We are beginning to see a growing number of homes built in 2004 ready for remodeling, which is common in 20-year cycles. I recall with some vivid imagery my evolutions in thought and life situations over each 20-year chunk of my life. So goes the evolution of your desires for all sorts of things. Your likes and dislikes at 20 are far different than at 60. I’m just saying. Take music, for example. Nuf Said. I was fascinated to dredge up some oldies on a recent road trip, but my new likes are far more contemporary.
What Needs Updating?
Jetted Soaker Tub
Soaker tubs were built back in the day. They were usually jetted and had tile all around them. Some were more massive than others. Short people never fit, so they became obsolete quickly. It was rare that the water heater was large enough to fill them. Some folks turned the heat on the water heater to scalding to get a warm, full tub. Others added a water heater; the rest went to tankless water heaters, which can supply a continuous hot water supply. The jets got stagnant and started to grow yucky stuff. My favorite thing is to see the old tub being repurposed for storage.
Cabinetry: No matter the quality, the cabinet doors and drawers suffer from dents and dings. Hardware improvements have been made, especially my favorite, Slow Close.
Lighting: There was never enough lighting, and switches were often on and off. Now, we have LED lighting and a new switchology that allows us more functionality.
Countertops: I don’t understand why tile was popular for countertops. Solid surface has come such a long way. Many more materials are available, and many price points to suit most budgets.
Flooring: Many more options are available. The LVs, including LVP and LVT, have not yet been perfected. Some large-format tiles were not available or affordable. Heated tile was a luxury and challenging to install.
Storage
Layout: At the time, open floorplans were becoming popular in new homes. However, primary bathrooms seemed to be an afterthought.
Paint: Paint can last a few decades. Chances are you are tired of it and could use a new look. Paint can change a mood or accent an area of focus. A new paint job can help you fall in love with your home again.
The 20-Year Cycle Is Here!
Although I had only been in the remodeling business for 19 years, I was keenly aware of this phenomenon when I started. Having been in the family remodeling business since birth, I knew that although we like to say we have built for 100 years (plus), the finish materials are subjected to far more abuse than the structure. Then there is the functionality. We change the way we live and interact with a home. Although the shell of the home has supported the structure for the last few decades, Bearing walls used to run down the middle of the house. This gives us far more flexibility than we used to have to alter the location of walls.
Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261
What are LVP and LVT?
Great question, I updated the site to give a tip now when you come across the abbreviation. LVP is click together vinyl flooring designed to look like wood. LVT is the same things except it is designed to look like tile.