Happenings from the Mud Room

If you're like many Americans today, spending money on extras is taking a back seat. Home remodeling is no exception.

During years in which home appreciation rates rose at a healthy pace, Americans used the equity in their homes to pay for remodeling projects.

A sampling of U.S. remodeling permits shows a decrease in planned remodeling spending of almost 15 percent in the first half of 2008 versus the first half of 2007.

The downward trend could be a good thing if you're thinking about a remodel in the coming months.

"Homeowners who choose to remodel their homes may find this is a good time," says Dan Fritschen, real estate author and principle researcher. "With new home construction at low levels, more materials and labor are available for remodeling than several years ago, resulting in shorter project schedules and often lower project costs."

A recent Consumer Reports poll on home remodeling shows 36 percent of homeowners who plan to remodel plan to do so in phases.

Serial remodels, or phased remodeling projects, can go over several months and even years. For example, homeowners might opt to start slow with a remodel to a powder room or closet and then tackle a larger project, such as the kitchen, master bath or home addition.

If you find yourself wanting to revamp, but are on a limited budget, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers the following tips:

* Hire a professional remodeling contractor to do the job or at least help you with the design phase. They are knowledgeable about the building codes and can help you achieve your vision.
* Plan ahead. Choose everything you want in the new room and define your budget to prevent unexpected expenditures down the road. Add an extra 10 to 15 percent padding to your budget "just in case" money.
* Think very carefully about product choices; this is where most of your money will be spent.
* If you're looking for an easy (and inexpensive) fix, try painting the room before delving into any structural changes. Paint is the best way to bring new life into the room without spending a lot.
* Keep windows in place. Moving window locations is a costly task.

And if you're focusing on the kitchen (the most popular room to remodel), NARI offers the following suggestions:

* Reuse existing appliances, building new appliances around them. This will save from $1,500 to $5,000.
* When it comes to fixtures and laminates, choose neutral colors. They are less expensive and will stand the test of time without looking dated. Neutrals will also fare better when it's time to resell.
* If your flooring is in good condition, don't replace it.
* Think wisely about cabinets; they are typically the costliest item in a kitchen remodel and often require new flooring and counter tops. Consider re-facing existing cabinets.
* If you do opt for new cabinets, go with standard cabinetry rather than custom; or use a combination if they are compatible.
* When it comes to counter tops, laminates are the least expensive among solid surfacing, tile and granite.

When it comes to remodeling the bathroom, NARI recommends:

* If you're trying to make a small bathroom look more spacious, try a bow window, a skylight or a vaulted ceiling.
* Re-glazing a tub rather than replacing it. This can save up to half the cost of a tub replacement.
* Consider fiberglass surrounds vs. tile.
* Define your needs. Do you really need an extra bathroom? Maybe all you really need is a double sink in an existing bathroom.

And finally, be creative. There are usually multiple options to achieve a design objective; some will be within your budget, and others out of reach.

About the Author:

Doug Buenz is an accomplished writer and East Bay Realtor with Alain Pinel Realtors. He is well known for his innovative use of technology, and has over 20 years experience. His East Bay real estate blog is a highly regarded source of real estate information. Buenz graduated with honors from Oregon State University with a degree in Finance. His web site is an excellent source for Pleasanton real estate.

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