Gulfshore Life Homebuyer – 2009
Excerpted from original article published in Gulfshore Life Homebuyer, Spring 2009 issue
REMODELING GETS REAL:
Many of today’s homeowners are making practical, useful renovations without skimping on style
BY CORI SUE MORRIS
These days it seems everywhere you look people are trying to save money. And with the current housing market uncertainty, many homeowners are opting to take down the “for sale” sign and choosing to renovate rather than relocate. Call it recession chic, but current trends in interior design and renovation are leaning toward functional and affordable, while still remaining stylish.
PRETTY AND PRACTICAL
Facing the possibility of staying in their homes for a few more years, owners are looking to remodel— particularly kitchens and bathrooms—to meet their lifestyle and storage needs without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
“People are making changes to homes that they enjoy and that people in the future will enjoy—it comes down to good design and function,” says Abbie Sladick, a remodeler and contractor who owns Abbie Joan Enterprises. “Areas that work for you will probably work for other people.”
Sladick says many of her clients are looking to increase function and ease strain in kitchens and baths with efficient cabinetry, well—placed appliances and task lighting. In the kitchen, owners are adding deep cabinets for large pots and pans and lighting for countertop chores and under-cabinet lamps useful when hunting for utensils. Andy and Hana Cummins hired Sladick to remodel their entire condominium—resulting in a sleek, coordinated home with built-in casings for appliances, electronics, barware and knick-knacks. The living room houses a wood-mode entertainment center that conceals television equipment, and is paired with a matching bar and dining room hutch. In the office, all computer equipment is out-of-sight and wooden built-in cases house books and curios. The Cummins’ kitchen is also Wood-Mode with granite countertops. All appliances are built-in to the island, along with a Sub-Zero wine keeper, a slide-out pantry and built-in spice drawers. They also raised the dishwasher to prevent backache when loading.
Kelly Capolino, a realtor who loves to entertain, turned to Kathy Guyitt, owner of Design Tech Southwest Florida, to remodel the kitchen in her Breakers condominium in Naples. Like the Cummins, Capolino wanted a sleek, practical and beautiful home. First, they eliminated the 1970s-style galley kitchen, creating an open space with views of the water. They designed a buffet-style kitchen with built-in wine racks and a bar for entertaining. The sink and oven face outward so Capolino can chat with her guests and look at the ocean while cooking.
AGING IN PLACE
Looking to the future, many owners are choosing to make their homes safer for elderly visitors or for their own later years—allowing them to prolong a move to a retirement community aging-in-place alterations, defined by the American Disability Act, include grab bars in bathrooms, roll-in showers, comfort-height toilets and more.
“Aging-in-place applications don’t change the cost [of a renovation]—if the person needs to change a toilet to a comfort-height toilet, it’s not going to cost more than most standard toilets—it’s just a different style,” explains Guyitt, who was recently named Collier Building Industry Association’s remodeler of the year and has completed many aging-in-place remodels. “Or, they could choose to put in a shower head with a hose instead of a stationary one.”
Linda and Dick Robertson incorporated aging-in-place modifications in their master bath when they hired Guyitt to renovate in their Bonita Bay home. They raised the bathroom countertops for wheelchair access and added grab bars in various places. A large whirlpool tub was removed—expanding the shower and toilet areas to accommodate wheelchairs. Shower safety was key—a step was removed, leveling the floor, and no-slip tile was installed. “The shower is easier. I don’t even have to think about it, there’s nothing to step over,” says Linda. “We used to have to step up and over kind of awkwardly. Now you just walk right in.”
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Fashion, beauty architecture – going green is all the rage, and for good reason. Striving to save the planet can end up saving you money in the long run. If you’re looking to make your home greener, start by increasing energy and water efficiency with Energy Star—rated appliances, smart showerheads and toilets that use less water per flush, says Guyitt. Switch out the toilet and shower in the master bathroom first since those two fixtures use the most water. Then move on to other bathrooms and the faucets as budget allows.
Next, choose recycled and sustainable construction materials—bamboo being the most popular for flooring, wall coverings and fabrics. Bamboo is an eco-favorite because it grows back quickly and absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than other trees. Lightweight, durable and attractive, it’s a great alternative to hardwood. Other eco-friendly flooring options include sustainable woods, and stone and tile made of recycled glass or metal.
When going green, take it in stages. “A lot of people think that to go green means to do everything,” says Guyitt. “But, in remodeling you can go green as you can – do one room at a time, saving money on energy bills as you go.” Eco-consciousness can be as simple as using extra materials rather than tossing them in the trash. Guyitt used leftover fireplace tiles to create a decorative mosaic in the Robertson’s living room.
So whether it’s energy—efficient appliances or a wheelchair-friendly shower, today’s homeowners clearly want elegance with purpose.
“People want beautiful homes that work well, whereas before they might just want a beautiful home,” Sladick says. “Or if they were having health problems, they didn’t mind an ugly bathroom if they could get around. That’s a real change in mind-set – it’s completely different from where we’ve been in the past.
HIRING A REMODELER: HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH
- A license and Insurance: Remodelers should be licensed contractors in the state of Flonda.
- References: A reliable remdeler will have a good reputation around town and portfolio of past clients you can chat with about their experiences,
- Options: A potential remodeler should give you two or three alternatives for your project, allowing you to pick the best way to spend your money, says Kathy Guyitt, remodeling chair of the Collier Building lndusty Association.
- Experience: “You want to make sure they’ve been in business for a good amount of time, and they have a showroom rather than working off the back of their truck,” says Tom Grimaldi, a designer at Intercoastal Remodeling. “Going to the showroom and seeing what they’ve done gives the customer a greater sense of security and satisfaction,”
- A reality check: “You want somebody who gives you realistic timelines and a realistic budget – because if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is,” says Abbie Sladick, president of Abbie Joan Enterprises.
- Good rapport: Like any long-term relationship – spouse, friend or partner – your connection with your remodeler should be built on trust and ease of communication. “It’s important you feel they’re listening to you, asking tons of questions, and able to help you through the exploration process,” says Sladick.
HOW TO REMODEL TO SELL
- Switch out appliances, faucets and fixtures. Up-to- date appliances increase efficiency and instantly add resale value. Don’t forget to check the valves in toilets and sinks to prevent water leaks that result in unsightly mold.
- Replace stained carpets for an instant and much- needed uplift.
- Update hardware on doors and cabinetry. “If the hardware on your doors and cabinets, air-conditioning registers and switch plate covers look fresh and new it gives a sense that the home has been taken care of and maintained,” says Kathy Guyitt.
- Install new cabinetry. As one of the most visible elements in your home, kitchens and bathroom cabinetry should look new and fresh. To avoid the high cost of replacing entire cabinets, hire a handyman to resurface and repaint the existing doors.
- Add a fresh coat of paint. By far the cheapest option, a new wall color can make a room appear completely different—even giving the illusion of a larger space.