With Markets Down, Homeowners Turn to Phased Remodeling

Whole-house remodels get turned into serial projects

Residential remodels are no longer those once-in-a-lifetime projects that keep homeowners dreaming years on end before they ever pick up a hammer.  Instead, many homeowners opt to do a series of remodels as their schedules, budgets and lifestyles evolve over time, according to the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

In fact, according to a recent Consumer Reports poll on home remodeling, 36% of homeowners who plan to remodel plan to do so in phases.

“This is definitely a trend that we have seen since the recession hit a couple years ago.  We have had a number of clients that have done multiple projects over that two year spans” said Patrick Benkowski, CR a Greater Phoenix NARI member.

Serial remodels, or phased remodeling projects, can go over several months and even years. For example, homeowners might opt to start slow with a remodel to a powder room or closet and then tackle a larger project, such as the kitchen, master bath or home addition.

These phased remodeling projects are part of a larger trend in American consciousness, which Trendwatching calls “Foreverism.” It speaks to people’s desire to continue conversations, relationships and projects over time. Technology is driving people’s ability to find, follow, interact and collaborate with anyone and anything, and home improvement is just one of the areas benefiting from the trend.

Phasing a remodeling project has a number of benefits. For homeowners who can’t fund the entire project upfront, breaking elements of a major home remodel into stages can help extend costs over time and buy homeowners more time to save or find funding. Embarking on a series of smaller projects also keeps homeowners less stressed.

“One of our clients started with a Master Bath remodel in June of 2009, then a Guest Bath remodel in July of 2010, flooring replacement and Powder Room remodeling in November of 2010, and we will be performing a complete kitchen remodel in January of 2011.  That is pretty much a whole house remodel over a span of almost two years.”  I just spoke with the Homeowner this morning and she commented how easy it was/is financially and emotionally to do the projects in phases, especially with young children” said Benkowski.

About Chapter NARI: Greater Phoenix NARI is a 501 © 6 organization dedicated to the professional development of the remodeling industry through the continuous education of our members and the public. 

The Maricopa County Home Shows is proud to support the Greater Phoenix NARI Chapter and its members.

Greater Phoenix NARI  PO Box 26985 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

www.GreaterPhoenixNARI.org  Phone/fax: 480-419-1631 email: Jettaatk@yahoo.com