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.
Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/739287
smart system or device than before the renovation. Nearly a third of upgraded smart home systems or devices can be controlled via a central hub, and a quarter include voice-controlled features. Homeowners report greater levels of satisfaction with their up- graded smart features than their nonsmart features. Homeowners are installing smart devices for security/safety, en- tertainment, climate control and lighting in their renovated homes. Additionally, 12 percent of renovated homes include a smart thermostat — 40 percent of upgraded thermostats or temperature controls are smart. Eight percent of upgraded homes feature a smart TV, and 7 percent include smart speakers or video/music streaming devices. When it comes to lighting, 11 percent of reno- vated homes include smart indoor lighting, and 4 percent include smart outdoor lighting. The majority of renovating homeowners rely on professional help for the installation of both smart and nonsmart security, climate control and lighting products, though they are even more likely to turn to pros in the case of smart technology upgrades in these categories. This is especially true for the installation of smart alarms and fire/gas detectors (67 percent turn to pros versus 46 percent of those installing nonsmart solutions), mo- tion-sensing lighting (63 percent vs. 45 percent) and cameras (42 percent vs. 21 percent). For more information, visit houzz.com. Realtors: Outdoor remodeling projects see high happiness and financial returns Homeowners looking to tackle a remodeling project should head outside, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors and National Association of Landscape Professionals. The 2016 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features shows that out- door remodeling projects can add value to a home on resale and bring advantages to homeowners planning to stay in their homes. The report analyzes the reasons homeowners complete outdoor remodeling projects and the value — both financially and emotion- ally. Taking care of your home's lawn will bring the most bang for the buck. Realtors ranked seeding a lawn the highest, recovering 417 percent of the project cost at resale. Seeded lawn is followed by implementing a standard lawn care program (303 percent of cost recovered) and updating landscaping with sod lawn (143 per- cent recovered) as the most cost-effective projects. When it comes to the enjoyment homeowner's gain from these projects, a new pool comes in at No. 1, receiving a perfect Joy Score of 10 (Joy Scores range between 1 and 10 and higher figures indicate greater joy from the project). Ninety-five percent of home- owners who completed a pool project said they have a greater desire to be at home, 90 percent felt a major sense of accomplish- ment, and 80 percent have an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home. However, Realtors estimate that homeowners will only recoup 50 percent of the cost on resale, making it one of the least profitable projects in the report. The next most appealing project is an overall landscape upgrade — with a Joy Score of 9.8 — followed by a new wood deck, with a Joy Score of 9.7. When asked why homeowners took on these projects, the most common response was to add features to their home and improve livability. For more information, visit realtor.org. | QualifiedRemodeler.com QR October 2016 11 ardware Arc itectural Your for Fine "Fine Furniture" ® h w w w . m o c k e t t . c o m • 8 0 0 - 5 2 3 - 12 6 9 PCS77 Pop-Up Kitchen Power ™ Pops Up! For more info circle 35