Central Michigan University's Board of Trustees supported the suspension of the use of Responsibility Centered Management (RCM), the budget model the university has used since 1998.

President Bob Davies said the RCM model provides a formula method to distribute state appropriations and tuition dollars to the colleges. The funding model funnels dollars to the colleges and departments the students are taking the most courses.

"(RCM's) primary strength is that it's very predictable. It's very transparent. You just apply the formula and it moves forward," Davies said. "With regards to the academic unit, where it does change a little bit as it does create silos between colleges, it does create internal competition for funds. Where the students go, the dollars go."

Using the RCM model, each academic college receives all of its own revenues and income, which includes tuition dollars.

"RCM model works if it's reviewed at least every two years and a deep dive every five years or more to deal with strategic changes, environmental changes in various things along those lines," Davies said.

The last time CMU did a deep dive of their RCM model was in 2008 with an internal review in 2013.

"With the significant changes that have gone on in the environment, the strategic changes, the environmental changes, state appropriations, tuition, dollars ... it is time to put a pause on that model," Davies said. "(It is time) to reevaluate and to direct resources where there's opportunities and strategic initiatives can be aligned."

As it is planning for its upcoming fiscal year, CMU will use a model of strategic allocation.

"Over the 2021 calendar year we will present recommended changes to the board of trustees to return to a model that has RCM elements to it, as well as performance measures," Davies said.

Faculty Association representative and educational leadership faculty member Frimpomaa Ampaw said that RCM works very well when everything is going smoothly, but it doesn't work well when budget cuts need to be made.

"That's where we are at at this time and given everything we are going through RCM makes it more challenging to run a university," Ampaw said. "There needs to be some change, but I don't know what the change will look like."

In addition to changing the RCM model, the trustees voted to approve the $5 million remodeling of Troutman Hall into double full-sized bed suites, following in the lead of Carey Hall.

Carey Hall opened for students to sign up to live in for the 2020-21 academic for in January 2020 and was completely booked in 24-hours.

"We know that new students and are looking for housing situations that are up to date, and that are inviting and various things along those lines" Davies said. "For many years, we have not put a lot of funding into our residential stock. And we know that from talking to students who have chosen to go to other universities, one of the reasons that is mentioned is the is the living conditions, the residential halls."

Director of Residence Life Kathleen Gardner agreed with Davies that Residence Life can play an important role in recruiting and retaining students at CMU

"We took a room that was set up for four students two sets of bunk beds and replaced those with two full size beds," Gardener said. "We put down the LVT flooring and did some finishing updates to the bathroom. In the hallway, we had already had new carpet installed but we did some painting highlights to make the hallways look a little less institutional."

The price point for these housing facilities is between the cost of traditional halls and the premium halls since it does not offer the air conditioning unit. Troutman Hall will be opened for the Fall 2022 semester.

The final piece of news announced at the meeting was that CMU received more $265,000 on Giving Tuesday, which is over $100,000 more than last years less than $145,000.

"I think it exhibits that CMU Chippewa pride. It signifies the 'Fire Up!' spirit," Davies said. "One thing that I've always said, is that CMU has raving advocates, not just alumni, but radiant advocates, so it really plays into what CMU is about."

Read more:
Board of Trustees vote to transition from the RCM model - Central Michigan Life

They accept financial donations as well as clothing and shoes, furniture, large and small appliances, electronics, kitchen items, bicycles and other vehicles, camping equipment, and anything in good condition that would fulfill the needs of another person. For details, visit svdptucson.org.

Military Assistance Mission (MAM)

MAM focuses on members of the Arizona military by providing a financial and morale boost to Arizona service members, their families, and post 9/11 Purple Heart recipients.

We are all one big family, and until that service member can get home, we have to step up to the plate to support those left behind, says founder Margy Bons.

The group provides funds to families struggling to pay bills. The organization is especially well known for providing backpacks and school supplies to 1,000 children in military families.

On Dec. 19, MAM will provide holiday cheer to 1,200 Arizona military children through their Operation Christmas Giving program. Learn more at tucne.ws/mamxmas.

Other charities

Southern Arizona boasts many nonprofits that serve people from all walks of life as well as pets and wildlife. We encourage you to support one of these charities or one that fits your particular interest. Find more Southern Arizona organizations at greatnonprofits.org/city/tucson/AZ.

See the original post:
Rosie on the House: Supporting Tucson charities during crisis, year round - Arizona Daily Star

Remodeling your home is the perfect way to maximize the space in your home and to make every room more comfortable. There is so much extra space that can be utilized when you do remodeling, and you can create the ideal home to suit your familys life. Furthermore, a well thought out remodeling can also significantly increase the value of your home. It is always worth researching which home improvements are most attractive to potential buyers as these will be the remodeling jobs that will add the most value. A great remodeling can add far more value to your house than the original cost of the work.

To help everyone who is considering giving their home a new lease of life, here are the key things you need to know before home remodeling.

The first remodeling job you should consider is an upgrade on the exterior of your home. This will give your home instant curb appeal, which will not only make the neighbors jealous, it will also significantly increase your homes value. Potential buyers first impression of a property is usually its front exterior, so if you are looking to remodel in order to sell your house, this is definitely an area which you shouldnt overlook. There are various materials and finishes that can make your home look totally different such as cladding and stone veneers. A little landscaping or a newly laid driveway can also make a huge difference when it comes to the look of your homes exterior.

In most homes, the kitchen is at the very heart of family life and so maximizing the use of your kitchens space and creating a beautifully designed room is always worthwhile. In any home, an updated kitchen can easily be achieved by adding some top of the line appliances, changing the countertops, cabinets, and drawers, and adding a splash of color with contemporary styles. The kitchen is also a major factor in a homes value as many potential buyers want a home where the kitchen doesnt need any work, as this is considered to be a big job. If you are trying to decide which rooms in your home should be allotted the most amount of your budget, it is always worth starting with the kitchen.

Whilst being far from the most glamorous remodeling jobs, it is really important that every home has quality, up to date plumbing and wiring. It is vital that you have both of these regularly checked so that any potential issues can be nipped in the bud long before they escalate into more major problems. If you are remodeling your home to sell it, it is also worth noting that prospective buyers will usually check the condition of your plumbing and wiring in the survey. If you have certificates that show you recently had them replaced, the potential asking price of your home can be significantly higher. Plumbing can be difficult to access, so consider getting your pipes replaced or fixed whilst you are remodeling the floors in your homes.

As well as upgrading the exterior of the front of your house, it is always a great idea to landscape your backyard. This will enable you to create the perfect space for whatever it is your family likes to do in the garden. You can add some beautiful flower beds if you like gardening or create an area for your kids to play sports. If you are a family who loves entertaining, building a firepit or a big outside grill will really take your garden parties to another level. Other potential backyard ideas are adding a pool, creating a secret garden behind tall hedges, or adding a fish pond.

We spend significant amounts of time in the bathroom, so it is important that this is a room which you like. The total bathroom can be a little expensive, but as with the kitchen, even small changes can make a big difference. Replacing old tiles and having a professional restoration company clean up your old bathtub and sink can give the whole room a completely new lease of life. These are improvements that only cost a few hundred dollars but could add thousands to the value of your home.

A well-considered home remodeling can transform your familys life and also add serious value to your house. Whilst the best remodeling choices vary from home to home, there are some which are always the most sought after. Consider the suggestions in this article, and your home will soon be the envy of the whole street.

Read the rest here:
Key Things You Need to Know Before Home Remodeling - Blog - The Island Now

In August of this year, it was announced that Disneys Polynesian Village Resort would be closing until Summer 2021 due to ongoing renovations.

Although fans of this Disney World Deluxe Resort hotel were sad to hear about its lengthy closure although the Polynesian Resort Villas and Bungalows are still available to Disney Vacation Club Members many were simultaneously thrilled about what is to come.

One of the most exciting parts of Disneys Polynesian Resort refurbishment announcement was the fact that numerous rooms at the hotel will be re-themed using inspiration from the hit movie Moana!

This morning, while an ITM team member was riding the Resort Monorail, we were able to confirm that all of the rooms on the lower floor of one of the Polynesian Village Resorts guest room buildings have been completely emptied of furnishings ahead of the Moana remodeling project.

While we were riding the monorail, we saw workers were walking in and out of the rooms and it appeared that all carpeting had been removed concrete floors were visible in the empty guest rooms.

Construction on the Great Ceremonial House is also ongoing. Disney World construction workers were actively installing beams this morning.

When the original announcement about the Moana hotel rooms was made, Disney stated:

As we continue to reopen additional Disney Resort hotels to Guests, we are modifying the reopening date for Disneys Polynesian Village Resort which will reopen next summer. This schedule adjustment also allows us to complete some refurbishment work at the Resort hotel, including enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House and Guest rooms. We expect work to begin in early October and look forward to sharing more about these changes in the future. The Villas and Bungalows at Disneys Polynesian Village Resort will remain open during this refurbishment.

Disney has also previously noted that the new re-themed Polynesian Resort guest rooms will feature:

a move to a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette as well as details, patterns and textures from Disneys Moana, an animated film that takes place on the Polynesian island of Motunui.

Are you excited to see Disneys Polynesian Village Resorts Moana re-theme get fully underway?

Let the experts at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to any of Walt Disney Worlds four theme parks Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disneys Animal Kingdom, and Disneys Hollywood Studios are waiting for you!

Go here to read the rest:
Photos: Polynesian Rooms Emptied Ahead of 'Moana' Re-Theme - Inside the Magic

Take your time. That's the adage social worker-turned-interior designer Julia Miller took to heart during the six years she and her husband, Keith, spent renovating their 1932 Minneapolis Colonial. "I always recommend living in your home before remodeling it," Julia says. "That way you get to know its story. There's something about what's existing that tells you what needs to be there."

Kim Cornelison

Using the observational skills Julia developed as a social worker, they created wish lists for the house, checking items off slowly as budget and time allowed. But with a Minnesota winter looming, one decidedly unflashy project on the list couldn't wait: replacing the drafty old windows, flaking lead paint and all. The job put a big dent in their budget, but it also started the ball rolling on picking paint colors. Julia landed on a dramatic, nearly black exterior with white window frames and details. (They used a Sherwin Williams custom blend to approximate Farrow & Ball's Off-Black.) "We wanted a clean-lined look," she says. "But going this dark was probably the biggest risk we took."

Kim Cornelison

Inside, the palette reverses. Black details like the painted window frames, modern light fixtures, and matte charcoal tiles play off creamy alabaster walls and pale wool and linen fabrics. Julia used color to highlight details like the original carved fireplace surround (Mediterranean Olive; Benjamin Moore). A stuffed green leather chair and a curvy velvet lounger keep the living room soft and comfortable. Julia rotates pieces of her vintage and handmade collections, varying shapes and heights on the mantel.

The rest of the remodel took shape in phases between the births of their two boys, spaced two years apart. As they grew, Julia saw the appeal of maintaining some separate spaces, like Keith's office off the living room. But she also felt the need to connect some closed-off spaces like the kitchen and dining room. The wall dividing them came down, creating enough room for a big island that caters to their needs. On one side there's a slide-out dog food dish for Elsie the Lab; on the other is a built-in chopping block where Julia can work while she watches the boys play in the new screen porch. That 400-square-foot cedar-framed addition supplies much of the renovation's wow factor, but it accommodates an item on their non-negotiable list: A Shaker-style woodburning stove. "Living in a long-winter climate, we wanted that stove and designed the porch and breakfast room around it," she says.

Story continues

A wall of parchment-color glazed tiles brings texture to the off-white cabinets in the kitchen. With small kids in mind, Julia opted for rounded corners on the soapstone counters, and to keep the finish leathery, she skipped oiling them.

Kim Cornelison

Stacking sliding glass doors by Marvin are left open during warm weather and lead to the vaulted screen porch, where Keith and the boys often camp out. They whitewashed the cedar frame ceiling and stained the sides Benjamin Moore's Arborcoat Black. Once the porch was complete, they expanded their living space with a sandstone paver patio.

The Millers keep a running maybe-someday list. An en suite bathroom would be nice. (The couple shares the upstairs bath with their sons.) But today, six years, two kids, a career change, and multiple renovations later, they feel like their patience has paid off, Julia says. "It's about knowing where you want to be, even if you don't get there for a while."

Kim Cornelison

To update her 1932 home, Julia focused on incorporating simple pieces like these Shaker-style built-ins and wood pendant. But she countered their stripped-down styling and embraced the home's Colonial architecture with a plaster ceiling medallion and an antiqued mirror backsplash.

Kim Cornelison

Keith and Julia's mornings begin in their new breakfast room where they hang out with August, 2, and Gray, 5. The blackened terra-cotta floors flow into the screen porch. The tile's indoor-outdoor suitability was one reason Julia chose it, along with the striking star and cross layout. "I wanted a bigger pattern in that space because there's not a lot going on in there," she says.

Windows above the built-in bench mimic those in the dining room on the other side of the kitchen. The firewood storage stack, stove, and armed pendant contrast with the tongue-and-groove paneled walls and ceiling.

Kim Cornelison

"We are home all the time. Even our vacations are short, so we wanted this house to have all of the elements we enjoy as parents but also be great for kids and visiting family," Julia says. So for their bedroom, "I wanted to create a cozy spot for us to relax by ourselves." Fabric pieces like the shaggy rug, wool shades, and linen-upholstered bed provide the soft foundation that she was after.

Kim Cornelison

In outfitting her oldest son's bedroom, Julia says she invested in pieces that would grow with him, such as the handmade bed and Abigail Edwards Seascape wallpaper. The quilt made by Julia's mother is another keepsake.

See the original post:
A 6-Year-Long Renovation Turned This 1932 Colonial into a Cozy Family Haven - Yahoo Lifestyle

By Oliver Lazenby

Birch Bay residents Russell and Marika Dawe opened M.D. Spa and Wellness Center in Bellingham in March. Eight months later, they have already opened a second location, and this time its closer to home.

M.D. Spa and Wellness Centers new spa in Birch Bay, inside Sandcastle at Birch Bay resort at 7854 Birch Bay Drive, will offer most of the same cosmetic and medical services as the Bellingham location. It has seven treatment rooms with services including Botox and facial fillers, massages, facial and chemical peels and laser treatment, in addition to a Jacuzzi spa and steam room.

Unlike the Bellingham location, Birch Bays spa wont do Covid-19 testing, though it will do DNA, gender reveal and other lab testing, Russell Dawe said. The spa had a soft opening on November 16.

Opening a second location so soon wasnt part of a grand plan for the Dawes instead, they heard about an opportunity that was too good to pass up. A few weeks after moving to Birch Bay Village last summer, a neighbor told them that there used to be a spa at Sandcastle resort.

The spa owners put lots of money into remodeling it shortly before closing in the Great Recession, according to the stories they heard from neighbors. The Dawes were intrigued by the story and seeing the space in person sealed the deal.

We were just blown away, Russell Dawe said. We just went, Oh yeah, were doing this. Its like somehow they just locked the doors and left everything there. Other than a really deep cleaning it was ready to go.

Dr. Ken Stiver, who has over 40 years of medical experience, will be the medical director of the Birch Bay spa, in addition to the Bellingham spa. Marika Dawe will be more involved in running the Birch Bay spa, while Russell Dawe will continue to focus on the Bellingham location.

Hiring has been challenging, Russell Dawe said. The business is taking applications and he expects to have 25 to 30 employees at the location eventually, he said.

M.D. Spa and Wellness Centers Bellingham location currently has patients who live in Blaine and Birch Bay, Russell Dawe said, and people in Lynden and Ferndale may also prefer the trip to the Birch Bay location over driving to Bellingham.

Though new Covid-19 restrictions and the surging virus may make business challenging in the short term, the Dawes expect the spa will be popular with Sandcastle guests in the summer. The resort has nearly 200 rooms and is typically close to fully occupied in the summer, Russell Dawe said.

Most spas [at a resort] live solely off traffic at the resort, he said. So were pretty excited about the resort traffic, along with the locals.

While it may be a while before traffic at the resort is back to full capacity, Dawe likes the idea of opening a new business now in Birch Bay.

With all thats going on and places closing, I think its just good news all around that someone is out there opening something up, he said.

To start, the M.D. Spa and Wellness Centers Birch Bay spa will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Learn more at md-wellness.com.

Read more:
Birch Bay residents open their second spa at Sandcastle Resort - Blaine Northern Light

Design

Kitchen designer teams up with her interior designer client to create a more open and entertaining-friendly kitchen suitable for all members of the family, including pets.

authorsKim Berndtson| November 20, 2020

Since there were no windows in the previous kitchen, Langreck added two tall windows, one to each side of the induction cooktop and ventilation hood, to bring more light into the space.Photos: Shanna Wolf Photography

Madison, WI Space planning is one of Dana Langrecks favorite parts of a renovation. And the bigger the challenge such as with this McFarland, WI, renovation where the entire first floor needed to be reconfigured the bigger the reward.

I love moving things around and figuring out how to make a space work better, says Langreck, CKD, CLIPP, of Bella Domicile in Madison, WI.

That skill set worked in perfect harmony with her clients talents, who, as an interior designer, made the finish selections.

In this case, my role was to do space planning and execute my clients vision, to interpret her wishes and make them fit into the space, while Lisa drove the bus for material choices, she says, noting a collaboration with Lisa Baumann of Lisa Baumann Design.

Photos: Shanna Wolf Photography

In the original floorplan, the kitchen and dining area were located within one corridor, segregated and cut off from the living room, while in the kitchen, a dry bar impeded flow throughout the space. As a second home, Baumann wanted a more open floorplan that was entertaining-friendly for her fianc and their extended families who enjoy coming to the Lake Waubesa residence on weekends.

It needed to be a more useful space for a large number of people, says Langreck. They use the home for a lot of weekend water play. Theyre also big [University of Wisconsin-Madison] Badger fans, so they love celebrating games together, either at the home before and after attending a game, or watching it together on TV.

Favorite focal point

To accomplish that goal, the designer removed several walls, ultimately stealing some space from the master bedroom, which she then reconfigured along with the master bathroom and closet. Consideration was also given to natural light since the previous kitchen lacked windows.

One of the most useful transformations is the pantry alcove, which takes center stage behind glass pocket doors. It showcases black-framed steel doors and soapstone countertop that contrast against the white subway tile backsplash, floating shelves and cabinets. Accents of quartersawn oak drawers further boost its focal-point status. Equipped with a prep sink/faucet and outlets to power small appliances, Langrecks client uses the alcove as a serving station for parties as well as for everyday storage.

There were significant changes made and we had a lot of discussion about goals, she says.

One of the most useful transformations, and one of her clients favorite additions, is the pantry alcove, which takes center stage behind glass pocket doors.

Since we had limited wall cabinets, due in part to the addition of a couple of tall windows that frame the [Wolf] cooktop, we needed to find extra storage, she says. Lisa also wanted something fun for her kitchen, so we created this special space from a couple of inspiration photos she shared.

The end result showcases black-framed steel doors and a soapstone countertop that contrast against the white subway tile backsplash, floating shelves and Dura Supreme Cabinetry cabinets, which are color matched to Benjamin Moores Simply White. Accents of quartersawn oak drawers further boost its focal-point status. Equipped with a Kohler prep sink/faucet and outlets to power small appliances, Baumann uses the alcove as a serving station for parties as well as for everyday storage.

Recessing the pantry created space to more freely move around the adjacent oversized 126x53 island, which provides plentiful seating for six along with a view to the lake. The island is also home to a Kohler sink and faucet and paneled Miele dishwasher, which matches the paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator and U-Line wine storage unit. A Wolf microwave and double oven round out the appliances.

Although situated in the same location as the original island, Langreck revamped its previous two-level design, which included a 48 raised bar.

Its height disconnected the space and visually cut the room in half, making the kitchen actually feel smaller, she says. Leveling it off to a uniform height makes the room feel larger and facilitates conversation with guests.

Baumann originally selected porcelain as the islands top, but based on several factors, including its oversized dimensions, a cutout for the sink and the overhang for seating, Langrecks fabricator suggested changing course.

Porcelain just wasnt the right material for this particular application, she says, so we searched out alternatives, which we had to do quickly since the cabinets were already set.

Ultimately, they chose Cosentinos Silestone White Zeus Extreme quartz, contrasted with dark soapstone for the perimeters.

She still wanted a light-colored material for the island, but we did need to rethink the aesthetic a bit, says the designer. Sometimes the path to completion while remodeling isnt always straight!

Langreck was also challenged to improve the aesthetics of the corner pantry, which her client viewed as a necessary evil given its ability to corral a large amount of food, especially snacks, consumed for game-day weekends.

Lisa didnt necessarily like the looks of the corner pantry, but she was hesitant to lose it since she needed the storage, she says. To help make it disappear visually, we painted the door, as well as the trim, white. Adding crown moulding connects it to the adjacent cabinetry. We also used hidden hinges and added a handle that coordinated with the cabinets so it wouldnt look so much like a door.

Kitchen designer teams up with her interior designer client to create a more open and entertaining-friendly kitchen suitable for all members of the family, including pets.

See original here:
Perfect Pantry Steals the Show - Kitchen and Bath Design News

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WV News) Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of the Friendship Room in downtown Fairmont, which was celebrated Wednesday morning by the Marion County Commission.

The Friendship Room was established on Nov. 19, 2019, as an extension of Milan Puskar Health Rights Morgantown program, and exists as a drop-in service that gives those experiencing homelessness or drug addiction a place to go during the day.

Friendship Fairmont program coordinator Rochelle Satterfield said that she expected to serve maybe 50 people per month with the service, but said she was blown away by the number of people who have taken advantage of the room.

Since we have started, we have seen 20 to 25 people a day, Satterfield told the commission. (We saw) a record high last month, assisting 280 individuals in October. We could not have done with without the wonderful area the county commission has helped us with.

Those who visit the Friendship Room have a number of resources at their disposal, including meetings with a peer recovery coach and services that allow participants to attain their birth certificates, Social Security cards and more, as well as access to the housing process.

Satterfield said that being able to help so many people over the last year is a great feeling, and she encouraged anyone else facing similar issues to stop by.

Its an amazing feeling to be able to provide that (service), especially considering how difficult and challenging COVID has been this year, Satterfield said. To be able to provide a safe space for people to get services along with addiction (treatment) is an amazing thing.

During Wednesday mornings Marion County Commission, Satterfield thanked the commission for its role in establishing the Friendship Room, even presenting them with an award for their work.

The Marion County Commission took a chance on a new program to help those experience homelessness and addiction issues when no one else would, Satterfield said. Therefore, I am grateful and honored to present this award. They had faith in the community, and are an example of how believing in a cause can and does make a difference the community.

Marion County Commissioner Randy Elliott said that hes thankful for the Friendship Rooms presence in downtown Fairmont, noting that Satterfield and her staff offer a critical service to the community.

It was very much needed, Elliott said. We were skeptical at the beginning of whether it was needed or not but were found out there was a gap (in services). A pretty good-sized gap. People needed help during the day, and someplace they could go and someone to talk to and some counseling. We agreed to do the remodeling and do the work there, and its turned out well and has been very successful.

Looking forward, Satterfield said that she hopes to establish a community garden for the Friendship Rooms participants, as well as develop a stronger focus on addiction recovery.

My hopes for the future are to be able to provide additional groups for those in recovery, Satterfield said. We just started our Narcotics Anonymous meetings on Wednesdays in October, which is the only face-to-face meeting thats going on in the community right now. We hope to be able to provide additional support during that.

The Friendship Room is located at 221 Adams St., Suite 400. For more information, call Satterfield at 304-368-1341.

See the rest here:
Friendship Room in Fairmont, West Virginia, celebrates one year of operation - WV News

Interior designer and DIY doyenne Evette Rios loves a punch of color at home, and sees her circa-1796 house as a place to experiment and try new things. Her bright green kitchen cabinets are just one examplebut after living with the hue for a few years, she was ready to change it up. And a new coat of paint is one of the quickest, most impactful ways to refresh a space.

She went with Sherwin Williams Emerald Designer Edition paint collection for its easy-to-clean, flawless finish as well as its formulaits a luxury paint and primer all in one. Her decision to paint the walls and the upper cabinets the same color, Ghosted SW 9545, gives continuity to the room and keeps the focus on the lower cabinets, painted in Leaflet SW 9674, Hidden Trail SW 9525, and Perfect Khaki SW 9612.

While painting cabinets can be intimidating at the outset, all you need to do is set aside a little time, arm yourself with the right tools, and have a plan. And using the right technique is key to your project's longevity and looks. To learn more follow along with Rios above as she shares her guide to painting kitchen cabinets.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Read the original here:
How Paint Can Transform the Look of Your Cabinets I House Beautiful x Sherwin-Williams - HouseBeautiful.com

Industry Trends

Low interest rates are among the factors spurring growth in homebuilding and residential remodeling as 2020 concludes amidst ongoing challenges wrought by COVID-19. Among the key statistics and forecasts released in recent weeks by government agencies, research firms and industry-related trade associations were the following:

HOUSING STARTS & NEW-HOME SALES

Low interest rates, solid demand and a shift in home building to the suburbs are spurring growth in the construction of single-family homes, although home builders continue to face concerns with respect to rising lumber prices and supply chain shortages of other building materials, the National Association of Home Builders said. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes hit an all-time high in recent weeks, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. At the same time, sales of newly built, single-family homes reached their highest pace since September 2006. Surging sales are consistent with record builder confidence levels stemming from higher buyer traffic, historically low interest rates and a shift in demand for lower-density markets, said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. New home sales are now 15% higher on a year-to-date basis, but with inventory at just a 3.3 months supply, more construction is needed, added NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. The challenge, Dietz said, will be whether materials and labor are available.

EXISTING-HOME SALES

Further gains in existing-home sales are likely for the balance of 2020, with continued job recovery and mortgage rates hovering around 3%, the National Association of Realtors is forecasting. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAR, the need for housing will grow further, especially in areas that are attractive to buyers who can work from home. Remote work opportunities are likely to become a growing part of the nations workforce culture, Yun said, adding that this reality will endure even after a coronavirus vaccine is available.

RESIDENTIAL REMODELING

Residential design professionals working on outdoor spaces have been among those seeing the greatest recent increase in demand by homeowners, according to Houzz Inc., the Palo Alto, CA-based online platform for home remodeling and design. Houzz, which reported a sharp mid-year rise in leads for residential design projects, said that design pros working on outdoor spaces, landscaping pools and spas, and decks and patios saw project leads more than double in recent months. Kitchen and bath remodelers also experienced a significant increase in demand compared with 2019, Houzz reported. Insights on the types of projects homeowners pursued speaks to a need for more usable space both inside and outside of the home, Houzz said. Homeowners are also seeking more privacy and security.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA The COVID-19 pandemic is apparently having a significant impact on the mindset of American homeowners when it comes to the likelihood of redesigning their bathrooms and kitchens, according to the findings of a major new survey.

The survey, conducted recently by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, found that almost half (47%) of surveyed U.S. homeowners say that they would like to redesign their bathroom and 44% said theyd like to redesign their kitchen based on their experience during COVID-19. In contrast, only 12% said they are not planning to do any redesigns or upgrades to those spaces at this time, the survey revealed.

Americans have many reasons for renovating or building a home, and COVID-19 is having an impact on which rooms they are looking to redesign, Ferguson researchers said, adding that Americans are split on what theyd look forward to most in renovating or building a home.

About a quarter (27%) say its increasing the functionality of the home, while 26% say its having a new look (26%), Ferguson said.

Among Americans whove made changes to their home in the recent past, top reasons were that they were tired of the homes current style (35%), they wanted up-to-date technology (34%), or they were tired of the homes color scheme (32%), the Newport News, VA-based company said.

A third (33%) of surveyed Americans say it is extremely or very important to have smart home functionality in their kitchen products. Twenty-six percent say it is extremely or very important to have smart home functionality in their bathroom products, Ferguson said.

Among other key survey findings:

When asked about the types of smart home products theyd be most interested in buying for their home, 42% said they would be interested in smart lighting and 37% said theyd be interested in smart refrigerators.

Originally posted here:
Market on Upswing as 2020 Winds Down - Kitchen and Bath Design News