Check Demand Before Remodeling

Fri., March 6, 1998

Karol V. Menzie And Randy Johnson The Baltimore Sun

Thinking about renovating a bath or kitchen? Removing a wall to open up some space? Converting a spare bedroom to a home office?

You might want to consider what builders and designers are incorporating in new homes to ensure that your remodeling stands up to the demands of the next decade.

In the meantime, here are some of the noteworthy touches that Masco Corp., American Home Style & Gardening magazine and Steve Carr Builders Inc., included in a house in Napierville, Ill., that was part of a cavalcade of homes:

Arched doorways, interior French doors, and half walls to open space visually. .

Lots of stainless steel, including sinks, cook tops, refrigerators and dual undercounter ovens. Doubles are hot in kitchen design these days: dual ovens; dual sinks; dual microwaves; even dual dishwashers.

A first-floor hobby room, with lots of counter space.

A flexible-space room that is accessible from both the master bedroom and the hallway. It can be used as a nursery when children are small, and as a sitting room later. Or it could be a home office or studio/workshop.

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