Home & Renovation Trends for 2020

As February creeps up on us, what better time to take a look at some of the expected trends to take place this year.

Some renovation trends will always be in-style, but below are a few we think will be on the uprise in 2020.

Trends for the Year:

Health & Wellness: Wellness focused home-improvements are definitely on the rise. Products that focus on overall health will be in high demand this year. From Water and Air Purifiers to Circadian Lighting for improved sleep and plenty of Non-Toxic materials. Keeping our homes as clean and natural as possible is becoming the in-thing for 2020.

Cost-Savings: It is expected that Renovations are on the decline for this year, but that won’t stop money being spent. Cost-saving projects will keep moving forward, such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances, improved Roofing and home insulation.

DIY: 2020 is the year that could see the highest rate of DIY’er’s to date. With access to online forums and video sites (YouTube & Pinterest), homeowners are taking things into their own hands. Technology and research can go a long way to help projects run smoothly and cost-efficient.

Surfaces: One of the largest expenditures in home renovations will always be surfaces of all kinds;  Flooring, carpets, tiles and panelling are some of the popular ones. This trend will continue throughout this year.

Climate: With our ever-changing weather and concerns for keeping our homes safe and energy-efficient, new protection against the elements will continue to be a main renovation subject.

Paint: Painting is one of those tedious, yet highly rewarding tasks. Paint companies continue to see strong growth, and a fresh new coat of color can add value and fun to your home. Trending colors are forever changing and with the mixing of styles comes new ideas.

Custom/Luxury Features: There was a time not long ago that custom features were limited and rather expensive. A greater range of products are now widely available and will continue to grow this year. More homes will have the opportunity to be “customized” with products that were once thought to be only for the higher-end homes.

“Smart” Devices: Expect 2020 to be full of everything Smart! Robotic vacuums continue to be on the rise and everything from voice-activated faucets, to home protection systems will be the talk of every home. The Smart world has really taken over.

There is a lot to look forward to this year as far as renovations and home trends go!

The 2020 KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) took place in Las Vegas last week and showcased some innovative and high-tech gadgets and designs. With more than 2,000 exhibitors there was plenty to see…..

Check back next week for a more in-depth look into some of the standouts from the show.

From renovations to innovative products, we can help achieve your home or business goals. Contact us today for a FREE personalized consultation!

 

How to Survive Through a Kitchen Renovation

There’s nothing quite as disrupting to our everyday life as having your kitchen remodeled. Removing your means of cooking homemade meals can not only be frustrating, it can also be costly.  The average time-frame for a full kitchen renovation varies greatly depending on different factors, but you can pretty much guarantee at least a month or two. Trying to stay sane during this hectic time can really take a strain on even the most patient of people!

The key is to plan ahead and know your limitations. Recognize that this is temporary and the end result will be worth it. With that in mind, here are some tips to make the process easier and take as much stress away as possible.

Plan Meals Ahead: This is essential for a smooth-running environment! Start planning meal ideas and gathering recipes that are easy to prepare and cook. Prepare freezer meals that can be stored in a garage deep-freezer or at a neighbors house. Fast-food is going to become your friend whether you want to accept it or not, but making wise choices can help alleviate some of the guilt. Set aside funds in preparation for the added expense of eating-out so the cost isn’t too much to bear.

Create a Mini-Kitchen: A life-saving idea that isn’t too hard to achieve is to set-up an area in your home with cooking & kitchen essentials. You’ll need a table, some storage (plastic drawers & cubbies work well) and easy-to-work with appliances (mini-fridge, air-fryer, microwave, toaster oven & instant-pots are great options). Use your storage area to keep paper-products, utensils, cooking supplies and spices in place. Keep a trashcan next to the space for easy clean-up and prepare to use plastic/paper plates & cups for this short time (the less washing-up created, the better!).

Breathe: Yes, this seems simple, but living through a kitchen remodel can be very trying and super-stressful! Take a breather, Remember this is temporary and the end result will be totally worth the struggle.

We’ve done many kitchen renovations over the years and enjoy them immensely. Give us a call or send us a message any time for a FREE consultation and quote!

Top Countertop Surfaces for Your Renovation

Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen and bathroom renovation can be quite daunting.
Depending on your wants & needs and the depth of the renovation, there are plenty of choices.
The main surfaces we deal with on a daily basis are:
  • Granite
  • Quartz
  • Marble
  • Laminate

Each of these surfaces have their own pros and cons. Some work better for a family home, while others would be best suited for Hotel Renovations or Multi-Family Repositions. 

Granite

One of the most popular and used countertop surfaces these days! It’s durable, looks great, and comes in many color choices with prices that can fit almost any budget.
Granite is rated via grades and priced accordingly. The rarer and more uniquely patterned granite will have a higher numbered grade, and therefore a higher price. Lower grade granite is often referred to as “commercial grade” and has excess soft minerals mixed into the stone and a thinner cut. Granite is heat-resistant but usually porous, therefore staining can be possible.
Quartz
Quartz popularity is rising and it’s becoming a great choice for homeowners who want to renovate their countertops. Like granite, the cost of quartz varies depending on the quality of the stone. It is usually (but not always) a little less expensive than granite, but gives the same high-quality look and durability. Quartz is nonporous and scratch and chip resistant, but unlike granite it isn’t heat-resistant so it cannot withstand hot pans being placed directly on it.
Marble
Marble is one of the more expensive options on our list. This natural beauty certainly gives a ‘wow’ factor and really stands out as luxurious. Marble is not as strong as granite or quartz, it scratches easily and is prone to staining, therefore installing it in a kitchen that will be well-used, usually isn’t a wise idea. On the other hand, it is very heat resistant. Using marble sparingly – for just the kitchen island for instance – can really make a statement.
Laminate
It is of course well known to be the least expensive material to use for countertops, therefore it can really help keep your costs low when renovating. There are different types of lamination, and we recommend the ‘high-definition’ for the best comparison to a solid-surface without the high cost. This type of Laminate really gives the look of a high-end product.
Laminate of course has its disadvantages though. Durability is low and it’s definitely not stain/heat resident.
Overall, weighing the costs and needs of what you’re looking for in a renovation will help you make the perfect decision on what countertop to go for.

Top 5 Kitchen Renovation Ideas

We all know that renovating your kitchen is a big investment that can take time, money and a lot of patience. Turning your kitchen into a dream area that family and friends want to gather in can be very rewarding.
There are no hard-fast rules on how you should splurge or how you should save during your renovation. What matters to some won’t matter to others. But picking the right areas to invest in can be important when it comes to resale.

The Top 5:
When it comes to your kitchen, think about how often it is used and what the main uses are. Also, consider how long you plan on staying in the home and if the renovations are a wise investment.

1) Countertops:

Countertops can be the focal point of your kitchen. They usually cover a large area and can be costly to renovate. That said, they can really make your kitchen stand-out and add not only beauty, but value to your home. Granite, laminate, quartz, marble, butcher-block or solid surfaces are all great options that have a varied cost.

2) Appliances:

Stainless steel is usually the most popular appliance look. It really refreshes an older kitchen and brings it up-to-date. There are even new colors to choose from to add a totally different look. Be sure to pick appliances that have all the functions you need for your family (think “express” setting on your dishwasher for that quick wash!) and look for energy-efficient models with great warranties.
 
3) Cabinets:
Here’s where the budget can be blown during your renovation. Picking the right material for your cabinets and making sure the functionality is on-point are the major factors to take into consideration. Soft-close drawers and doors are one of the most sought-after musts. New hardware/handles on your cabinets can really refresh your entire kitchen, in a simple and often inexpensive, way.
 
4) Backsplash:
This is where you can add a huge pop of color and really put your own stamp on your kitchen design-wise. If you want to keep it simple and timeless, go for a sleek white subway tile. You can also change it up and use a colored subway tile to keep that modern, yet simple look. If you really want to make a statement, splurge on glass-tile mosaics or vivid color patterns that really stand out.
 
5) Flooring:
Picking the right floors for your new kitchen will help pull everything together. Hardwood, tile, LVP, vinyl and stone/concrete are some of the top options. Pick a flooring that not only looks good, but will also stand-up to the many mishaps that can happen in a kitchen.

Multi-Family Repositions

Making an investment into repositioning your multi-family property can increase its value, lead to happy residents and increase cash flow. It can lower the management burdens; creating a happy and fulfilled team, and lower expenses all around.
 
Take into account your budget & the scope of work you’d like the renovations to achieve.
 
Cosmetic:
This consists of making a dramatic change, in the easiest and least involved way.
Landscaping, resurfacing and re-striping parking lots, new signs, a fresh coat of paint inside or out, new exterior/interior light fixtures and revamping interior and/or exterior finishes. Making some of these small changes can help impact how your potential tenants feel when they arrive at your property looking for a new home.
 
Structural:
This option is usually more in-depth and involved.
Full kitchen remodels, structural changes to balconies and interior walls. Adding new common areas and/or swimming pools and decks, and club house or fitness center remodels. These changes can have a huge impact on how your property compares to others in the area, therefore how much rental income you can expect.
 
P&R Property have established ourselves as a trustworthy and hardworking team for all multi-family reposition needs.
We’ve worked with many large communities over the years, including Greystar, PRG Property Management and Camden Properties.
If you are interested in repositioning your multifamily property – contact us for a free quote.