Remodeling Your Home On A Budget

If you've lived in your home any length of time, you probably have considered doing some remodeling. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders estimates that we will spend nearly $240 billion over the next year in remodeling projects. That's a lot of paint (not to mention nails, screws, plywood, tile, etc.)!

3. Go outside. A new barbecue grill can liven up the forgotten square footage of your home."We are also doing more with glass, which you can do a lot of fun things with. We use it on a lot of bar tops. It gives you the illusion there's nothing there because you can see right through it," Hagerman says.Traditional kitchen design is still the top pick of homeowners across mid-Michigan, Hagerman says, with cherry cabinets and granite countertops all the rage. However, maple has made a resurgence because it can be painted either cream or beige."The Food Network has inspired a lot of people with great ideas, but it's important that a kitchen designer understands the work flow of a kitchen, such as moving from the dishwasher to the cabinets to the food prep areas. Convenience is important," Hagerman says.While the economy has certainly slowed down new home construction across mid-Michigan, Hagerman says people are excitedly tackling smaller remodel projects--and the kitchen is typically a good place to start.These are just a few of the many ideas which you can implement to give your home a remodeled look. By taking the time to visit a few of the local retailers (box stores and specialty stores), you can come up with some great ideas. Also, a visit to your local home show is a great source for generating ideas. And, more ideas can be found at http://www.fhhome.com.2. Add glass in the bathroom. It creates a look of more space by opening up the tub/shower area."Fortunately our workload has been very steady. Obviously there has been a shift to remodel projects away from new home installations, but a particular strength for us has been the northern Michigan vacation home market," Hagerman says.Granite remains the most popular countertop material, and the thicker the better, he says, with some clients asking for two-inch thick tops. Marble isn't as popular since it requires too much maintenance for most of his clients; it's also prone to nicks and scratches.

But if you are not a do-it-your-self type of person, consider hiring a contractor who specializes in small jobs. A good contractor can also be a great source for new ideas. Enjoy your newly remodeled home!

Author: Yvonne Volante