Residential remodeling on the upswing in area

Home remodeling has remained relatively steady from a year ago, and in some parts of the Washtenaw/Livingston county area, remodeling work has sprinted past new housing starts.
"Remodeling remains very, very strong," said Jeff Fisher, public affairs director of the Home Builders Association of Washtenaw County. "In Ann Arbor, people like their neighborhoods. And because of the age of the houses, we're seeing a lot of remodeling. In Ann Arbor, remodeling is king."

Home remodeling has gone up faster than drywall in much of Livingston County. While new home starts have declined 25 percent from a year ago, home alterations have increased more than 17 percent during the same period, said Doug Britz, assistant building director for the Livingston County Building Department.

The county Building Department covers most of Livingston County, but not Green Oak or Brighton townships or the city of Brighton.

Additions to homes are down, he said, by 27 percent. In an unstable market, people are looking to invest in the homes they own.

"People are putting equity into their homes, into home improvements, rather than moving" said Carol Kull, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Livingston County. "People are staying put. The economy is dictating the trends right now." MORE

Remodeling Sacramento Contractors and Design Professionals: http://www.sacramento-remodeling.com

Home remodeling project should maintain balance

THE PROBLEM

Older homes have more constructed rooms than today's open plans. Both types of houses have their advantages and disadvantages. The older homes feel compartmentalized and closed-in, while the open plans often leave so few walls that furniture placement is difficult. Views from room to room are affected as well. In remodeling, we should strive for a good balance.

This charming house featured massive woodwork, built-ins and columns that we don't see in new homes. Porches (front one is not shown) offer additional living spaces and good transitions from outdoors. In this case, the back porch (A) sheltered the back stairs, including cellar access on one side and a solarium (B) on the other.

At one time, the solarium was used as a first-floor bedroom for the elderly former owner, and the strange space (C) in front was used for clothes storage and dressing. It appears as if a half-bath (D) was added in the hall in front of the interior basement stair. These modifications made all the back-door traffic (E) congested and complicated the other paths.

The path from the centered front door (F) cut directly through the middle of the living room (G) and through the dining room (H). The living room featured a somewhat open stair (I) with beautiful wood panels and beams.
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Remodeling Sacramento Contractors and Design Professionals: http://www.sacramento-remodeling.com