Are you considering home remodeling in Buffalo NY or Western NY as an alternative to home buying in a competitive market?
Home values have risen significantly in recent years, and this is certainly true in Buffalo and Western NY. House prices rose 12% between December 2020 and December 2021, and this isn’t expected to stop yet. Houses aren’t hanging around for long, either – the median time on the market is just 11 days.
This means that not only are people eager to move into the area and put a stamp on their new home. But it is hard to purchase a house due to bidding wars. For that reason, homeowners already living in Buffalo and Western NY are thinking about ways to improve their home’s value. Improving their own property with a home remodel is one alternative instead of competing in such a competitive housing market to get a new home that meets their needs.
The value of home improvements, repairs, remodels, and renovations could reach $430 billion by the end of 2022, so if you’re thinking about making changes to your home this year, now is the time to plan ahead and get on a home renovation contractor’s schedule. To help, here are all the design trends you need to know about for home remodeling in Buffalo NY.
Bright, airy kitchens are in and aren’t going away. It’s time to wave away your cramped 80s kitchen and expand it to meet the needs of the 21st-century family. Kitchens are bigger now than ever before, and more importantly, are lighter. Home remodeling in Buffalo NY to provide additional kitchen space is a big trend now, with a focus on the addition of large kitchen windows.
Consider skipping the upper cabinetry on outer walls and choose ceiling-to-counter windows or even place your dining area in this additional space and choose floor-to-ceiling windows. With the addition of a large island that can become the center of the kitchen, this additional space, light, and view outside will make the kitchen your favorite place in the house.
You can embrace a minimalist (or less cluttered!) look in your home without throwing away all your possessions by embracing smart storage solutions. Many companies and residential general contractors are now producing cabinetry for kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Buffalo NY, that make the most of every inch available. They may feature a drawer specifically for spices, a power outlet for appliances, and the perfect place to store your hairdryer without wrapping the cord around it dozens of times and shoving it at the back of the bathroom cupboard.
These little things may not seem like much, but if you’re planning home remodeling in Buffalo NY or Western NY this year, these smart solutions are a must. Not only are they practical, but they add a touch of luxury to those little everyday things we all have to do.
It doesn’t matter how beautiful a bathroom looks, if standing under the shower leaves you underwhelmed due to pressure, direction, or bad drainage, you’re not going to want to spend time in there. If your bathroom is on your list of to-dos for home remodeling in Buffalo NY, take note.
You can increase the feeling of luxury and relaxation by adding a few extra showerheads to your shower. Almost a quarter of homeowners renovating their bathroom choose to have 2 showerheads, but you don’t have to stop there. Consider having a rain showerhead over top, a traditional showerhead on the wall, and a handheld showerhead available for rinsing hard-to-reach areas and bathing kids and pets.
There’s nothing wrong with a bath-shower combo if you are working in a tight space – and there are plenty of designers creating some stylish options for small bathroom remodels. But having both a bath and a separate shower adds an irreplaceably special experience of comfort and luxury to your home.
A low-profile shower remodel (where the step or “lip” in is around 6 inches tall) gives you enough of a lip to create a water-tight area but adds the benefit of plenty of light in your shower. Many shower cubicles are dark and cramped. We can open it up by increasing its footprint if you have the space, with floor-to-ceiling glass facing the windows in your bathroom.
A freestanding bath is another awesome addition to your bathroom makeover if you have the space. Not only is a luxurious soak one of life’s most simple pleasures, but a free-standing bathtub can be a beautiful centerpiece in your bathroom.
There’s no debating the fact that the past few years have been stressful for all of us. So, it’s no surprise to see a big trend for home remodeling projects in Buffalo NY and across the world to lean toward soothing colors, even when combined with bolder shades. We’ll be seeing a lot of newly renovated rooms with stone shades, soft grays, greens, and blues, white, and natural wood tones.
Softer (not necessarily pastel) shades of green were chosen as the Color of the Year for 2022 by almost every major paint company, but you aren’t limited to using it for your walls. Try it for updating your cabinets, backsplash, bathroom tile, or furniture.
Forget the days of barbecuing in full view of your neighbors on a small bit of paved patio outside your back door – homeowners looking for home remodeling in Buffalo NY are now moving toward fully-outfitted outdoor spaces that are just as well designed as their indoor spaces.
A covered patio will give you a useable space throughout the summer months, and the addition of a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can provide a warm space in early spring and fall where you can relax and entertain outside in comfort.
Outdoor kitchens are another big trend that is sweeping across the world from year-round warm climates since we all saw the value of our outside space over the course of the pandemic. Continuing to invest in our homes and properties so we can find more pleasure in them at home is a trend that will continue, and outdoor counters, grills, fridges, and sinks are all options you can have installed to take advantage of in spring, summer and fall.
Selecting the ideal contractor for your home improvement project is crucial to achieving your dream space. Here’s how you can find the right professional in Buffalo NY:
Before you start searching, clearly outline what you want to achieve. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel or a bathroom upgrade, understanding your project’s scope helps you find a contractor with the right expertise.
Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals. Additionally, platforms like Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp can provide insights into top-rated contractors in Buffalo. Reading reviews will give you a sense of other homeowners’ experiences.
If you live in the City of Buffalo, your home improvement contractor needs a City of Buffalo Contractor License. Open Data Buffalo (data.buffalony.gov) is a good place to check for licensing, ensuring the contractor is authorized to work within local regulations.
Don’t settle on the first person you meet. Interview at least three contractors to compare their experience, professionalism, and rates. During the interviews, pay attention to how they communicate; clear, honest communication is key to a successful project.
Request references from previous clients and follow up with these contacts. Ask about the quality of work, timeliness, and how well the contractor managed the project. This step provides a better picture of what to expect.
Get detailed written estimates from each contender, breaking down project costs, timelines, and materials. Carefully review each contract to ensure it includes all agreed-upon details. Never agree to a verbal contract; everything should be documented.
Finally, choose a contractor you feel comfortable with and trust. This person will be in your home, working closely with you to bring your vision to life. Trust and communication make a big difference.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding a reliable and skilled contractor in Buffalo, NY, poised to complete your home improvement project successfully.
Embarking on a home remodeling project is always a daunting prospect, but you don’t have to go it alone. We help homeowners create dream homes every day and will be happy to guide you so you can make all the essential decisions confidently and get results that wow you and anyone who walks into your home.
To discuss home remodeling in Buffalo NY and Western NY, reach out to our team. We are amazing residential general contractors in Buffalo NY. Simply contact us to schedule a call or in-home design session. Our 4-step process will take you seamlessly from idea to completion.
Service Areas: All Western New York, including Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Kenmore, Tonawanda, Grand Island, Lancaster, Depew, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, Akron, Elma, Wheatfield, Lockport, Lewiston, and Niagara Falls.
