Remodeling Instead Of Moving

What's the next best thing to selling your home and buying a new home? Instead of moving many homeowners are opting to stay in place and remodel, according to the New York City / Long Island chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in Melville. Remodel now to increase the value of your home and to make it easier to sell in the future, NARI suggests.

Replacing the Kitchen

The kitchen continues to be the most popular remodeling projects. It's the cornerstone of family life and home value, says Barry Goggin, president of a construction company in Ronkonkoma. "If your kitchen is 20 years old or older, it's probably time to remodel," Goggin says. Maple, cherry and oak are popular replacement materials for kitchen cabinets. For the floor and backsplash, ceramic title is still the first choice because it's durable and easy to clean, Goggin says. However, he says hard woods such as oak and cherry are gaining popularity as kitchen floor coverings.

You can equip the new kitchen with many up-to-date gadgets including pot fillers (faucets over the stove to fill pots), water conserving dishwashers, water filtration systems that fit under the sink, and counter-depth refrigerators, which take up less space than older models. (There's also a refrigerator that makes a chime sound when the door is left open.)

Fixing Up the Bathroom

Bathroom remodeling projects emphasize comfort and safety. Vanities can be raised to a more comfortable height to accommodate all members of the family. Shower faucets regulate water temperature and conserve water. Ceramic tile for bathrooms is affordable and comes in hundreds of colors, Goggin says. Glass accent tiles lend a sophisticate urban look to the bathroom.

What If You've Run Out of Space

The basement, den or TV room can be converted to a home media room packed with the latest technology including Blu-ray, SurroundSound, wireless Internet and games.

"Outdoor living spaces are becoming very popular," adds Johnny Adler, general manager for Darius Masonry in Copiague. Your outdoor "room" can include a pergola (a shaded walk or passageway with pillars), a kitchen, a fireplace, seating and a keg refrigerator" to keep drinks cold.

Original Article: Newsday: Spring Home Improvement, Newsday Special Advertising Section, April 10, 2011

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