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How to Reduce the Costs of a Bathroom Remodel

If your home is old and your bathroom needs a major facelift, remodeling it can be great. But be sure to set a budget and find a properly licensed contractor like Jacksonville Bathroom Remodeling.

Larger-scale remodels can include changing the bathroom footprint and relocating plumbing and electrical fixtures. This can add $5,000 or more to the cost of a project.

Master Bathroom Remodel and Laundry Makeover in Clifton, VA

A bathroom remodel can be expensive and requires a variety of professionals. Labor expenses account for about 40% to 65% of the overall cost, which can add up quickly. To reduce your remodel costs, focus on the most important aspects of your bathroom and make a budget before you start. A remodeling professional can help you determine the cost of your project and help you stay within your budget.

The square footage of your bathroom is a major factor in the cost of your project. The larger your bathroom, the more expensive it will be to remodel. The size of your bathroom will also determine the type of materials you need and how much flooring, tile, or paint will be required.

Your plumbing is another significant cost factor. It is essential to have your plumbing system updated during a bathroom remodel. This will improve the function of your bathroom and increase its value. In addition, plumbing upgrades will enhance the efficiency of your home and lower your energy bills.

When considering a bathroom remodel, consider whether you want to sell your home shortly. If so, a remodeling choice that will appeal to buyers is an important factor in the decision-making process. For example, a bathroom that is easy to navigate for people with disabilities will enhance the value of your home.

Another important consideration when planning a bathroom remodel is deciding between a renovation and a full remodel. A renovation is a cosmetic update that improves the look of your bathroom. A full remodel includes modifying the layout, plumbing, electrical systems, and changing fixtures and accessories. A full remodel is more extensive than a renovation and will generally add more value to your home.

You should hire a licensed contractor to manage your bathroom remodeling project. A reputable contractor will have experience, an appealing portfolio of projects, and references from past clients. In addition, they can provide the proper licensing and insurance required for your project.

Your budget is the final factor to consider when choosing a bathroom remodeling project. You should always set realistic goals and be prepared for unexpected expenses. For example, a toilet may need replacing if it leaks or clogs. This can cost you thousands of dollars.

A bathroom remodel’s layout can impact the room’s design and feel. A professional remodeling contractor can help you determine the best layout for your space and needs. A good contractor will consider the size of your bathroom, plumbing hookups, and drains, electrical wiring, and ventilation. They will also consider the size of your vanity, tub, and other fixtures.

You’ll need to expand the space if you want to add a second sink, a freestanding tub, or a larger shower. This can cost a lot of money, but creating a spa-like retreat in your home is worth the investment. A spacious master bath is ideal for this kind of renovation, as it will give you a place to relax and unwind in peace.

Another factor to consider is how much space you have for your bathing products and storage. This will affect the overall look of your bathroom and how much you can accommodate in a small space. Guest bathrooms and half-baths are often smaller, so the layout will differ from a full bathroom.

When designing your new bathroom, you can use a floor plan template to create a layout that meets your specifications and works with your existing plumbing. This will save you time and money and ensure that your bathroom is up to code.

You can also use a bathroom design tool like Cedreo to change your bathroom layout. This software lets you draw floor plans and see measurements and surfaces on your computer screen. It also allows you to select furniture symbols, define wall types, and choose from 650+ doors and windows. You can complete your bathroom layout in under 2 hours!

A bathroom remodel is a great way to increase the value of your home and enjoy an improved ambiance. However, it’s important to remember that cosmetic and style changes are different from total remodels. A full remodel includes a real layout, design, and materials change. A cosmetic change, on the other hand, only consists of changing out the paint and flooring.

When choosing materials for your bathroom, it is important to consider durability and style. Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, so you will want to select durable materials that resist mold and mildew. In addition, you will want to choose materials that are easy to maintain. For example, engineered quartz is a great choice for countertops because it is less porous than natural stone and can resist stains. It is also available in various colors and styles to suit any design.

Wall materials are another important consideration for bathroom remodels. You will want to choose materials that are moisture-resistant and look good. Ceramic tile is a popular option for bathroom walls as it is available in various colors and patterns to suit any design. You should also consider textured surfaces to prevent slippage in wet areas.

Cabinets are essential to any bathroom and can make or break the overall look. You will want to select cabinets you love and keep durability in mind. Plywood-based cabinets are a good option as they are sturdy and last longer than others.

Plumbing fixtures are another important component of a bathroom remodel. You will want to upgrade your sinks, faucets, and toilets for a fresh new look that is functional and attractive. Consider adding a new bathtub or shower. Be sure to choose fixtures compatible with your existing water supply pipes.

Windows is another important aspect of a bathroom remodel. Upgrading to energy-efficient crank or awning windows will save money on heating and cooling costs. Weatherproofing the window seals is also a good idea to prevent air leakage.

After evaluating your functional needs and determining what changes you want, it is time to gather the necessary materials for your bathroom remodel. Be sure to consider the cost of materials and installation fees when making your selections. Cheaper materials may not hold up as well over the long term and can cost you more in the future when they require more frequent repairs and replacements.

A bathroom remodel is a labor-intensive project. It involves many moving parts, including plumbing, electrical, and tile. It also requires great skill since this is a tight and confined space where mistakes can be costly and even dangerous.

The first step in planning a bathroom remodel is setting your budget and creating a design plan. Once you know how much you can spend, choosing materials and fixtures that will fit your needs and budget is easier.

You may decide to make layout changes, which are cosmetic upgrades affecting the space’s functions. Changing the position of the toilet, sink, or shower, enlarging the tub, and adding a second vanity are all layout changes. Other style changes include changing the window, adding a skylight, or removing a medicine cabinet. Other minor changes may be as simple as repainting or upgrading fixtures.

Depending on your goals, you can add luxurious touches to the room, like heated floors or a spa-like steam shower. However, it’s important to note that not all design elements will increase resale value. For example, a new freestanding tub might be a nice upgrade, but it will likely add value to your home if you can justify the high cost of such an investment.

It’s also important to work with a trustworthy contractor throughout the process. Ask potential contractors for referrals and proof of insurance. Ensure they have personal liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage before hiring them for your project.

Whether you are remodeling to improve resale or want your home to feel more comfortable, a successful bathroom remodel will provide you with a room that fits your family’s needs. Busy mornings and holiday gatherings will run more smoothly, and you’ll enjoy your home life more when the rooms you use daily are designed for your lifestyle.

Eco-Green Landscaping

Eco-Green Landscaping entails conserving the Earth’s resources, like water. Eco-Green Landscaping Anaheim is a great way to save time and money and reduce your carbon footprint. It can also benefit your mental and physical health by providing a space to relax and de-stress. Plus, green landscapes improve the quality of air and water!

LandscapingIf you have an eco-friendly yard, you’ll want to ensure all materials are reused or recycled as much as possible. This can include compost, mulch, and any other organic material you have.  Recycled materials can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including planters, fencing, and other landscape elements. This can save money, keep waste out of landfills, and create a more environmentally-friendly yard.

Compost is a great way to reuse yard waste and turn it into nutrient-rich soil. It can be made from a variety of waste, including leaves, food scraps, and grass clippings. Xeriscaping is a great way to reduce yard trimmings and save water. It involves planting specific native plants that thrive in certain soil types and require less water than other varieties. This helps restore natural habitats and attract pollinators, as well as prevents soil erosion.

Using recycled rainwater in a landscape can be a great way to reduce your water bill and keep the greenery healthy. It can also help to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the need for water from local utilities.

Harvesting rainwater for landscaping is one of the most simple ways to go eco-green and make your property a greener place to live. This practice can greatly reduce your outdoor household water usage, as well as the amount of stormwater runoff that pollutes our water supply.

A simple rainwater harvesting system involves using a barrel, cistern or tank to collect and store rainfall for later use in the landscape. This is especially beneficial in areas that experience frequent droughts, as the harvested rainwater will be able to last longer during dry spells.

A more complex rainwater harvesting system involves a rain garden, which moves rainwater from roofs and other hard surfaces to low areas of the landscape where it can soak into the soil and slowly percolate. This will allow your plants to get a steady dose of water throughout the year, reducing the amount of time you need to run sprinklers.

Perennials are plants that come back year after year. They offer charm and variety, combining versatility with durability to serve as garden staples.

When planning your garden, it is important to choose plants that are best suited to your location. You can use native or cultivars derived from native plants (also known as “nativars”).

Many perennials need less water than annuals and tend to grow more quickly in warmer weather. This helps to conserve precious water resources and make your landscape more eco-friendly.

Plants that grow naturally in your region can also help to improve air quality, reduce erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Check with your local master gardener to find out what native species are best for your area.

Eco-friendly landscaping is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier Earth. It involves a commitment to making choices that protect natural resources, recycle materials and work with native plants.

The best ways to make your landscaping more eco-friendly include reducing your lawn size, using mulches instead of bags, and choosing grass that grows naturally in your area. Reducing your lawn size also decreases the amount of water it requires.

Composting is another great option for lowering your carbon footprint. It reduces garbage disposal and adds nutrients to the soil, helping to improve plant health.

Besides making your garden more eco-friendly, it also saves you money on lawn care. You will use less fertilizer, fewer pesticides and less water.

Eco-green landscaping is a type of landscaping that prioritizes environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. It involves designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor spaces to promote biodiversity, conserve resources, and reduce environmental impact.

Eco-green landscaping can provide a range of benefits, including improved air and water quality, reduced energy use, and increased biodiversity. It can also create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces that enhance the quality of life for people and wildlife.

Simplify Home Improvement With These Great Tips

 

Home improvement provides you with a sense of accomplishment, regardless of your level of experience. Don’t place all your faith in what you see on television. Home improvement isn’t all about major renovations, it’s also about small, weekend projects. Continue ahead to learn about some excellent tips to help you with your next home improvement project.

 

Adding insulation to your walls, crawl spaces and attics isn’t something that a lot of people think about when it comes to improving your home, but they should. Adding insulation is a great way to make your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and more sound proof.

 

Caulking gaps between drywall is a necessary step in home improvement. Even if you complete a beautiful paint job, if you don’t first completely caulk the gaps between the panels of drywall the room will look unfinished. Unfinished gaps will even show up when you wall paper a room. Caulking is a must, anytime you drywall.

 

If you have a lot of dirt in your backyard or garden, you can easily make your own pathways using pavers and stones. You don’t need to use any concrete, just lay your stones in a nice design or pattern in the area you need it to cover. This can provide a nice and balanced look to your garden, as well as keeping your shoes dirt free.

 

When remodeling your kitchen, budget appropriately for your new appliances. It may be tempting to spend less on items like a refrigerator or dishwasher, but if they’re noisy, the bargain isn’t so attractive. This is an especially important consideration in open-floor plan settings, where kitchen noise can drift into other living areas.

 

As you read in the above article, doing a home improvement project can be a lot of fun and simple that anyone can begin. You just need a little know how on basic things and then you can do it yourself. Keep all of the tips fresh in the front of your mind and start chopping away at the needed jobs once they’ve had time to soak.

 

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Bath Remodels Most Popular Home Project, Study Finds

SEATTLE, WA — Bathroom remodels are the most popular project for homeowners to tackle, with consumers seemingly willing to pay a premium for “spa-inspired” bathroom features, a major new research study has found.

According to the study, conducted by the real estate website Zillow, more than half of the homeowners surveyed would consider a bathroom renovation in 2022. Buyers also are willing to pay a premium for spa-inspired bathroom features such as curb-less showers (3.6% price premium), heated floors (3.2%) and free-standing bathtubs (2.6%), Zillow said.

Kitchen remodels are also widely popular, with Zillow’s research finding that 46% of homeowners would consider that project in 2022.

“Luxury kitchen amenities were must-haves over the past year, and that will likely continue as people spend more time cooking and eating at home,” Zillow said, adding that 72% of the homeowners surveyed will consider at least one home improvement project in the coming year.

“Most homeowners say they plan to stay in their current home for at least the next three years, and while uncertainty, pandemic precautions and affordability concerns keep many homeowners in place, most are willing to consider improving their current home,” said Manny Garcia, a population scientist at the Seattle-based Zillow. “From adding a backyard cottage to improving a bathroom or renovating the kitchen, most homeowners say they would consider at least one home improvement,” Garcia observed.

Creating more livable space is a consideration for many homeowners, Zillow survey data shows. Projects that are highest on their wish lists for 2022 include adding or improving an office space (31%), finishing a basement or attic (23%), and adding an accessory dwelling unit or guest house (21%), company researchers said.

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KBIS Plans Proceeding Amidst Strict Virus Protocols

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association and its partners for February’s Design & Construction Week continue to consult with Epistemix, a third-party modeling system that predicts the progression of disease outbreaks, as plans proceed to stage the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and concurrent International Builders Show (IBS) as live events in February, show organizers said.

The NKBA and its trade show partners, Emerald and the National Association of Home Builders, announced that, based on the latest data modeling from Epistemix and current DCW Health & Safety protocols, “we feel confident we are creating a safe environment to conduct business” at the annual event, scheduled for Feb. 8-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The 2021 KBIS and IBS were converted to digital events in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The countdown to KBIS 2022 and Design & Construction Week in is on, and we are looking forward to hosting over 60,000 residential design and construction professionals for a fantastic in-person event,” said Brian Pagel, executive v.p., and Jason McGraw, group v.p. for Emerald. “As the event is quickly approaching, the safety and wellbeing of our attendees, partners, exhibitors, site workers and staff remains our top priority.” Pagel and McGraw said that show organizers will continue to monitor health and safety recommendations through additional Epistemix modeling in early January. The KBIS show team will host a webinar in mid-January to outline their findings and detail the health and safety protocols.

All attendees and exhibitors at the three-day event will be required to provide a negative test OR proof of vaccination to access the convention hall. Masks will also be required in the Orange County Convention Center, as well as on official shuttle buses, show organizers said.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Orlando for an incredible show experience,” Pagel and McGraw said.

Current health and safety protocols for Design & Construction Week can be accessed at the NKBA’s web site, www.nkba.org.

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Domestic Cabinet Sales Termed ‘Healthy’ Through November

RESTON, VA — Major domestic kitchen cabinet/vanity manufacturers continued to report “healthy” sales through November of 2021, according to the latest in a series of monthly surveys conducted by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

The KCMA’s latest “Trend of Business Survey” reflected a year-to-date sales increase among participating cabinet manufacturers of 14.6% through November, compared to the same 11-month period in 2020. Custom cabinet sales through the first 11 months of 2021 were reported up 20.1% over the same period the previous year, while semi-custom sales rose 10.8% and sales of stock cabinets gained 16.2%, the Reston, VA-based KCMA said.

Survey participants include stock, semi-custom and custom companies whose combined sales represent approximately 75% of the U.S. kitchen cabinet and bath vanity market, according to the KCMA.

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Collaboration Transforms Kitchen

Rowayton, CT ­— Karen Berkemeyer and Leslie Dunn often work together to create their clients’ dream kitchens and baths, with the former focusing on kitchen/bath design skills and the latter incorporating interior design touches for their respective companies of Karen Berkemeyer Home in Westport, CT, and Dunn Designs in Norwalk, CT. This kitchen, along with the master bath and a guest bath, was no exception…however, this time the resultant collaboration was showcased in Dunn’s personal residence.

“We work really well together,” says Berkemeyer, noting a mutual respect for each other’s talents, which makes for great collaborations. “As a kitchen and bath designer, I focus on making sure these spaces technically and functionally work correctly. Partnering with another professional, such as an interior designer, gives clients the best of two worlds since multiple people are working on the same project. I love working with Leslie because she is so creative and has great taste. She is especially talented and creative with paint.”

Contrasting color

Paint, at opposite ends of the color spectrum, is a focus of Dunn’s kitchen, where the bright white island is contrasted with dark black perimeter cabinets.

“The use of color – combined with very simple cabinet door styles, which are a great choice for today’s kitchens – makes this design stand out,” says Berkemeyer.

Black perimeter cabinets served as the starting point for color. “She really wanted to do black cabinets,” Berkemeyer indicates.

As a contrast, the island was designed to look like a table that Dunn found, notes the designer. “Island and perimeter cabinets don’t necessarily have to match in cabinet style or color,” she says. “In fact, when done well, like in this kitchen, having them not match shows a lot of creativity and makes for an interesting design.”

Keeping cabinet styles simple is the key to making a ‘mismatch’ work, says the designer in reference to the flat-panel, flush-inset Wood-Mode perimeter cabinets and full-overlay, shallow-cut, Shaker-style Signature Custom Cabinetry cabinets on the island. Both are sheathed with custom colors selected by Dunn.

“You would never do this perimeter with oak raised-panel doors on the island,” she says. “This perimeter features a very simple door style, as does the island. They play off of each other well. This entire kitchen has created so much interest from people. They see things they would have never thought of doing…and they like the result.”

The designers also kept the cabinet hardware unpretentious. Pulls on the perimeter cabinets bring to mind cleats used to anchor boats to a dock, giving the space a bit of a nautical vibe that pays homage to the water just beyond the kitchen windows. For the island, they incorporated drawer pulls that resemble those found on a filing cabinet. Berkemeyer also designed the island with seating for four, positioning stools at a right angle to facilitate conversation between guests. The designer also added custom brushed steel accents at each leg base.

“They add another texture to the space and make the island more interesting,” she says.

To continue the contrast between light and dark, Berkemeyer topped the island with white marble, which she built up with a 2″ mitered edge. The perimeter features median-black, charcoal-colored quartz with a leathered finish for added texture.

White 3″x6″ subway tile covers the walls, extending from the countertop to the windows and beyond. Its undulated surface offers a rippled appearance while its stark light color juxtaposes against the blackness of the shallow-depth soffit on the ceiling.

“I thought the kitchen stopped too abruptly in the corner,” notes Berkemeyer in reference to the soffit. “I suggested that we add the soffit, extending it to the refrigerator on one wall and across the length of the windows on the other. It really helps pull the whole kitchen together.”

Additional dark-hued accents include the deep blue paint that adorns the window trim. “She really likes to include the unexpected!” she says.

Overcoming storage challenges

To make better use of the kitchen’s footprint and gain a few extra feet of space, the designers removed walls between the living room and kitchen, eliminating a hallway in the process. To provide visual differentiation between the two spaces without adding a physical barrier, they added reclaimed antique beams in the ceiling, extending them into the living room.

“Previously, her home had an enclosed little kitchen with separate living room,” says Berkemeyer. “Now, the kitchen is more open and looks so much larger. Taking down the wall also made it possible to include the island.”

Even with the additional space gained by removing the hall, storage was a challenge for the relatively petite kitchen. “When spaces are smaller, like in this kitchen, the biggest design challenge is usually storage,” she says. “It’s important to make the most of whatever space you have, and to make everything accessible, especially focusing on corners. Taking cabinets up to the ceiling maximizes the space. It’s important, too, to pay attention to clearances, ensuring that walkways are technically correct and easy to maneuver.”

To overcome storage concerns in Dunn’s kitchen, Berkemeyer included specialized corner organization accessories, recycling bins, pull-out drawers and several large drawers to make contents easy to access.

Glass panels in the wall cabinets provide a brief glimpse of their contents and keep the space visually ‘light.’ “Like the rest of the kitchen, the glass is kept clean, without any mullions, to maintain the desired look for the space,” she concludes.

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Gains in Single-Family Housing Expected to Increase in 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — Breaking an eight-year trend, there have been more single-family homes under construction in recent months than multifamily units, according to the National Association of Home Builders, which predicted additional gains in single-family construction in 2022.

Despite some cooling earlier this year, the continued strength of single-family construction in 2021 means that there are now 28% more single-family homes under construction than a year ago, said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB.

“These gains mean single-family completions will increase in 2022, bringing more inventory to market despite a 19% year-over-year rise in construction material costs and longer construction times,” Dietz said.

Ongoing single-family and multifamily housing production accelerated in November, due to strong demand, with overall housing starts increasing 11.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.68 million units, according to U.S. government figures.

Despite inflation concerns and ongoing production bottlenecks, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes also edged higher for the fourth consecutive month on strong consumer demand and limited existing inventory, the NAHB added.

“While demand remains strong, finding workers, predicting pricing and dealing with material delays remains a challenge,” said Dietz. “Building has increased but the industry faces constraints, namely cost/availability of materials, labor and lots. And while 2021 single-family starts are expected to end the year 24% higher than the pre-COVID 2019 level, we expect that higher interest rates in 2022 will put a damper on housing affordability.”

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Demand Seen Strong for Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects

FOSTER CITY, CA — A significant percentage of American homeowners across multiple home-improvement trades plan to explore aging-in-place projects for themselves or a loved one in the coming year, a newly released survey reveals.

According to the survey’s findings, some 63% of the homeowners polled report that they will explore aging-in-place home improvement projects for themselves within the next 12 months, while another 6% plan to do so for a loved one.

The November survey, which involved some 2,110 respondents in the U.S., was conducted by Modernize Home Services, a Foster City, CA-based online firm that connects homeowners with contractors and other home-services professionals. The company operates in more than 15 home segments, including bathrooms and kitchens.

Among the primary projects to be considered, researchers said, are bath remodels that feature walk-in tubs and seats within a shower. Other aging-in-place products in high demand include medical alerts, non-slip flooring, stair lifts, grab bars and wider hallways.

“There are a few projects that offer more safety and security – such as installing brighter lightbulbs – that can be done by any homeowner, but more complex projects like walk-in tubs and concurrent bath and kitchen upgrades require professionals,” said Modernize V.P. Gregg Hicks. “This study shows an opportunity for contractors to capitalize on the increased demand for aging-in-place home improvement projects in the coming years.”

 

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Wellness Features Termed a ‘Necessity’ for Today’s Homes

INDIANAPOLIS — Well­ness fea­tures, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and an elevated awareness of indoor envi­ron­ments’ impact on phys­i­cal and men­tal health, are no longer a lux­u­ry, but rather a necessity in today’s homes, a leading wellness expert contends.

According to Dr. Jie Zhao, exec­. v.p. of Delos, a New York-based well­ness real estate and tech­nol­o­gy com­pa­ny, COVID-19 has literally reshaped the way homes – including kitchens and baths ­– will be designed, built, equipped and remodeled in years to come.

“Peo­ple are much more cog­nizant of the impor­tant role that homes play in our lives, and how these envi­ron­ments can have a pos­i­tive or neg­a­tive impact on the well­ness of their inhab­i­tants,” Jie said.

At the recent “Insights Sum­mit,” an annual event sponsored by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), Jie outlined four key wellness trends that he believes will have the greatest impact on home improve­ment in the post-pan­dem­ic world. Among them:

Indoor Air Quality: Because virus­es spread through the air much eas­i­er than by sur­face con­tact, the pan­dem­ic shed light on the impor­tance of indoor air qual­i­ty, or IAQ, as a com­po­nent of a healthy home, Jie said.

“Air fil­tra­tion is vital to the reduc­tion of par­ti­cle trans­mis­sion,” he observed. “Not only can air-clean­ing tech­nolo­gies improve peace of mind when it comes to invis­i­ble health threats like COVID-19, they also tack­le vis­i­ble parti­cles in the air such as smoke and oth­er harm­ful particles.”

Jie said that ven­ti­la­tion and/​or ion­iza­tion tech­nol­o­gy will be at the fore­front of the fight against con­t­a­m­i­nat­ed air in home spaces. ​“For this rea­son, IAQ may be the biggest well­ness trend to have emerged from the pan­dem­ic,” he noted.

Mental Wellness: Men­tal well­ness issues per­sist­ed long before the emer­gence of the coro­n­avirus, but the amount of atten­tion devot­ed to the top­ic increased sig­nif­i­cant­ly after­ward, Jie said, noting that men­tal health came to the fore­front of con­ver­sa­tion due to iso­la­tion dur­ing stay-at-home orders.

Jie observed that one result of this for the home-improvement industry is the gen­er­al migra­tion away from con­gest­ed cities in favor of larg­er res­i­dences, more nature and less com­mut­ing time. Jie also point­ed to the effect of men­tal well­ness on increased demand in cer­tain prod­uct cat­e­gories, including home enter­tain­ment, artists’ sup­plies, sports equip­ment and pets.

Home Offices: Anoth­er major change emerg­ing from the pan­dem­ic is the increased impor­tance of the home office.

“Many employ­ees have made invest­ments in their home offices and have got­ten used to work­ing from home,” Jie said, pointing to surveys which found that 80% of work­ers want to be able to work from home three days per week, and 92% want at least one remote work­day per week.

“There has been a rise in office fur­ni­ture and acces­sories that sup­port health and well­ness, such as the stand­ing desk or ergonom­ic key­board,” Jie said, adding that 20-25% of com­pa­nies are cur­rent­ly reim­burs­ing their employ­ees for well­ness-relat­ed home office sup­plies and fur­ni­ture, “hint­ing at the prospect that work-from-home may be around well into the com­ing years.”

Fitness: While the spread of COVID-19 led to the tem­po­rary clo­sure of most gyms and ath­let­ic insti­tu­tions, it gave rise to new home fit­ness technolo­gies, as peo­ple sought to stay fit with­in the con­fines of their own homes, Jie pointed out.

“Com­pa­nies like Pelo­ton and MIRROR are chang­ing the way we think about fit­ness (and) com­bin­ing the phys­i­cal and vir­tu­al,” he said. “Con­sumers not only pur­chase a piece of gym equip­ment for their home, but they buy into an entire online social and con­tent expe­ri­ence.”

“I expect to see more inte­gra­tion with online fit­ness plat­forms and home décor,” he said. “Peo­ple want con­vert­ible spaces, so the eas­i­er their equipment blends with their home and lifestyle, the bet­ter.”

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