The Remodeling Corner – June 2014

Must-have features in the 2014 home

Janet Cook

When my nieces and nephew were still at the age that they didn’t mind tagging along with their parents, my sister loved going to tour the latest model homes on Saturdays. She was mainly interested in decorating ideas. There were those, however, who wanted to know what now was becoming standard as a must have in these new community developments. It is smart to keep current with building trends, for these new homes compete for buyers in the marketplace. When it is time to sell, you can reap more rewards if you’ve kept your home up to date. You will get to enjoy the home improvements too!

The National Association of Home Builders and Remodelers did a nationwide survey of what features are most likely to be included in the 2014 single family homes. Careful research is done in the planning to anticipate what will attract buyers. For your own home investment, these are some features you may want to keep in mind in determining what to include in your next remodeling project. Products that help minimize utility costs are considered very important to homeowners.

Energy efficient, low-e windows

More insulation than is required by the building code

Programmable thermostat and energy star appliances

A master bedroom walk in closet

High efficiency water sense toilet in its own private room in the master bathroom

Granite countertops

A central kitchen island

A double kitchen sink

A great room

A laundry room

A front porch and back patio with outdoor lighting

While you are remodeling, make your home facilitate safe, independent living by incorporating universal design elements in your project. Have a zero threshold entry into the home, widened hallways and lever door handles. Include attractive grab bars strategically placed in the bathroom. Add a shower bench and a hand held shower head to a zero threshold walk in shower. Throughout the home have ample lighting and visual contrasts to easily see countertop edges, doorways and the like. A certified Universal Design Remodeler, or a Certified Aging in Place Specialist can help plan your remodeling project to be enjoyed for years to come.

Happy home remodeling!

Janet B. Cook, CAPS, is President of Cook Remodeling, celebrating their 35th year, voted Top Ten Best Remodeling Business in Ranking Arizona. She partners with Jeff Cook, CEO, a Certified Graduate Remodeler. For photos of beautiful universally designed projects go to: cookremodeling.com, and click on the Pinterest link.