into homes through the design and construction of luxury renovations and additions. From the very beginning, BOWA provides the single point of accountability for its customers, guiding, executing, and managing their design, construction and client experience. Drawing on a tradition of excellence for 25 years, BOWA has been honored with more than 110 local and national awards of excellence, including being named National Remodeler of the Year by Professional Remodeler magazine and largest Whole House Remodeler by Qualified Remodeler Magazine. With offices in McLean and Middleburg, Virginia, BOWA serves clients in Suburban Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. For more information, visit http://www.bowa.com or call 703-734-9050.

Susanna Palmer for BOWA (202) 413-6251 Email Information

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Remodeling Industry Recognizes BOWA as a Contractor of the Year for Third Consecutive Year

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) February 08, 2013

The level of remodeling and replacement project activity nationally continued to show improvements in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the latest release of the Residential Remodeling Index (RRI) by Hanley Wood. The seasonally adjusted fourth quarter national composite of the RRI registered a score of 84.08, which was a 0.3 percent improvement over the revised third quarter result of 83.82.

The increase quarter-to-quarter was the fourth consecutive increase after the industry experienced declines for the five straight quarters ending in 2011. The industry experienced the declines in activity as energy-related tax credits expired at the end of 2010 and both housing and the general economy wilted in 2011. As housing fundamentals began turning the corner in 2012, remodeling and replacement activity began to increase and is forecasted by Hanley Wood to improve at a better pace over the next several years.

Estimated remodeling and replacement projects in 2012 came in at just under 10.2 million, an increase of 1 percent over 2011 and reversed the prior year-over-year decline of 3 percent from the 10.4 million estimated projects completed in 2010. The market peaked in 2007 at 12.2 million large, pro-worthy projects.

The fourth quarter of 2012 came in slightly weaker than expected, remarked Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist of Hanley Wood. In October, we had forecasted we would see improvement of 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in the fourth quarter, but the initial fourth quarter RRI measured a 0.3 percent improvement. This was a temporary lull brought on by dampening consumer confidence at the end of the year, no doubt tied to tax policy and economic uncertainty. We are now expecting the first quarter of 2013 to likewise improve slightly at a lesser rate than the previous three quarters, but then we see improving growth throughout the rest of 2013 and into 2014.

Smoke added, We are expecting 2013 to be stronger than 2012 with our current official fourth quarter of 2013 forecast of 86.41, which would represent a 2.8 percent increase over the fourth quarter of 2012. For comparison, the fourth quarter of 2012 measured a 2.4 percent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2011. We should pick up steam each quarter for the next several quarters as home prices rise, home sales recover, consumer confidence improves, and the volume of investor activity in the resale market begins to peak and abate.

Hanley Wood began producing the RRI over three years ago in order to measure local market remodeling activity, forecast future activity, and identify potential demand for remodelers and building product manufacturers. According to the companys fourth quarter report, there are 301 out of 366 Metropolitan Statistical Areas with forecasted growth in remodeling project activity for 2013 with the average growth in activity in these recovering markets of 3 percent.

Hanley Wood ranks the best markets for remodeling based on market health, level of activity, extent of recovery, and potential demand. The current Top Ten best markets for remodeling are Buffalo, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Austin, Rochester (NY), Oklahoma City, Charlotte, and Denver. The largest remodeling markets based on forecasted projects in 2013 are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, Boston, Atlanta, and Miami.

About the Residential Remodeling Index The RRI is a quarterly measure of the level of remodeling activity in 366 metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in the U.S., with the national composite reflecting the national level of activity. Activity includes home improvement and replacement projects, but does not include maintenance or projects of less than $500. The seasonally adjusted index shows the relative level of activity in the geography specified (MSA or national composite) compared to 2007 (the baseline year). A number above 100 indicates a level of remodeling activity higher than the level of activity at the beginning of 2007, which was the peak of remodeling activity in the prior decade.

The index is produced through a statistical model that leverages detailed data on remodeling activity, including household level remodeling permits, and consumer-reported remodeling and replacement projects. Quarterly historical results for the national composite and for each of the 366 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the U.S. are available back to 2004. In addition, Hanley Wood also produces annual estimates of project counts and expenditures as well as forecasts of the quarterly RRI and annual projects and expenditures.

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Hanley Wood Releases Q4 2012 Residential Remodeling Index (RRI)

Zillow Digs allows users to select the type of room they want to redo, the styles they want and how much they want to spend.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

But now homeowners can compare costs of similar remodeling jobs based on the size and type of the room, where they live and the materials they want to use with a new tool from real estate web site Zillow.

Called Zillow Digs, the free web service and app allows users to select the rooms they want to redo, the styles they want -- such as modern, Mediterranean, art deco -- and how much they want to spend. The site then returns a series of photos of real renovations that fit those criteria with estimates that are based on an algorithm that takes into account rates from local contractors, as well as material costs and regional labor rates.

Related: Million-dollar foreclosures

The results include both an average cost estimate and an estimate range, which can vary quite dramatically. Users can input their location to better tailor estimates based on local labor and material prices. A homeowner living in Manhattan, for example, will get a much higher estimate for a kitchen renovation than someone living in Peoria, Ill.

Costs are broken down by materials and labor and further subdivided by each aspect of the job. For a bath renovation, for example, the estimate will include the price of a new bathtub and how much it costs to install it.

And when homeowners find something they like on Zillow Digs, they can use the site to connect with contractors, architects and designers.

Related: 4 tips from a serial remodeler

Last year, $125 million was spent on home renovation projects, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. And, as the housing market continues to improve, spending is expected to rise by nearly 20% this year.

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Remodeling? Crunch the numbers first

APlus Interior Design Remodeling Hwang Resident Rough Construction by Alex Tabrizi GC, CKD

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Home Remodeling San Diego
Home remodeling and room additions in San Diego are Kaminskiy #39;s specialty. We have perfected our process for home remodeling, building a room addition, kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.

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The city and county issued building permits in January totaling nearly $1.3 million, with half of that related to a remodeling permit at Ohio Valley Financial Groups main branch downtown.

OV received a $675,000 permit for remodeling the upper three floors of the older portion of its building at 140 N. Main St.

The work will include modernizing the bank buildings electrical, heating and air conditioning systems; replacing old energy inefficient windows; updating the board room with technological and communications systems; and adding employee training and physical fitness facilities.

Meanwhile, Lucy Bellas Pizzeria, a new restaurant, received a $1,300 permit for remodeling its building at 2201 U.S. 41-North.

BankTrust Financial (formerly the Bank of Henderson) received four permits totaling $24,244 for new signs reflecting its new name at its branches and ATM sites.

Meanwhile, the city and county each issued one permit for a new single-family house.

In January 2012, the city and county issued permits totaling nearly $1.9 million, including two new single-family houses.

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OV Financial remodeling tops January building permits

Cris Keeter said hes seen tougher times in the home remodeling business.

He remembers how the housing boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s would convert potential customers to home buyers.

Keeter, owner of All States Exteriors, recalls instances in which his company would bid jobs for replacing windows or siding on a home, and the customer would instead opt to buy a new home because they were so easy to get.

As a remodeler, weve made it through the harder time when interest rates were low and housing was going through the charts, said Keeter, who started the company 21 years ago.

Still, the past few years havent been great for those in the remodeling and renovation business.

During the recession and through the slow recovery, home remodeling activity has changed from whole-room remodels to smaller projects, such as just replacing kitchen countertops and backsplashes rather than redoing the whole kitchen.

After the market crashed, it was pretty tough out there for us and, I think, for a lot of remodelers, said Michael Gatschet, owner of Heartland Home Improvements, a 13-year-old company.

But on the eve of the Wichita Area Home Builders Home Show, which starts Thursday and runs through Sunday, Keeter and Gatschet said they are hopeful that demand for their companies services is on the upswing after several years of flat to declining business that started with the recession in December 2007.

And at least one national report on remodeling activity supports their optimism.

Keeter said that in the past three years, remodeling business at his company which does replacement siding, windows, doors, gutters and roofs has been flat to slightly declining. Before the recession took hold in Wichita, he said, his companys remodeling business was increasing annually.

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Confidence building in remodeling industry as Home Show arrives