NARI List Of Popular Remodeling Projects For The 21st Century

Furniture World Magazine

Remodeling for quality of lifeThe National Association of the Remodeling Industry, (NARI) "the Voice of the remodeling industry™" recently compiled a list of popular remodeling projects for the 21st century. These projects paint a picture of today's "typical" homeowner as a family-oriented individual who takes at-home entertaining, dining, and relaxing seriously. Today's homeowners remodel to create living spaces that allow for quality family time, as well as productive personal time. Today, a house is no longer just a house. People are looking for details that add convenience, comfort and style to their homes. According to NARI, remodeling projects that help consumers achieve their desired lifestyles include: home offices (often with built-in, hidden away office equipment; family entertainment/media rooms; master bedroom suites with baths; double-vanity baths for couples; combination kitchen/living rooms; home fitness centers; sunrooms; extra-large walk-in closets; and elaborate backyard decks. According to Dreammaker Kitchen & Bath, a national member of NARI, the top trends for kitchens include granite and quartz countertops, and more use of solid surfaces such as DuPont Corian™ and Transolid™ and a rising demand for the commercial look of stainless steel appliances. Today's homeowner also prefers to incorporate dining and family rooms into the kitchen area, enlarging seating and gathering spaces and creating a more open space in the home. Bath trends include earth-toned tile, solid surface shower walls, granite, quartz and solid surface countertops and heated tile floors. Bathrooms aren't the only place today's homeowner is looking for heated floors, either. According to Warmly Yours and Nuheat, both national members of NARI, floor-heating systems are designed also for kitchens or anywhere in the home where a homeowner wants to have the luxury of a heated floor. Today's homeowners are requesting heating under any flooring surface, be it tile, stone, vinyl, wood, laminate or even carpet. The success of any home improvement project lies in the proper selection of a professional remodeling contractor. To ensure that a homeowner's time and money are wisely invested, it's important they choose a reputable contractor. Finding that reputable professional remodeling contractor doesn't have to be a difficult task. Many states require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded. A homeowner can contact their state or local licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets all requirements, or check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure there is no adverse file on record. For more information about finding a qualified professional, consumers can call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI's brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling Professional," or visit www.RemodelToday.com and look up the homeowners guide for more information. About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. With more than 5,800 member companies nationwide, the Association -- based in Des Plaines, Illinois - is "The Voice of the Remodeling Industry."TM For membership information, or to locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI's website at www.RemodelToday.com , or contact the national headquarters office at 800-611-NARI.