According to a recent survey by Remodeling Magazine, residential clients are spending most of their money in the kitchen, master bedroom and bathrooms. People are spending approximately $55,000 on kitchen remodels and $15,000 to renovate a bathroom. For more information click here. Note: Many of these projects have an initial "Return on Investment" in the range of 65-80%, however based on a typical home appreciation market of 10%, you would be the "break-even" mark after about 5 years. After that it would become positive cash flow upon selling.

Kitchen Remodeling

A great return on investment is a kitchen remodel. You don't have to shell out major cash to add space. Instead, look to expand what you already have.  Create a "prep-eat-play" triangle, providing flexibility and casual living as key ingredients.

Gone are the days of the formal dining rooms and living rooms. Walls are being knocked down to join the two rooms to create an open floor plan.  Parents want to be able to cook while watching kids do homework or entertaining guests. Kitchen islands most often serve as the main division between kitchen and living space, and are the entertainment centers within a kitchen.

Bathroom Remodeling

Buyers are also looking at the bathrooms and what they are looking for is a more pampering atmosphere i.e. they want more of a spa-like feeling, to create a room that is a retreat for over-worked homeowners.

These details aren't necessarily cheap, but if there's room in your budget, they can help turn a good bathroom remodel into a great one:

1. Radiant flooring.
   This heating system will not only keep your floors warm underfoot on cold mornings, it will accelerate drying, reducing the risk of slips and falls. (Approx cost $2,000)
2. Stain-resistant grout. Though it costs more than traditional grout, stain-resistant formulas cut down on tedious cleaning. Thinner, darker grout lines can also help. (Approx cost $200)
3. Sunlights. Natural light is desirable in any room, but for bathrooms located deep within a home, windows may not be an option. A skylight is an excellent way to flood a room with sunlight, assuming it's on the top floor of your home. (Approx cost $850) See our video corner for some inventive ideas!
4. Heated shower mirror. A fog-free mirror makes it easy to shave or remove make-up in the shower. That's particularly helpful in master bathrooms with a single vanity. (Approx cost $950)
5. Heated Towel Bar.

   There's nothing like pampering yourself with a warm and cozy towel as you exit the shower. Some of the more common finishes include chrome, white and brushed-nickel. (Approx cost $900)

Master Bathroom Trends:-

As the buyer now views the master bath as a retreat, a remodel should fit it accordingly. One can incorporate ideas from luxury hotels or sophisticated spas. Such places would indulge in door-less showers and mirrors with integrated TVs. The showers are generally large. In small bathrooms, homeowners are tearing out the tub to expand the shower. Not only is the stall getting larger, it's getting more airy, with much more glass, using hinged doors and heavier glass instead of the sliding glass. People want luxury in their master bathrooms. They want to feel like they're going into a spa.