That can mean a variety of things, from the continually popular kitchen and bathroom upgrades, to a new master suite, to a lavish "outdoor room" with a well-equipped kitchen and built-in fireplace. Some of these ideas and more will be represented in the 24th Annual MBA Fall Remodelers Tour slated for Oct. 11-12.

Quality, Not Quantity

For some time, kitchens were expanding into the grandest rooms in the house. But, bigger is not necessarily better, according to Miller. He notes that homeowners are more willing to consider foregoing actual square footage to concentrate more on quality per square foot. That translates into higher quality cabinetry, countertops and high-end appliances, mechanical systems and exterior trims. It’s also a way to cope with the high cost of heating and air-conditioning larger spaces — an expense that is not going to drop any time soon.

As kitchens are decreasing in size, they are becoming more functional, Miller says. "For a while, we were seeing things like two islands in the kitchen with two sinks and even two ovens," he says. "Now, the rooms are smaller, but with higher quality materials and designed to make the maximum use of space. People are realizing that they don’t really use all that extra stuff very often and they want their house to serve their daily needs."

Living Alfresco

Joining the kitchen and family room as the preferred hangouts in the home, the backyard is another favorite gathering space for cooking, entertaining and relaxation — at least in the warmer months of the year. More homeowners are bringing all the comforts of their indoor rooms to the outside by creating multi-purpose outdoor living spaces that function as inviting extensions of their home. "Spending time outdoors entertaining is a way to reconnect with our families and our neighbors," Miller says. Opening up the back of the house with new French doors or adding a three-season room that opens to a patio has grown in popularity. "There’s a desire to create an outdoor space that integrates with indoor spaces," Miller says. "People are asking for more screened porches and outdoor fireplaces, places where they can entertain and spend time with family."

Fortunately, the old days of picnic tables and portable grills are long gone. New technology has brought a new level of comfort to outdoor living. Outdoor furnishings are sleek and soft, made from high-tech treated metals and woods along with water and mildew-resistant fabrics. Outdoor grills can tackle anything from hamburgers to vegetables, featuring portable woks, pizza ovens and attachable sushi bars. Joining them are stainless steel sinks, mini-fridges and wine coolers.

A Little Bit of Luxury

Wine cellars, home theaters and other features are turning basements into entertainment hubs. The standard basement used to come with low ceilings and little light, but now, homeowners are converting basements into much more usable and beautiful spaces.

Mark Brick of B&E General Contractors Inc. is receiving more requests for indoor pools. "One of our clients asked us to convert a garage into an indoor pool room, including an ‘endless’ pool or lap pool," he says. "The key thing is that people are making upgrades that add to their enjoyment of their homes."

Trends Redux

Some of the trends popular in the last couple of years are back again, says Chellee Siewert, chief operating officer of the MBA in Waukesha. For example, the concept of "aging in place" supports the notion that older persons should be able to live in their own homes for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles and other assistive technologies. Modifications to bathrooms and changes to accommodate a wheelchair are common.

This idea of aging in place has become so popular that the MBA now offers a certification in it, according to Siewert. "What we heard from our members is that there is the need to respond to consumer demands. So, we developed this CAP (Certified Aging in Place) designation for our members who complete a series of seminars," she says.

Turning Green

Another trend has designers and builders paying more attention to the environment. "There has been an increase in the use of natural materials because of their beauty as well as ease of care," Siewert says. "MBA members use green materials whenever possible."

Ed Miller comments that "going green" is not always as simple as it seems. "Everyone wants to be environmentally conscious. We try to use wood from renewable sources and other materials that are environmentally friendly, but it can be confusing," he says. "The term ‘green’ is overused and sometimes it’s difficult to determine what is truly a green product," he says. "You need to do some homework before you buy."

Do-Overs

Remodeling an entire house has also grown in popularity, says Siewert. "People are rearranging the layout of their rooms, eliminating walls, making big changes," she says. "If people really like their neighbors and schools, instead of trying to sell their house, they may choose to update and renovate," she says.