Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
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OVERVIEW / NEWS / TRENDS / COMMUNITY KITCHENS & BATHS HOME IMPROVEMENT APP Top Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2013 Gray color schemes in kitchens and baths have witnessed a dramatic escalation since 2010, particularly throughout the past year, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association's annual design trends survey. Used currently in 55 percent of kitchens and 56 percent of bathrooms, shades of gray are growing in appeal, creating chic, sophisticated spaces that many consumers desire. Continuing an important trend from last year, transitional-style kitchens and baths have clearly surpassed traditional styles, a longstanding favorite until 2012. Although the use of quartz finishes was in slight decline last year, it has surfaced as a clear trendsetter this year, coming a close second to perennial favorite granite. Homeowners were spending more on their kitchen and bath remodels a year ago — however, the latest report reveals a slightly less robust situation. The total cost of the average kitchen and of the average bath design in 2012 was $51,050 and $18,575, respectively, but the most recent figures have dipped to $47,308 in kitchens, while staying steady at $18,538 in bathrooms. Although some trends from the past year continue to grow significantly into 2013, the last three months of 2012 have also laid the groundwork for new ones to thrive. Some of the other top trending design components include white painted cabinetry, glass backsplashes, LED lighting, touch-activated faucets and satin-nickel finishes in kitchens; and ceramic/porcelain tiles and undermount sinks in bathrooms. Grays in Kitchens 60% 55% 40% 56% 40% 40 33% 30 30% 20% 20 17% 9% 10% 0 2010 2011 Houston Contractor to Chair NAHB Remodelers Bill Shaw, GMR, GMB, CGP, owner of William Shaw & Associates in Houston, was appointed as the 2013 chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers in February at the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. Shaw has been in the residential remodeling business for more than 25 years, following a career as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He is a past president and board member of the Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelers Council, as well as the past presi- QR 2012 2013 0 FINANCES 12% 2010 dent of the Texas Association of Builders Remodelers Council. Currently, Shaw serves on the board of directors of NAHB and is chair of the NAHB Joint Councils Committee. He also teaches NAHB Education courses. ForResidentialPros.com With Zillow Digs, homeowners can find and connect with local professionals such as architects, contractors and designers. Professionals can create a free Zillow Digs profile with contact information, photos of past work and a link to their websites. Professionals also can market their expertise and their business by creating Boards, commenting on others' photos and answering questions. In addition, users can browse thousands of photos and see Zillow's Digs Estimates for the estimated cost, based on where they live, of the actual bathrooms and kitchens they are viewing. They can create, save and share Boards of ideas and decor, browse Boards created by others, comment on photos and follow people with similar interests. 21% 10 ASSOCIATIONS March 2013 Grays in Bathrooms 50 50% 8 60 Zillow Reaches out to Remodeling Market 2011 2012 2013 HOME PRICES Biggest Increase Since 2006 C o re L o g i c 's D e c e m b e r CoreLogic HPI report says home prices nationwide increased on a year-over-year basis by 8.3 percent in December 2012 compared to December 2011. This change is the biggest increase since May 2006. The CoreLogic Pending HPI indicates that January 2013 home prices, including distressed sales, are expected to rise by 7.9 percent on a year-over-year basis from January 2012 and fall by 1 percent on a month-over-month basis from December 2012, reflecting a seasonal winter slowdown. Publication Offers Look into Finances of Remodelers Remodelers have an opportunity to see how their business stacks up against the competition with a new publication from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB's publishing arm, BuilderBooks, recently released the 2012 edition of the "Remodelers' Cost of Doing Business Study: A National Study of Remodelers' Business Practices and Financial Performance." The study provides remodelers the opportunity to evaluate their financial performance compared with the industry as a whole and with remodelers of similar type and size. The publication is available only as an e-book at ebooks. builderbooks.com.