Courtesy Hinman Construction
By Jennifer Farnsworth
With spring finally here, local designers and home improvement experts say they will see a dramatic increase in calls from homeowners looking to make a change.
Trends for 2017 center around the desire for customization; everything from cabinets to tiles, to paint colors.
Craig Vollkommer of Details and Improvements in Glens Falls said as soon as the weather starts to warm up everyone seems to want to start renovating at the same time. His advice to customers is to start making calls to contractors as early as possible in order to get their projects on a work schedule.
“Plan ahead, and prioritize, know what you want. We seem to get the calls all at once, so if you are looking to have something done sooner, rather than later, you need to reach out to designers and contractors now,” said Vollkommer.
Kitchens and bathrooms seem to continue to be the most in-demand, according to Vollkommer. He said people want the newest in bathroom shower options, laminates, granites, custom tiles, and backsplashes. He said that requests for painting is the one thing that never changes.
“Paint is always in demand. It’s always the most dramatic and economical change you can make” in a home, said Vollkommer.
When it comes to paint colors and themes, Vollkommer said neutral colors seem to remain a popular choice.
Kim Hinman, owner of Hinman Construction in Ballston Spa, said in addition to neutral colors, she is starting to see jewel tones as a trend.
“People are looking at those deep jewel tones for pops of color,” said Hinman,
Hinman agreed that remodeling projects are become about customizing. The one-size-fits-all mentality for things like cabinets is something homeowners are shying away from. Instead, they want their own style.
She said accessories are important to homeowners these days because they allow the customer to express their personality, making the space their own. She said white is the “it” color for kitchens, with rustic elements and modern appliances. Also, open kitchen spaces are what people seem to prefer.
“People are spending more time entertaining at home and want to enjoy their surroundings,” said Hinman.
At Hinman Construction, the design process is interactive between the customer and the company. She said that is not just a trend, but a useful tool in customer satisfaction.
She specializes in three-dimensional renderings, a process that shows the customer what final product will look like.
“It’s a tremendous way to see and plan without the fear of not being able to visualize. Many of our clients are amazed as we review the possibilities and show phases and options,” said Hinman.