National Association of Realtors Survey on Remodeling

Homeowners and renters remodel, redesign, and restructure their home for a variety of reasons. The National Association of Realtors issued a report that takes a deep dive into the reasons for remodeling, the success of taking on projects, and the increased happiness found in the home once a project is completed.

The report contains the following:

  • The typical cost of 20 remodeling and replacement projects, as estimated by members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
  • How much appeal each project is likely to have for buyers, according to REALTORS®
  • How much REALTORS® estimate that homeowners can recover on the cost of the projects if they sell the home.

Americans spent $340 billion on remodeling in 2015. However, many find the idea of taking on a remodeling project too overwhelming to attempt. Thirty-five percent of U.S. homeowners would rather move to another home than remodel their current home. Fifty-five percent of owners in suburban areas and 52 percent of owners in urban areas say they would be willing to remodel their home. This jumps to 70 percent for owners in rural areas.

 

When consumers remodel, it is to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials (35 percent); to add features and improve livability (16 percent); and because it is time for a change (13 percent).

Taking on projects is often worth the investment and time.

  • After remodeling, 75 percent of owners have a greater desire to be in their home.
  • Sixty-five percent have increased enjoyment in their home.
  • Fifty-six percent feel happy and
  • 39 percent feel satisfied when they see their completed project with a typical Joy Score of 9.6.
  • Seventy-seven percent feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think of their completed project.
  • Thirty-six percent of owners report the single most important result from remodeling is better functionality and livability,
  • 17 percent report durable and long-lasting results, materials, and appliances, and
  • 17 percent report beauty and aesthetics.
  • Thirty-two percent of the owners did the project themselves,
  • 32 percent hired a professional for all of the job, and
  • 21 percent hired the labor but purchased the materials.
  • Fourteen percent contributed some do-it-yourself (DIY) labor.

The report covers both interior and exterior home improvement projects. This report provides a cost recovery estimate for representative remodeling projects. The actual cost of each remodeling project and cost recovery are influenced by many factors, including project design, quality of materials, location, age and condition of the home, and homeowner preferences.

 

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Types of Roof

Homeowners can often take the roof over their heads for granted. As long as your roof keeps the rain off and doesn’t leak, it might be tempting to not pay it much attention. Right? Maybe not.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just wondering when you’ll need to replace those shingles, it pays in many ways to know all the types of roofing available, their costs, and their pros and cons. This roofing primer has you covered—so go ahead and read on!

Asphalt shingle

How long it lasts: 30 years

Asphalt shingles claim 80% of the roof marketplace, says the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association in Washington, DC—and for good reason.

“Advances in the manufacturing and design of asphalt shingles have enabled them to emulate the look of slate, tile, or wood shake, providing a range of style and color options with lower maintenance and installation costs,” says Leslie Franklin, director of steep-slope marketing at GAF, the roofing manufacturing company based in Parsippany, NJ.

Pros: Asphalt shingles are durable. They sport a large selection of colors and textures and are relatively easy to install. Plus many meet Energy Star standards and help you cut energy bills.

Cons: They can blow off easily in high winds and crack in climates with large temperature fluctuations. And they last only up to 30 years—a relatively (and deceptively) short time for a roof.

Tile shingle

How long it lasts: 200+ years

Those gorgeous, rust-colored shingles that top Spanish- or Mediterranean-style homes are tile shingles, the second most commonly used roofing product, according to the Tile Roofing Institute. Tile shingles can be flat or curved and made from clay or concrete.

Pros: Because air circulates underneath, tile shingles make your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter, cutting energy bills. This planet-friendly material has no chemical preservatives and can be recycled. And since each tile is laid individually, it’s easy to repair.

Cons: Tile shingles may last, but they are pricey. They’re also heavy and can require extra roof support (check with an engineer before installing them). And you’ll have to step carefully while on the roof doing chimney or gutter maintenance, because they’re fragile and can break easily.

Slate shingle

 

How long it lasts: 100+ years

Slate is also expensive, and installation by specialized roofers could add an additional $4.50 per square foot to your costs. But many homeowners think slate’s unique colors and textures—after all, it’s stone—make the material well worth the extra money.

Pros: It’s hard to argue with their natural beauty and a wide range of colors, including reds, blacks, grays, and purples. Plus they can easily last more than 100 years, are water-resistant and noncombustible; and are impervious to temperature fluctuations, fungus, and mold.

Cons: Aside from the expense, slate can break if walked on and can add thousands of pounds to your roof, which may have to be structurally reinforced.

Wood shingle and shake

 

How long it lasts: 40 years

Wood (cedar or redwood) roofing, be it precisely milled shingles or irregularly cut and rustic-looking shakes, add natural beauty to your home. They are a midrange roofing option that’s more expensive than asphalt but not as high-end as tile or slate.

Pros: Homeowners love their natural beauty, and they often look better with age; plus they last about 10 years longer than asphalt. Wood is also storm-resistant and a great insulator that can help cut energy bills.

Cons: Their complex overlapping and interlocking structure makes wood shingles and shakes hard to install. Plus it is more likely to catch fire than other roofing material, is prone to termite and mold problems, and can warp or crack. Repair and replacement can be difficult.

Metal roofing

How long it lasts: 40 to 70 years

Whether your roof is flat or pitched, metal roofing can be a durable, environmentally friendly choice that can last more than twice as long as asphalt roofs. Residential metal roofing is primarily made of aluminum or steel, although copper, zinc, and titanium can be used for some homes. Steel roofing is produced in rolls, coated to prevent rust, painted, and then formed into long panels or stamped into individual shingles.

Metal roofing can resemble wood shakes, slate, or clay tiles, and comes in a rainbow of colors. You can also install a metal roof over an existing roof, eliminating tear-off and disposal costs.

Pros: Reflective pigments on metal roofs increase home energy efficiency and lower utility bills. It’s also lightweight and 100% recyclable.

Cons: Metal roofing can be noisy during heavy rain and hailstorms, plus improperly installed panels can loosen as they expand and contract during temperature fluctuations. Colors can be hard to match during repairs, and low-grade metals can be less durable and more prone to rust.

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An Entrance that Makes You Stand Out

Creating a cohesive look for your outdoor living space becomes easier as pavers come in various colors and styles. You can match the color combination you’re using with the exterior color of your home.

The laying pattern depends on your choice but note that some designs, such as the circular pattern, fit wider surfaces better. Make sure to talk to professional paver installers for recommendations. You can as well search for laying pattern inspirations online and consult your contractor about using the same for your paver project.

Benefits of outdoor stone pavers

Paving stones don’t only look elegant. They also offer several benefits such as the following:

    • Low maintenance. Stone steps free you of the tedious upkeep. Cleaning pavers can be as simple as removing dirt or debris, such as leaves, as soon as possible to prevent them from settling.
    • Durable. Stones make an efficient paving material that will not crack and turn to an eyesore even after years of use and exposure to harsh outdoor elements. It wouldn’t sag or shift as typical poured concrete does, even at the event of an earthquake. This paving material allows you to enjoy maximum return on your investment.
    • Versatile. Paving stones can be used not only for your outdoor steps, it can as well be installed in other areas in your yard.
    • Safe for use.The non-slip surface makes it an ideal material for pathways or walkways. No worries too if you’re hosting a gathering with family or friends anytime soon as paving stone installation do not require curing time.

Smart investment. It’s a one-time purchase for a long-term use. Also, choosing paving stone steps helps boost your home’s resale value with its visual and functional appeal.

If you’re looking to have pavers installed in your outdoor living space, do take advantage of the no-obligation free estimate Banris Construction offers as you compare contractors. Choosing paving stone steps is a good decision, but this project will turn out more rewarding when you work with a professional installer.

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Roofing

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Aside from the need to upgrade worn out features, two of the biggest reasons owners put money into remodeling are to increase the home’s value and to improve their enjoyment of the home. (more…)

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Renovation tips and ideas

Of the many home remodeling advice that we could present you with, here is the first and most essential one – if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
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Smart houses

Home automation devices can help by programming your water heater to lower the temp when you’re out of the house and help improve efficiency.
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