Five Surprising Home Improvement Stats in 2021

Posted by Jonathon Kees on July 21, 2021

The past almost year and a half have changed a ton about the world in which we live. The housing market simultaneously increased as lending rates were driving down by stimulus payments. This, coupled by homeowners staying inside their home more than they did in the past, have helped drive a massive home improvement change. We decided to take the time to list five of the surprising home improvement stats for 2021.

Kitchens Remain King – Let’s face it, the kitchen has always been a top selling point of a home, and with so many more people spending time in their houses this past year plus it makes sense that kitchen remodel trends continue to thrive. In fact, kitchen remodeling has not only thrived but continued to grow! According to Google search trends, kitchen remodeling project searches have increased by 23%! And not only do kitchen remodels appeal to the homeowners, but it helps sell houses at a higher rate. So, consider updating the appliances, adding some backsplash, painting the cabinets, whatever you may want because it’s always a great time to improve your kitchen!
Around Half of the Homes in the US Were Built Before 1980 – This may seem crazy, but around half of the homes in the US were built before 1980, and some of them desperately need some form of renovation project. Even more of note, a report from National Association of Home Buyers states that around 12% of homes in the US were built between 1970 and 1980, also known as the height of disco! Styles and trends from those decades and prior were good for their time, and retro-modern is a great feel, but consider increasing the value of your home in some way if yours falls in this category.
Homeowners Can Lower Their Home Insurance – By doing five simple home improvement projects, you could potentially save a bundle on home insurance! Consider renovating (or adding) an alarm system, updating or installing a HVAC system, update the plumbing and electrical work, have your roof re-worked, and add some smoke and gas sensors in the home. Cut back on your insurance, and increase your home equity at the same time!
55% of Homeowners Plan to Begin a Project in Winter 2021 – Winter is an excellent time to have home improvement projects done, and it appears that over half of the home owners in the United States agree. Whether you want to do a project that adds to your home for the winter, or you want to prepare for the upcoming spring/summer, the winter months are always a good time to plan and implement a home renovation project.
The Rise of Smart Homes – It is estimated that smart homes will be predicted to be worth $53.5 billion in 2022. This is something to keep tabs on, especially if you plan to see within the next year. If you can get some home renovation projects in that makes your home more eco-friendly with built in technology you’ll have a much better time getting value out of your home. Consider adding smart lighting, efficient air conditioning and heating systems, and other features that give your home the edge it needs to sell in the market!

If one thing has been proven from the pandemic, it’s that home improvement projects have only increased in need. With people spending more and more time in the home, and the needs of the market changing, it’s time to consider updating and renovating some aspects of your home. Inch By Inch Construction is more than capable of handling and helping you with any of your home improvement projects, and we’d love the opportunity to partner with you to help you increase the value of your home! Let us know how we can help you with your home improvement projects and we know you’ll be glad you did!

Top Five Home Improvement Projects for 2021

Posted by Jonathon Kees on March 31, 2021

Let’s face it – the past year plus has been trying on many people. Everyone has spent more time at home than they typically would, and it’s caused some strife. But, it’s also created some key opportunities for you to consider new home improvement projects. With that in mind, we figured we would list the top five home improvement projects for 2021 for you to make your home stand out!

Create Outdoor Entertaining Spaces
The first thing that anyone should consider is creating an outdoor entertaining space. There’s a reason it’s the first thing we list on the top five home improvement projects for 2021 and it’s because it’s practical and fun. Over the last year, many outdoor design and architect firms have reported a big demand for those looking to improve their outdoor living area. The great thing about this type of project is that it can be as big or as small as your budget will allow. Whether that be adding a deck or patio, building a pergola, enclosing a porch, or just upgrading your old patio furniture, it’s a project well worth pursuing!
Create a Home Office

Let’s face it, the way work is done in the country has changed. Working from home has never been more prevalent than it is nice, and having a room dedicated as a home office is a big bonus. According to Zillow, many Americans would like to continue to work from home, which makes this a top priority add for home improvement projects for 2021. A dedicated space will help everyone become more productive as they continue to work from home.
Create a Closed Floor Plan
We know, this one doesn’t sound right, but hear us out! Many families are finding out that open floor plans may not be for them anymore with so many both working and doing school at home. A lot of homebuilders report over the last few months that buyers are having second thoughts when it comes to open floor plans. With everyone working and learning from home, the need for privacy has increased, which means creating closed floor plans with doors and insulation is key to having a top home improvement project in 2021.
Create an At Home Gym
You may be catching a running theme here. Another one of the top home improvement projects of 2021 is to create an at home space for working out. With more people spending time at home in 2020, it’s no surprise that home gyms are becoming more popular and show no sign of slowing down in the next year. Fitness equipment sale are growing month over month during the shut downs, and a large number of people will continue to work out from home in the coming months and years. Building an at home gym allows you to utilize the space to further chase after your personal weight goals!
Update the Bathroom
Bathrooms are always a big home improvement project, and that doesn’t change in 2021. For those considering updates to their bathroom, consider the shower. Large, freestanding showers with zero-clearance entry and linear drains are all the rage these days, and they do make your bathroom stand out! Go all out and upgrade your toilet with a self-closing lid and everyone in the house will be happy!

These are the top five home improvement projects for 2021. There are always so many other things you could do, and Inch by Inch Construction can help you accomplish any goal you have. When you’re ready to tackle one of these, or one of the many other home improvement projects for 2021, give us a call and let’s see how we can partner with you to help make your dream a reality.

Home Improvement Tips for April 2020

Posted by Jonathon Kees on March 24, 2020

April offers the opportunity to return to outdoor living since cold weather is on the way out of town. Prep your space for spring and summer by maintaining the home exterior and beautifying the lawn and garden. Once you do that, turn your attention indoors, especially in the basement to protect against possible spring flooding! But, most importantly, be sure to take the time to appreciate the season.

Check the Sump Pump
Heavy rains cause soil to become saturated with water, and that water can leak into your home through window wells or a vulnerable foundation, causing flooding in your basement. A sump pump should be able to mitigate the problem, but only if it’s in good working condition. Now is the time to check yours to make sure that it’s in good working condition. First, check the sump pump pit for debris and remove anything that doesn’t belong. Then, fill the sump pump with water to test the float and ensure that it starts and stops properly. Be sure to take a minute to clean the impeller, the small filter on the sump pump as it is possibly the most vital part of the sump pump. If it was to become clogged, it could cause the sump pump to stop working when you need it the most.
Unclog the Downspouts

Everyone knows that it’s vital to clean gutters in spring and fall, but all too often homeowners neglect clogged downspouts, which can cause problems when torrential rains hit. After clearing your gutters of leaves and debris, run an auger or hose into the downspouts to clear away blockages. Then, consider installing a leaf strainer over the downspout to prevent future buildup.
Dry Out the Basement
Basements are extremely vulnerable to leaks and excess moisture due to being below the grade. That’s why it’s a good idea to run a dehumidifier in the basement, especially if you—or your off-season storage—spend a lot of time down there. The excess moisture can lead to mold growth, warped wood or paper, rust, and peeling paint. A dehumidifier allows you to control the indoor humidity level, and take extra water out of the air.

These are just a few of the tips and tricks you can do to bring exceptional value out of your house for the upcoming season. When the weather finally turns, your house will be miles ahead because you went out and did these top three projects.

The Top Three Home Improvement Projects for Spring 2020

Posted by Jonathon Kees on March 21, 2020

Spring is here, and now is the best time to do some home projects to make your house ready for the coming seasonal changes. Here are three projects you can do to bring more value to your home this spring!

Gut the Gutters

Before spring showers inundate your house, you’ll want to clear your gutters of all the pine needles, twigs, leaves, and other organic material that accumulated over the long winter months. Give the gutters a thorough cleaning, and while you’re up there, consider installing gutter guards, which are screens or foam inserts that prevent debris from piling up in the first place. That way when the rain comes it will easily be diverted from your roof, and you won’t have to worry about repairing leaks!
Pest Prevention

By April, you’ll be ready for warmer temperatures—but so will all of the critters that are ready to hatch and find their way into your house. Do a little work up front to prevent pests like termites, ants, and silverfish from making themselves at home. Check for cracks in your siding, examine your roof for rotting or broken shingles, and seal things up tight so that unwanted creatures can’t get in.
Power Wash
After a hard winter and a wet, windy spring, your home may start to show signs of algae or dirt buildup on the siding, giving it a sloppy, rundown appearance. May is a good month for washing the exterior of your house, as you’ll have plenty of dry, sunny days that are perfect for the task. Just be sure to use the proper pressure so you don’t damage the siding.

The Symmetry of Doors

Posted by Jonathon Kees on August 8, 2019

One definition of symmetry is a “correct or pleasing proportion of the parts of a thing.” We love symmetry because it is pleasing and we absolutely love working on creating symmetry within our customer’s homes. We had the opportunity recently to totally transform a customer’s home by changing the location of their entry-way door, adding a window, and adding a porch! And we’ve got to say, this might have been one of the most fun projects we’ve every done.

When we began working on this project, we knew it would be a challenging one. But because we never back away from challenges, we pressed on head first. We removed the original door and built in the wall for a new window. The window is placed at the exact position as the original window on the other side of the building, thus creating symmetry! We loved installing that window, and if that was all we did we would have been happy. But, there was more to come!

We continued with the project by putting in the porch. The homeowners wanted more area and space around their house to be covered, in addition to adding the symmetry with the doors, and we were happy to help them create their porch. The porch added to the symmetry of the house, and we were extremely excited to be able to put it all together.

When we finally finished the installation of the porch and replacement of the door, we stood back and admired what was accomplished. This is by far one of our favorite projects to date. By taking something already established, and building on it to create something fresh and new is a spectacular blessing for us. The porch is a nice touch that will allow the homeowners a comfortable place to sit and admire the beauty of their surroundings.

Helping a homeowner realize their dream is one of the things that motivates us to deliver the best quality possible. We are committed to helping you achieve your dreams however we can. We always look forward to new partnerships, new ideas, and new dreams.

As always, Inch By Inch Construction is here to help you with your door and porch projects. We help take the hassle off of you, and make your door or porch projects simple and easy. Call to get your free quote today!

Tag: home renovation