Top Remodelers Talk Trends

There’s a trend toward blurring the indoors and the outdoors. Our clients envision large family rooms that flow seamlessly onto covered lanais with no apparent division. The key element to creating these spaces is a wall of glass that virtually disappears when so desired. We accomplish this with lift-and-slide doors and accordion-style hinged doors. Both require only a single track, which makes them preferable to multi-panel sliders with much wider tracks. The single track also allows virtually uninterrupted floor finishes, further obscuring the transition from indoors to outdoors. This year both door types are being offered by more manufacturers and with impact ratings.??
—Jeff Brecko, Aurora Custom Remodeling

Much has been written about the popularity of going green, and the kitchen is no exception. Owners are choosing energy wise appliances, natural products such as granite for countertops and renewable items such as cork for floors. Florescent bulbs are now made for the recessed light fixtures that are so popular in new kitchens. They’re less expensive to use and put out less heat than incandescent bulbs.???
—Larry Murr, Lawrence Murr Remodeling

Homeowners are transforming their homes into comfortable and functional living spaces. Kitchens are changing from closed-in boxes where meals are prepared to social centers. Features such as computer desks, fireplaces, comfortable seating and flat-screen televisions as well as custom cabinetry with granite tops are being added during kitchen remodels. Master suites are becoming more like retreats. In the bathrooms, homeowners are adding steam rooms, jetted tubs and showers with body sprays and rain heads. Master bedrooms are getting larger with fireplaces and entertainment systems added. Specialty rooms are becoming popular for uses such as home theaters, game rooms and wine cellars.?
—Scott Barnette, Barnette Construction

It appears that most of our clients are asking questions about building green. Due to these inquiries, we’re now including in our specifications products and practices that are conducive to the preservation of our environment.??
—Frank Rodgers, Finial Builders

Homeowners are looking to add game rooms or secondary family rooms—getaway areas just for fun—complete with billiard tables, plasma TVs, built-ins and more. We’ve even added cameras to these spaces to allow parents to monitor activity from elsewhere in the home. Another trend has been the movement from carpet to stone and hardwood floors.????
—Doug Dye, Tom Trout