3 Remodel Ideas for Your Next Home Renovation

Three remodel ideas for your next home renovation. Home design insights from Houzz will help you plan your home improvement project.

The eighth annual Houzz & Home report is finally here to give homeowners insights into remodeling costs, the most popular home renovation projects and ideas for how you can make sure your next home remodel improves the look, feel and functionality of your home.

Homeowners spent a median of $15,000 on remodeling projects in 2018. Kitchens remained the most popular room to renovate and spending jumped nearly 30 percent to a median of $14,000 for kitchen remodels.

“Last year’s 10 percent increase in tariffs on imported building materials is likely one of several forces hitting consumer pockets in areas such as kitchen and bathroom remodels that are heavily dependent on imports of cabinetry, countertops, ceramic tile, plumbing fixtures and vinyl flooring from China. We expect similar effects to take place in 2019 given the recent breakdown in trade negotiations,” said Nino Sitchinava, Houzz principal economist.

Hefty remodeling costs motivate most homeowners to prioritize financial concerns like resale value and energy efficiency when planning a renovation, second only to considerations about improvements in home design and functionality.

Here are three ideas from the Houzz & Home report that can help you make the most of your next home remodel:

Install a Home Assistant to Make the Most of Your Remodel

One in four renovating homeowners now installs a home assistant, which allows homeowners to use voice commands to control smart devices, fixtures and appliances, capable of dimming the lights, preheating the oven, turning on the air conditioning, closing the garage door, playing music, searching the internet and more.

Owning a home assistant is probably the closest you’ll get to having Batman’s Alfred. A home assistant is a digital personal butler at your beck and call, though perhaps less charming than Michael Caine in his portrayal of Alfred Pennyworth in The Dark Knight Trilogy.

Paint for a Home Renovation Transformation

There’s a reason why more than 70 percent of renovating homeowners purchase interior or exterior paint. Painting is one of the best ways to give your home a fresh new look, and as far as project costs are concerned, painting is on the lower end. It’s also a popular DIY project, only 14 percent of renovating homeowners hire a professional painter to get the job done.

Interior Design is the Final Touch for Your Remodeling Project

Seventy percent of homeowners decorated or furnished their home the same year they remodeled. Home decor is a crucial consideration when planning a remodel and something you can’t afford to skip over when setting a budget. Throw pillows, lamps, mirrors, artwork, rugs, furniture, it all adds up quick, but these items often complete the look and feel for your newly remodeled home.

Similarly, if there are any design pieces you’re serious about keeping, you’ll want to factor those into your renovation plan so it doesn’t clash with your new space.