The percentage of homeowners in the United States is at an all time low, according to the Census Bureau, which reports only 65% of Americans currently own their own home. However, home sales have been increasing this year, and 2015 is expected to be a solid year for the housing industry as a whole. As a Portland Remodeling Contractor, Leitner Construction is poised to address the needs of new and existing homeowners who make the decision to remodel.
The most popular projects this year, according to the 2014 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, are deck additions, attic bedrooms, basement remodels, kitchen and bath updates, entry door replacement, garage door replacement and window replacements. Homeowners got the highest return from investment from these types of projects, with gains of anywhere from 10 percent to 38 percent ROI per remodel.
Portland Remodeling Contractor Trends for 2015
Vintage or Lifestyle Remodels
Touchless faucets and hot water dispensers are surging in popularity. Deck pavers add some style, while lasting longer . They are also cooler than traditional deck materials like wood or cement. Layered lighting and under-cabinet lighting add a softer dynamic to a room and modern families almost require USB docking and charging stations.
Free Style Organic Kitchens.
HGTV’s Anne Kruger is a proponent of Free Style kitchens, noting “Because we’re spending more and more time in our kitchens, there is a move away from the all-or-nothing ‘fitted’ look of continuous counters. Look for more freestanding pieces of furniture or features with furniture-like qualities, such as a cabriole leg holding up a kitchen counter.” Kruger also illuminated the growing movement towards eco-friendly appliances, artsy custom kitchens and the use of more organic shapes in kitchens, a move away from hard lines and sharp corner.
Open Spaces
Getting rid of a wall here and there can open up a floorplan, providing a roomy, spacious feel while allowing easy travel between rooms and even opening up more space for furniture.
Healthy Living and Energy Efficiency
Organic, chemical and dye-free materials are becoming more popular, and now homeowners can take advantage of tax credits to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes.
Automated Controls
Virtually anything can be networked and controlled via automated programs or on-demand IPhone or Android apps. Lighting, appliances and more…take note of this trend over the next decade.