Tag Archives: Home Remodeling Contractor

Home Remodeling Trends

Trends in Home Remodeling

Every year there is a new wave of remodeling and design trends that seek to capture home owners’ attention. This year, many of the trends are driven by a homeowner population that is staying longer in their homes and are seeking to revitalize their space and utilize more of it in efficient ways to fit their changing needs, all without breaking the budget. These remodeling goals can also be summarized by a trending design concept: lagom, which is a Swedish word meaning, “just the right amount,” and is meant to evoke designs that are understated and balanced. When you start working with your home remodeling contractor to put together your next project, consider these simple yet impactful ideas.

Large, open spaces

Many homeowners are embracing large, open spaces in their kitchens and living room, methodically removing walls and counters that break up the rooms. These spaces are also being remodeled to be diffused with natural light by adding large, energy efficient windows and skylights. For an even more minimalist design effect, kitchens are also being outfitted with open shelves instead of cabinets. An open kitchen or living room allows for more friends and family to gather, sharing the space for a dinner party or game night with ease.

Finished basements and attics

Why undertake an involved home addition when there is perfectly good space already available? Often underutilized, basements and attic designs are now the subject of many homeowners’ remodeling projects. Basements are transformed into offices and craft rooms or a place to lounge in solitude. Attics are reimagined as reading nooks and playrooms. Instead of using them as just another storage space, finishing one of these previously forgotten rooms can feel like your home just gained a significant amount of desirable square footage.

Remodeling for accessibility

A more functional but no less popular remodeling trend is to adapt homes for their multi-generational residents with greater accessibility needs. Many families now require houses that not only accommodate the new arrivals of children, but also parents and grandparents. For some homes, this means widening doorways and hallways and renovating bathrooms so they are wheelchair accessible or introducing ramps at entrances. In other situations, it may mean constructing a new room on the ground floor for easy, stair-free access. As more and more families welcome more generations into their homes, they are turning to creative remodeling solutions to reimagine their space in a way that can comfortably accommodate their changing needs.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Our team of general contractors are home remodeling experts and can help you with your next project.  Contact us today to get started!

Considering a Home Remodel? 5 Questions to Ask a Contractor

General Contractors for Home Remodeling

Home remodeling can be an exciting but an overwhelming undertaking on your own. While you may know what you want out of a remodel, it is difficult and complex to turn your dreams into reality. General contractors have the expertise you need to create a beautiful, long lasting remodel. Here are 5 questions to ask a contractor to get started on your home remodeling.

5 Questions to Ask a Contractor

Are my timeline and budget reasonable?

The first components of your remodel that you need your contractor to understand are your timeline and budget. Be realistic and upfront with your contractor. This will allow the contractor to provide you with accurate advice and estimations of what is possible for your home remodel.

What remodeling options are available for my home’s structure?

Let your contractor know what you need out of a remodel. Prepare by creating a list of your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” For example, must-haves might be the new bedroom you need because a family member is moving in or an additional dining space to accommodate a growing family. Nice-to-haves could be additional windows or appliances that you have been considering, but could be cut from the project if needed to fit your time and budget.  Your contractor will survey your home to determine what options are available to you based on your home’s structure, timeframe, and budget.

What are the current design trends for my type of home remodeling?

A contractor will be up-to-date on current home remodeling design trends in your area. They can provide you with ideas from recent remodels as well as samples from magazines or design companies. Take your time considering what final look you want for your newly remodeled home. It is helpful to cut out magazine photos and place them in the area of your home that you will remodel, so you can envision what the space can look like in different styles.

What are the best materials?

Your contractor will also have the experience to source high-quality materials and local sub-contractors that will be able to give you a long-lasting installation. Ask your contractor about what materials they recommend for the remodel and the designs you choose. With a quality local home remodeling contractor, you will be able to rest easy that the materials you use in your remodel will last for years to come.

What are the long-term impacts of my remodel?

While many people undertake a remodel to fulfill evolving home needs, there are secondary considerations that your contractor can speak to.  For example, you will want to understand how your remodel will impact your homes’ long-term value and maintenance costs. Ask your contractor if they are aware of options for your remodel that can increase the value of your home or reduce maintenance.

We hope you found 5 Questions to Ask a Contractor to be useful.

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we are experts at home remodeling and general contracting.  We have been serving the Bay Area since 1983.  Before you get started on your next home remodel, call us to discuss your plans and ensure you choose a general contractor that meets the needs of your project.

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