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Invest in Improvements on Trend for 2022

by Remodeling Benefits

The 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Survey released earlier this summer. According to Houzz, the data reveals that not only did renovation budgets grow in 2021, but project scopes also expanded. For the purpose of their study, recent homeowners are defined as those who have not yet moved into their home or moved in less than a year ago. Short-term owners moved into their home one to five years ago. Long-term homeowners moved into their home six or more years ago.

Renovation Activity & Spend Hit 4-Year High

Home renovation activity and spending are at the highest rates reported since 2018. More than half of homeowners (55%) renovated in 2021, up from 53% in 2020 and 54% in both 2019 and 2018. Following 15% growth in median renovation spend in 2020, homeowners reported an additional 20% jump in 2021 median spend, which now stands at $18,000.

Planned Renovation Spending Increases Year Over Year

More than half of homeowners (55%) plan to renovate in 2022, and nearly half (46%) plan to decorate. For the first time since 2018, homeowners’ planned spending has increased. The median has been $10,000 for the past three years and is now $15,000, a 50% jump.

Recent Homebuyers Spend Double the National Median Spend

Recent homebuyers, who account for 10% of renovating homeowners, spent nearly double the median ($30,000) in 2021, surpassing the median spend for short-term and long-term homeowners ($19,000 and $15,000, respectively). Recent homebuyers with higher-budget projects (the top 10% of spend) invested $175,000, compared with $100,000 for short-term homeowners and $90,000 for long-term homeowners. This higher spending limit potentially can be attributed to the number of projects recent homebuyers undertake at a single time. They are averaging three to four rooms, as well as home systems such as electrical and plumbing.

Investment in Interior Rooms Rises

The median spending increased for all interior room renovations in 2021. The kitchen, which remains the most popular interior room to be upgraded and is the room with the highest spend, saw an increase in investment of 25% ($15,000 in 2021 versus $12,000 in 2020). Interior rooms with the most dramatic spend increase are guest bathrooms (38%), laundry rooms (33%), living rooms (33%) and guest bedrooms (28%).

Other findings include homeowners exploring alternative funding sources – use of cash declined 7 points while financing with credit cards increased 6 points. Another area of investment increase was on outdoor security system upgrades.

Source: 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends

BestBath walk-in shower enclosure with customized tile inlay.

Six Key Considerations for Living in Place

by Bathroom RemodelHome Remodeling TipsKitchen remodelingRemodeling Benefits

With so many different stages in life, it’s not surprising that needs change as time progresses. Lifestyles suitable for a 20-something are not quite practical for someone approaching their 50s, 60s, 70s… you get the point. Add to that, aging isn’t always graceful. There could be reduced balance, decreased mobility, injury or illness, reduced mental capabilities, decreased strength and endurance, or reduced vision and hearing just to name a few. The concept of Living in Place is to adapt the home of your choice for as long as you are able to stay.

Getting Into the House

Even the most modest homes have steps to access entryways. Designing ramps — temporary or permanent – is a must to ensure access. Whether a concrete pour, decorative wood slats, or prefabricated metal, ramps for a wheelchair allow homeowners to get in and out. If not already in place, handrails for existing stairs provide support when a ramp is not present.

Moving Around the House

Flooring is an important consideration when inside the home for ease of movement. Smooth surfaces are more desirable than carpeted areas. Special hinges can be added to most doors to increase width by two inches. Sunken rooms can be elevated and leveled to minimize steps inside the home.    

Bathroom

Challenges in the bathroom include having sufficient room to move, a place to sit, showering and bathing, safety, and personal care. Surprisingly, the bathroom lends itself to the most opportunity for improvement with thoughtful design. Space can often be reclaimed to provide space for movement; built-in or furniture benches can be added for additional seating. Zero-entry showers provide access without barriers. Vanity counters can be designed for wheelchair roll-up access. Grab bars strategically placed for safety are now available to reflect beautiful design elements.   

Kitchen 

Kitchen islands and cabinetry offer enormous potential for keeping things in reach. Everything from drawer microwaves to hydraulic appliance shelves, a homeowner can avoid the difficulty of reaching beyond their grasp. Kitchen pullout pantries make storage accessibility a breeze. Varied heights incorporated into an island accommodate a variety of needs.     

Laundry  

Height is a factor for all things laundry related. Front loading washer and dryer minimize bending; standing height counters aid in sorting and folding.   

Lighting & Technology 

When it comes to lighting, more is better. LED lights with dimmers offer flexibility and there should be multiple sources for accessing switches. Whether Siri, Alexa, Google or other creative names, technology can easily be added to assist. From emergency calls for help to cameras and television sound bars, let a virtual assistant help. The Amazon Echo creates an intercom type system in every room.

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Interested in Living in Place?

by Company NewsHome Remodeling TipsRemodeling BenefitsSeminarsUncategorized

Lenton Company Hosts Seminar to Address Living in PlaceHome Modifications for Accessibility

Lenton Company will host a seminar to explore the possibilities of adjusting living spaces to be accessible as owners grow older. The complimentary seminar will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, starting at 10 a.m. at the Lenton Company Design Studio located at 530 Commerce Ave., Suite C in Palmdale.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 35% of people aged 65 or above upsized their homes by purchasing a 3,000-square-foot or larger home in 2020, compared with only 23% in 2017. Others choose to make modifications to stay in their current home surrounded by neighbors and family and to avoid the prohibitive cost of senior living communities.

“Living in place home modifications often focus on the bathroom, including options to replace a traditional bathtub with a barrier-free shower and to design the overall space to allow for easier access of walkers and wheelchairs if necessary,” said co-owner Rob Lenton. “Design details like stylish handrails strategically placed to provide stability can make a home more aging-friendly.”

“My mother has lived with us for more than 20 years and we’ve made adaptations along the way,” said Evelyn Lenton. “We recently completed a single-story addition to our home with the concept of our own future accessibility needs in mind.”

For property owners interested in exploring the feasibility of living in place in their existing home, the upcoming seminar led by Rob Lenton will provide information on accessibility issues including getting in and out of the home, moving around in the home, bathroom challenges, and kitchen considerations.

Seating is limited; call 661.273.9179 or email carrie@lentoncompany.com to reserve a space.

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The New Normal: Home Living Trends of The Future

by Remodeling Benefits

What does “home” mean to you? Many of the changes brought by the past year have centered on how we use our homes — and some of those changes have been for the better. Antelope Valley homeowners are discovering the benefits and conveniences of working, entertaining, and caring for loved ones right at home. Unsurprisingly, this shift is reflected in kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home remodeling trends, like: 

High-End Home Offices

While some people are heading back to the office, many workplaces allow or even suggest their employees continue to work from home. The kitchen table may have been an acceptable temporary office space, but an elegantly appointed in-home office is a much better long-term solution. Homeowners are converting rooms to create a quiet, separate area where they can be uninterrupted and productive. For families with extra space in their backyards, building a free-standing home office creates a distinct separation between home and work. 

Multi-Generational Homes

Remodeling for accessibility helps senior homeowners stay in their home longer — and allows for multi-generational living. Additions with full suites give family members their own space while staying close. Separate entrances, bathrooms, and even kitchens balance privacy and togetherness. 

At-Home Retreats

This past year saw many of us rediscovering the great outdoors. Homeowners are turning their backyards into stunning, resort-like escapes perfect for entertaining or just relaxing. Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and conversation areas lead the trend, but there’s no limit to your oasis — and no reservations required! 

State-Of-The-Art Kitchens

In the past year, many homeowners spent more time than usual in their kitchens. As home chefs get more familiar with what they want and need to create their perfect plat du jour, updates such as large center islands, deluxe pantries, specialty storage, and the latest high-tech appliances are in demand. 

Our lives are constantly evolving, and it makes sense that our homes also need to adapt. Does your house suit your lifestyle? Contact us today, and we’ll help you update your home to meet your current and future needs.