Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

The start of a new year represents the start of something new and fresh. The long year is over, and it is time to clean the slate. With home remodeling, the new year brings excited customers looking forward to kitchen and bath remodeling projects. With that in mind, perhaps 2024 is the year for your dream kitchen remodel.

You might have been saving all year in anticipation of gutting the kitchen and starting over. Or maybe you're just going to replace cabinets and countertops rather than going down to the studs. Regardless, kitchen remodels can be a significant undertaking if not planned properly. You've probably been thinking about your dream kitchen over the last year and now the time has come to get started.

"Every kitchen remodeling project begins in the design phase," says Scot Nichols, director of sales at Bedrock Quartz. "This is where you transform the ideas percolating in your mind into a feasible plan. Here's a valuable tip garnered from our experience: design around your needs and desires. And if you're uncertain of what you want, Bedrock Quartz can help."

You need certain things in your kitchen to maintain functionality, such as adequate counter space for preparing and serving food. But don't limit your design to function only. Try to work some of your wants into the design, too. A large island for serving and gathering loved ones is often the happiest place in the home.

"When all is said and done, you will spend a lot of time in your newly remodeled kitchen," Nichols says. "Why not enjoy that remodel as much as possible? Some new kitchen features that you may want but don't necessarily need can elevate your kitchen and make it a dream realized. Do it if you can afford to!"

The choice of materials significantly impacts both functionality and aesthetics. Alan Jorgensen, CEO of Bedrock Quartz, emphasizes the importance of material choices, stating, "This is why Bedrock Quartz places substantial emphasis on stone countertops, which are always the focal point of any kitchen. Materials like quartz, marble, and granite offer myriad benefits that extend well beyond mere aesthetics."

Jorgensen continues, "The most common question we get from people is, 'Which material should I choose?' While it often comes down to personal preference and style, there are some practical considerations for each. For example, quartz is a popular option known for its durability and non-porous nature, proving to be an excellent choice for countertops. It resists stains and bacterial growth, making it an ideal surface for food preparation. Marble, with its timeless elegance, adds a touch of luxury to any kitchen. While it may require more maintenance, the allure it brings is unparalleled. Granite, on the other hand, combines durability with natural beauty, creating a lasting and visually appealing kitchen surface."

As for fixtures, the age-old adage holds true: you get what you pay for. Cheap fixtures may seem like a cost-saving measure initially, but the frequent need for repairs and replacements can quickly outweigh any initial savings. Investing in high-quality fixtures like faucets and sinks proves advantageous in the long run. Superior materials tend to be more durable and retain their aesthetic appeal over an extended period. "And while we wouldn't advocate exceeding your budget, aiming for the highest quality within your financial constraints is a prudent approach," Jorgensen says.

Designing a new kitchen is exciting and fun. Ditto for choosing your materials. But when the construction process begins, some of the luster might start to fade. Remodeling is still construction work at the end of the day.

"If we could offer one bit of advice in this regard, it would be to do your best to enjoy the process. We get the fact that doing so sounds foreign. But remodeling is what you make it, said Nichols. "By focusing on the positive and looking for things about the construction process you can truly appreciate, you can avoid some of the unnecessary negatives that often make remodeling projects difficult."

Take pleasure in witnessing the transformation of your vision into a tangible reality. Admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into each phase of construction. Embrace the temporary inconvenience as a small price to pay for the long-term benefits your remodeled kitchen will bring.

One way to ensure an enjoyable experience with your kitchen remodel is to work with the right company.

Eric Jorgensen, president of operations at Bedrock Quartz, says, "We take excellent care of our customers. Our process is meticulously designed with you in mind. Not only do we commit to providing top-notch materials and installation, but constant communication about your project from beginning to end, ensuring that your questions and concerns are addressed promptly."

Having a reliable point of contact throughout the entire process to ensure transparency can bring peace of mind. "Bedrock Quartz takes pride in being there for you every step of the way, making the journey toward your dream kitchen remodel as seamless and satisfying as possible," Jorgensen says.

Bedrock Quartz stands ready to assist with classic or contemporary countertops, backsplashes, fixtures, and more. "Our team of professionals handles everything from installation to completion," Jorgensen says. "Moreover, we stand behind our materials and installation with unparalleled customer service. Challenge us to prove our worth if 2024 is indeed the year for your dream kitchen remodel."

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Is 2024 the year for your dream kitchen remodel? - KSL.com

Houzz Inc., has released the2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. The survey of more than 3,400 respondents found that interest in open-concept kitchens is returning following the pandemic. A growing number of homeowners make their kitchens more open to other interior spaces (43%, compared with just 38% of those who renovated in 2021) and to the outdoors (23%, compared with 18% of those who renovated in 2021). Among homeowners making their kitchens more open to nearby interiors, nearly two-thirds remove any wall separation (64%) and a quarter choose double doors, a row of doors or a wide opening (25%).

Improving functionality is the driving force behind creating an open-concept space (64%), while 54% of renovating homeowners want to enhance their entertaining space and 47% simply appreciate the layouts aesthetic. The majority of open-concept kitchens share similar flooring and wall colors with neighboring rooms (79% and 61%, respectively).

Were seeing a return to more open-concept spaces following a brief drop in interest during the pandemic when people sought separation and privacy from other household members, said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. Creating a more open kitchen appeals to homeowners for both functional and aesthetic reasons, but doing so may impact the projects overall budget, requiring more technical changes, such as modifying walls and changing the layout.

Among renovating homeowners, 45% reconstruct the kitchens layout and 43% upgrade systems. The share of renovating homeowners making other structural changes like modifying kitchen walls (39%) and completely changing the kitchens location (7%) grew by 3 points each. Nearly one in 7 renovating homeowners modify the kitchen ceiling (13%) and 5% modify the flooring by reframing or adjusting the height. Homeowners often turn to home professionals for assistance with more technical projects.In fact, more than 4 in 5 homeowners rely on professional help during a kitchen renovation (84%).

General contractors are the professionals most commonly hired for kitchen renovations (55%), followed by cabinetmakers, which are at a four-year high (35% in 2024 versus 26% in 2020). One-third of homeowners hire kitchen designers and remodelers (33%). Nearly 1 in 5 homeowners hires one or more pros directly, without relying on a project manager.

Along with growing substantial structural changes to the kitchen, the median spend on kitchen remodels is up 22% from the previous year to $55,000 for homeowners undertaking major remodels*. This reflects a 57% growth since mid-2020, when the median spend on major remodels was $35,000. The median spend on minor remodels continues to increase as well. It was $18,000 in mid-2023, increasing by 29% year over year, and has more than doubled since mid-2020, when it was $8,000. Despite the rising costs, homeowners are saving up for these projects, with 36% of renovating homeowners citing having financial means as a key motivator for starting their kitchen update.

Additional insights from the 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study include:

Bigger islands:More than 2 in 5 homeowners opt for islands that are 7 feet or longer (42%), which has increased by 10 points since 2020. Islands that are less than 6 feet long are losing popularity, down 5 points year over year. This may coincide with homeowners' reported usage of islands for entertaining and socializing post-renovation (54% and 44%, respectively).

A pop of cabinetry color:White continues to be the most common cabinetry color (46%), up 6 points year over year, but wood and green both inched up by 1 percentage point each (25% and 4%, respectively). Despite a slight dip in popularity as a primary cabinet color (4%), blue remains a top pick for island cabinets that are a different color than the main cabinets (25%). Green also saw a jump in popularity for island cabinets that contrast from the main cabinets (10%, up from 5% last year).

High-tech appliances:More homeowners prefer to replace all appliances during a renovation (54%), rather than just a few (34%). Homeowners are increasingly opting for appliances with high-tech capabilities, showing a 5-point increase to 44%. Nearly a third of homeowners now choose appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity (30%) and some prefer those controllable via smartphones and tablets (29%), both figures rising by 5 percentage points. Interest in features like touch-screen displays, smart-home connectivity, and built-in apps and cameras has also grown compared to last year.

Backsplashes that reach new heights:Homeowners overwhelmingly choose to replace backsplashes during kitchen renovations (86%), up 2 points since last year. Backsplashes most commonly extend to the cabinets or range hood (62%); however, 1 in 10 extends up to the ceiling (10%). The most popular backsplash material is ceramic or porcelain tile (54%), followed by engineered quartz (11%). Homeowners also choose natural stone, such as marble, quartzite and granite (9%, 6% and 4%, respectively).

Design with longevity in mind:Among renovating homeowners addressing special needs in the kitchen, the most common reason is to accommodate aging household members future and current needs (36% and 27%, respectively). Functional elements incorporated for this purpose include pullout cabinets, extra lighting and wide drawer pulls (58%, 54% and 48%, respectively). Safety features are also a priority, including nonslip flooring and rounded countertops (37% and 34%, respectively).

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Houzz Study Reveals Popular Kitchen Features, Colors and Materials - Furniture Lighting & Decor

In order to get the highest resale value, you have to focus the majority of remodeling efforts on certain rooms. Jenn Todryk from HGTV's "No Demo Reno" says the bathroom is one of the places that potential buyers want to be updated. "We want a big luxurious bathroom, which is understandable; you start and end your day in it, right?" Todryk says in an interview with Dallas News. "And they want natural lighting."

Main bathrooms and ensuites are the bathrooms you should focus on if you're making a plan to increase resale value. A mid-range bathroom remodel has an average 66.7% return on investment, while an upscale one has a 36.7% ROI. If you're adding a bathroom to the home, this can lead to a 30.2% ROI, while adding a new primary suite with a bathroom is about a 30% ROI.

Specific bathroom projects can be better for your resale value. For example, adding a walk-in shower or a steam shower can be a 70% and 30% return on investment, respectively. Replacing countertops, flooring, and lighting are also details that can help aid in creating the comfortable and relaxing environment home buyers want. Luxury details like heated floors aren't always necessary but can boost appeal. Unseen projects such as upgrading the plumbing can be a major bonus for a bathroom renovation.

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HGTV's Jenn Todryk Says To Renovate These Rooms To Up Your Home's Resale Value - House Digest

Bond issue projects on the April 5 ballot in Boone County school districts range from sports stadium repair andrestroom remodelstoclassroom additions and kitchen remodels.

Outside of Columbia, the costs range from $3 million in the Southern Boone and Harrisburg school districts to $10 million in Centralia. Between those is a $6 million bond issue in the Hallsville School District.

A feature all have in common is that approval won't result in a tax increase for residents. All require a 57%majority for approval.

They join Columbia Public Schools, which has placed an $80 million bond issue on the April 5 ballot. Those plans include two new elementary schools and renovations of the Columbia Area Career Center. It also won't require a tax increase if voters approve it.

The Sturgeon School District is alone in the county in not having a school bond issue on the April ballot.

The $10 million bond issue in the Centralia School District aims at catching up in areas where maintenance has been put off, said Superintendent Steven Chancellor.

"Age has caught up to us and it's caught up in a big way," Chancellor said. "Before we start thinking about new stuff, we need to start thinking about things we already have."

Projects include security improvements at building entrances, he said.

Plans call for remodeling the restrooms at the high school, which Chancellor said are in bad shape.

"That has been a dark cloud over our heads," he said of thehigh school restrooms.

A new item among the plans is science classrooms along a hall that will extend from the high school to the agriculture building.

"The theme of the bond issue is 'investing in ourselves,'" Chancellor said.

He said he's optimistic about victory on election night, but not taking the community for granted.

"We have a lot of momentum," Chancellor said. "We've been able to weather the COVID storm with minimal intrusion. The community is fully aware that our facilities are not up to par."

Projects included in the $6 million bond issue in the Hallsville School Districtwould be supplemented with reserve funds available in the district's capital projects fund, said Superintendent John Downs.

A new wing with eight classrooms is plannedat the middle school building, where the district's information technology department also would be located.

If approved, it would be the first phase of eventual replacement of the building, Downs said.

"The middle school building was built in 1952," Downs said. "Itwas built for elementary students, and classrooms are too small for middle school students. We're planning on a phased replacement."

The athletic track wouldbe relocated to the sports stadium, with additional improvements to the stadium, Downs said. The track is now at a different location than the stadium.

Other improvements will be made if funding allows, he said.

The district has been engaging the community about plans since last spring, Downs said. Public forums were held in late summer.

"I'm very optimistic," Downs said.

Hallsville voters in 2017 approved an 80-cent tax levy increase for the district, the first in 30 years. It marked a turning point for the district, Downs said.

"Our community has been very supportive," Downs said.

A 2,000-square-foot addition to the computer lab and media center at the elementary building is part of the plan for the $3 million bond issue in the Harrisburg School District, said Superintendent Steve Combs.

Also among the projects are remodeling restrooms at the middle school and a parking lot at the high school. The kitchens at the elementary school and high school also would be remodeled as part of the plan.

Depending on available funds, a K-12 theater and performing arts center or a multipurpose addition, or both, would be included, Combs said.

"We've had great luck passing no-tax-increase bond issues," Combs said.

The $3 million bond issue in the Southern Boone School District in Ashland would be directed toward major repairs at the track and field at its stadium.

The school board on Friday approved placing the bond issue on the April ballot.

Projects include resurfacing the track, installing new artificial turf and replacing the scoreboard and sound system at the high school outdoor athletic complex.

Before the vote, head high school football coach Trent Tracy discussed the need.

He said additions to the schools that have been approved in past bond issues were more important and more needed at the time, but it's the turn of athletics now.

"The time has come to address our athletic needs," Tracy said.

The football and soccer field looks great at the beginning of August, but not by the end of September, he said.

Wet weather really creates problems on the fields, he said.

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These are the school bond issues on the ballot in Boone County for the April election - Columbia Daily Tribune

Wayback Burgers,Americas favorite hometown burger joint and one of the nations fastest-growing burger franchises, is excited to report that 2021 saw record positive gains. As businesses bounce back from the aftermath of the pandemic, the companys projected expansion and innovation led to strong growth including a systemwide sales increase of 26.2% and a comparable store sales increase of 24.19%.

In the last 12 months, Wayback Burgers awarded 124 new franchise agreements worldwide and awarded the master franchise for Japan, as well as oversaw 13 remodels and opened 18 new locations. Wayback Burgers also partnered with Reef Kitchens to operate 25 ghost kitchen locations within major cities throughout the U.S. All these transactions contributed to the companys overall success, and it is looking to maintain this positive trajectory in 2022.

In addition to sales and expansion, Wayback Burgers enjoyed continued success with the companys philanthropic efforts through its national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, whose mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Since the partnerships launch in June 2018, Wayback Burgers has raised around $650,000 for the non-profit organization through a variety of national fundraising events and initiatives. Wayback Burgers also awarded a $10,000 prize to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee in Nashville through a nationwide contest with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to name an outstanding staff member that went above and beyond.

We are very proud of the Wayback Burgers brand for having a successful 2021, stated Patrick Conlin, President of Wayback Burgers. We cant thank our franchisees and guests enough for supporting the brand this past year. There was great enthusiasm, dedication, hard work and execution day in and day out by our franchisees and their teams that resulted in a record year for Wayback Burgers, despite challenges in the supply chain and labor. As we begin 2022, Wayback Burgers is well positioned for even greater success.

Sales growth was bolstered by popular seasonal limited time only (LTO) menu items, such as the Impossible Melt, Fiery Bacon Burger, Bourbon Bacon Burger, Guac Burger, Brownie Milkshake, Pumpkin Caramel Milkshake, Tangerine Milkshake & Tangerine Lemonade and Chocolate Cake Shake.

This year, Wayback Burgers is optimistic about strong sales at its restaurant locations, the roll out of exciting new LTO items, as well as 15 to 20 restaurant openings across the U.S. and more international openings including Japans first Wayback Burgers, opening in February 2022.

For more information on Wayback Burgers, please visitWaybackBurgers.com, or visit our social pages onFacebook,TwitterorInstagram. For more information about the Wayback Burgers franchise opportunity, visitWaybackBurgers.com/Franchising/.

ABOUT WAYBACK BURGERS

Founded in 1991 in Newark, Delaware,Wayback Burgersis a Connecticut-based fast-casual franchise with a reputation for cooked to order burgers and thick, hand-dipped milkshakes, served in an environment that hearkens back to a simpler place and time when customer service meant something and everyone felt the warmth of the community. Wayback Burgers currently operates in3234states with over 166 locations nationally and internationally in Brunei, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Pakistan, The Netherlands and Manitoba, Canada and Ireland. Through its executed international franchise agreements, Wayback Burgers plans to open in 38 provinces/countries, including the Middle East, Northern Africa, South Africa, Bangladesh, Ireland, Japan, Germany and in Canada, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

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Wayback Burger reflects on record brand growth at the end of 2021 - Nation's Restaurant News

Photo credit: Sam Frost Photography

"It was what I call a Frank Lloyd Wrong," says designer Carolyn Miller of her latest project, a 1930s Pacific Palisades farmhouse that had fallen victim to a series of bad renovations in the 30 years since its owners moved in. Once quaint and charming, the home had devolved into a fragmented maze as the owners attempted to personalize it. "A lot of the house felt disjointed," says Miller. "The ceilings had different elevations and the stairwell was this awkward space that bisected the house," she recalls. "Everything had its own idea."

The clients, who are longtime friends of Miller's, were just about ready to sell the house and start over. "They were hesitant to put good work on top of bad work," explains Miller. But after some gentle convincing, the couple finally agreed to one last renovation. "They wanted to bring the house into its best possible state. And they trusted me to do it."

Getting it right meant embracing the home's original craftsmanship and removing remnants of past remodels to achieve the practical, yet elegant aesthetic the clients had been seeking all along. "We always wanted to keep the charm," says Miller. "But there were multiple areas that just didn't communicate with each other. So opening all of that up and making it all useful was their main goal.

To do that, Miller sought symmetry between preservation and renovation. "The goal was to maintain some of the farm, cottage feel with authentic, natural finishes while giving the client modern conveniences, an expanded footprint, and a more sophisticated, forward palette," says the designer.

Structural changeslike releveling the ceilings and refiguring the kitchen layoutoffer the sort of continuous flow that had been missing from the initial floorplan, while adding materials original to the home recall its history. To balance olfd and new, industrial materialslike steel doors and beamsare juxtaposed with a teeming collection of art and antiques. "We did a few really special touches. But I don't consider them luxurious. I consider them going back to the original craftsmanship," says Miller.

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Tour the home below.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Carolyn Miller Design

"The dining room is really the lifeblood of the house," says Miller. Situated next to an outdoor hangout, the space room serves as a de facto main entrance. "It has the most access to the indoors and outdoors," explains Miller. "And, you know, it's where the doggy door is," she laughs. "It was also one of the main areas where we cleaned everything up," says Miller, referring to the ceilings. "We wanted everything to be at just one height."

The focal point of the room is an oversized painting by Swedish artist Andreas Erickson. "I used that painting as the foundational piece for this space," explains Miller. "I played off the colors, so there are little touches of red and green. And all of the warm tones in the painting are reflected in the oak furniture."

Dining Table: Custom. Dining Chairs: Harbour. Light Fixture: Muselli.

Photo credit: Sam Frost Photography

"The goal for this space was to have a sort of a palette cleanser when you enter in the house," says Miller. The restrained background serves as the perfect canvas for the clients' art collection, which "always felt like such a hodgepodge" against the old scheme.

Mantel: Francois & Co. Art: Rebecca Ward, Mckenzie Dove. Cocktail Table: Lawson Fenning. Coffee Table: Angelo Ostuni. Lamp: Vintage, Arthur Umanoff. Sconces: Allied Maker.

The bulk of the structural work is reflected in the kitchen, which needed a higher ceiling and a new layout. "It took the most amount of time," Miller says of the process, which included leveling the backyard and installing new structural beams that support the new kitchen as well as the rest of the house.

"The goal was to reorient the kitchen to be as open and as communicative with the dining room as possible," says Miller. Several windows were removed to fit a wall of appliances behind a larger, outward-facing island that houses the sink. "We reoriented the sink to be in the island so that it would be perfectly lined up with the opening towards the dining area," explains the designer. "Before, the faucet was where the oven is now, so she was just staring at a wall," Miller explains.

With the kitchen more open, it was important to Miller that clutter be tucked away. "I wanted it to be really easy for them," she says of her decision to add a hidden appliance garage. "Yes, they like it to be elegant. But in their day-to-day life, they don't want anything to be complicated."

Range: Fisher Pykell. Dishwasher: Miele. Light Fixtures: Early Electrics. Hardware: Rocky Mountain Hardware. Stools: Ethnicraft. Artwork: Jonas Wood, Grace Weaver.

Photo credit: Sam Frost Photography

"This was another hodgepodge room where there wasn't really a proper entry hallway," says Miller. To create a distinction between the front door and the adjacent den, she installed a steel interior window to visually separate either space. "It looks like it was always meant to be this way," the designer says.

Photo credit: Sam Frost Photography

"The major thing that we did was refinish the ceilings," says Miller. "It had been a dark, over-stained pine. So we basically bleached it and then whitewashed it with custom glazing to give it this beautiful, warm tone." The designer removed wall-to-wall carpeting and replaced it with red oak flooring to match the rest of the home (and recall a look that matched the home's original era). "I wanted to unify the house with just one floor," emphasizes the designer.

Rug: Armadillo. Bed: Maiden Home. Sconces: RBW. Wall Paint: Benjamin Moore, Decorators White. Trim Paint: Portola, Stone.

"We always wanted to keep the farmhouse aspect," says Miller, who replaced kitschier red siding with white board and batten for a more refreshed look. "Even though the Sonoma farmhouse look is so ubiquitous now, it was actually appropriate for this home. We weren't forcing it, you know, it was always a barn."

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See The Renovation That Convinced This Couple Not To Sell Their Home of 30 Years - Yahoo Lifestyle

New research and survey data from Thumbtack and Zillow finds a typical for-sale home could need close to $30,000 of work, which could come as a surprise to a majority (65%) of active home shoppers who are not seeking a fixer-upper. More and more are taking advantage of record-low rates to land in the home of their dreams, as just last week, Freddie Mac reported the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) sliding down to 2.90%.

To help first-time homebuyers prepare for their journey, Zillow compiled a list of the most common projects its teams tackle after purchasing homes through Zillow Offers. Using that list of common repairs, Thumbtack calculated the national average costs to complete each project.

According to the new survey of 1,000 homebuyers, the average millennial expects to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 to make a home move-in ready, when in reality, the study found that homeowners should actually expect to spend approximately $26,900 on these projects. In terms of price breakdown, evaluating, repairing, or replacing HVAC systems is the most expensive move-in project, costing $3,615 on average nationwide.

This research suggests first-time homebuyers typically underestimate the costs of the unsexy projects they may have to tackle before they even move in, said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow Home Trends Expert. That sticker shock may be increasingly common in a competitive market where buyers are dropping inspection contingencies as a strategy to win a bidding war.

Homebuyers said they were most excited about improvement projects that allow them to express their personal style and make a home feel like their own: interior painting ($385/room), followed closely by wallpaper installation ($530/room), and kitchen updates like remodels and renovations ($7,445).

We know homebuyers are most concerned about the hassle of home maintenance and repairs. It feels overwhelming to know where to begin, but also, who to entrust with your most valuable possession, said David Steckel, Thumbtacks Home Expert.

Homebuyers are least excited about making roofing repairs, which cost an average of $800 to evaluate and complete. This is followed by general plumbing repairs ($335), painting the entire home exterior ($2,415), and repairing damaged floors ($315-$1,245, depending on the type of floor). These projects tend to be more time consuming or require a deeper level of expertise to complete, which can make homeowners feel out of their comfort zone.

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New Homeowners Surprised by Unexpected Costs - theMReport.com - The MReport

This week in design, Gen Z is using TikTok to turn their rug-making hobbies into full-fledged businesses, while a new hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, brings unsavory comparisons for the citys disgruntled residents. Whatever comes next, stay in the know with our weekly roundup of headlines, launches and events, recommended reading, and more.

Business News

Hearst Magazines has announced a newly formed vertical called The Hearst Design Collection, comprising three of its shelter magazine titles: Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda. The rebrand follows a major shakeup on the companys sales and marketing teams earlier this spring, which saw Hearst offer buyouts to some 600 staffers, while titles were reorganized under the new headings of Lifestyle, Luxury, Youth & Fitness and Design. The three shelter books were combined to create the Hearst Design Group in 2013, then grouped with Town & Country in 2019 under the banner Luxury Design Collective with publisher and chief revenue officer Jennifer Levene Bruno in charge. Now, T&C will be paired with Hearsts stable of fashion books, while Bruno continues to oversee the shelter category. All three brands' editorial teams, meanwhile, remain unaffected by the restructuring.

When severe winter weather struck the Gulf Coast region earlier this year, it halted production for chemical foam manufacturersyet even as summer has thawed frozen facilities, the industry is still at a loss for foam. Like many other supply chain shortages, Home News Now reports, the issue is one of unrelenting consumer demand, which has been consistently running above capacity for chemical suppliers since the pandemic began. Further complicating things for the mattress and bedding segment are the ongoing anti-dumping petitions introduced in November, which have largely prohibited mattress imports into the U.S. Analyst Jerry Epperson told HNN that industry insiders arent expecting demand to return to stable levels until June 2022.

The Small Business Administration is rolling back requirements for loan forgiveness by eliminating the necessary review step for borrowers of $2 million or more, Inc reports. The amendment is likely designed to save the time and money involved in processing and approving additional financial information; after more than a year of PPP, the agency distributed $780 billion in funding to more than eight million small businesses. Despite the update, experts recommend keeping financial documents on hand for the possibility of a future program audit.

Block Renovation has announced the completion of a $40 million funding round, with participation from Giant Ventures, NEA and Kelly Wearstler. Through the companys platform, homeowners receive a comprehensive renovation plan led by a project consultant and executed by designers, contractors and vendorsall of whom are vetted by Block. The business was founded in 2017 by a Casper co-founder and former Rent the Runway executive, and has since focused on completing kitchen and bath remodels in the greater New York area. With the new injection of capital, Block is extending its services to the Los Angeles area, with its sights set on building out its platform and construction tools.

The Ever Given has finally set sail again, Reuters reports, after halting global trade when it blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week back in March. The container ship had remained docked in Egypt until last week, when its owners reached a multimillion-dollar compensation deal for its release. To honor the occasion, the Suez Canal Authority held a ceremony marking the ships departure, attended by foreign diplomats and broadcast live on television in Egypt.

Visa is partnering with cryptocurrency companies to allow consumers to spend and convert digital currencies through its card program, Insider reports. The payments will be converted from crypto assets to government-issued currency on the backend, just like any other Visa transaction, which means merchants wont need to update their point of sales terminals (or even understand what a blockchain is) to process the digital tender. According to the company, the new features are a response to the more than $1 billion already spent in the first half of 2021 via crypto-linked Visa cards.

Billionaire SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is now living in a 375-square-foot prefab rental house in Boca Chica, Texas, TheRealDeal reports. The 20-by-20-foot accessory dwelling unit, made by the Boxabl company, is a studio space, with one large room divided into necessary bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room areas. The move follows a May 2020 tweet from Musk in which he wrote I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house. (That wish likely wont be fulfilled until he offloads his 16,000-square-foot Bay Area mansion, currently on the market for $37.5 million.)

ArtSugar offers art prints and home goods aimed at millenials and Gen ZCourtesy of ArtSugar

E-commerce art curation retailer ArtSugar has announced the completion of a $500,000 seed round led by Curate Capital. The company caters to millennials and Gen Z, offering affordable art prints, sculptures and home goods created both in-house and by artists popular on social media. Following an 80 percent increase in year-over-year revenue since March 2020, ArtSugar plans to expand its product line and stable of artists, create in-person immersive experiences and improve customer experience online.

Launches and Collaborations

Angi has launched a new membership program to connect users with home maintenance, improvement and emergency repair services. As part of the Angi Key membership, subscribers will receive discounts on household projects along with the ability to browse various home services in exchange for an annual fee.

Architect Peter Marino has opened his eponymous art foundation in Southampton, New York, the Wall Street Journal reportsa collection of antiques, decorative objects and fine art collected over the last 40 years and housed in a historic structure transformed by Marino himself. Built in 1895, the 8,000-square-foot, two-story exhibition space was once home to a public library, a home decor showroom and an art museum, and has been restored in the last three years to prepare the space for its next wave of visitors.

Swatchbox, the building products sample provider, has teamed up with Behr Paint Company for the creation of Swatchbox Proan online platform where architects and designers can research and request samples. The new service allows users to browse samples and organize them into custom palettes and collections for free next-day and second-day delivery.

Ashley HomeStore has added a new Baby & Kids category, expanding its furniture assortment with cribs, gliders, toddler mattresses and changing tables from brands like Delta Children, Million Dollar Baby Classic, Donco and Little Seeds, Furniture Today reports. The new offerings will also include teen and tween styles, with floor beds, loft-style bunk beds and youth decor.

In a collaboration with Universal Studios, Hygge & West created wallpaper designs depicting classic films like E.T. the Extra TerrestrialCourtesy of Hygge & West

A wallpaper design inspired by Back to the FutureCourtesy of Hygge & West

Left: In a collaboration with Universal Studios, Hygge & West created wallpaper designs depicting classic films like E.T. the Extra Terrestrial Courtesy of Hygge & West | Right: A wallpaper design inspired by Back to the Future Courtesy of Hygge & West

Together with Universal Studios, Hygge and West has debuted a wallpaper collection inspired by classic movies. Patterns include vignettes from films like Jaws, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and Back to the Future, with imagery such as the sun setting over frothy waves, a UFO landing in the forest and a DeLorean cruising down a mid-century main street.

Showroom Representation

Kravet Inc. has announced it will begin distributing MissoniHome fabrics and wallcoverings through its luxury division in the fall of 2021. The brand will start by launching more than 150 products in showrooms, offering classics and new introductions from 2020 and 2021, including prints, wovens, jacquards, indoor and outdoor products and contract grade fabrics.

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Greenhouses are a growing trend among homeowners in the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reports, after providing much-needed relief during the pandemics darker months. Once a fixture primarily in high-society households and commercial farms, the glass outbuildings have since become more popular among the everyday gardenerone greenhouse supplier saw website traffic increase by 177 percent over the past year.

Gen Z may be reviving some early aughts trendslow-rise jeans and pop-punk among thembut theyre leaving antiquated email communication in the past. According to the New York Times, a 2020 study discovered a generational gap in work tools, with email prevailing among those 30 and above, while their younger counterparts preferred platforms that promote collaboration, like Google Docs, iMessage and Zoom. Its actually crazy how outdated it is, 24-year-old Adam Simmons said of email to the NYT.

Cue the Applause

The 2021 Emmy Nominations have been announced, and the team from Queer EyeBobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Powowski and Jonathan Van Nesshave secured a spot on the list in the Reality Host category. For the full list of nominations, click here.

The winners of the annual Vision Design + Workroom Competition Awards have been announced, honoring more than two dozen interior designers and workrooms from 10 different states for their achievements in drapery design, motorized window treatment installations, combination and top treatments and more. Brandi and Samantha Day of Day Design LLC in Fort Worth, Texas were awarded with the top honors in the design category, while in the workroom segment, Leslie Excell with Excell In Design Group in Margate, Florida took home the top prize. For the complete list of winners, click here.

Call for Entries

The Black Artists and Designers Guild has announced the new Creative Futures Grant, in which four Black undergraduate and graduate students in architecture, design and fine art will receive $5,000, plus mentorship through BADG and the opportunity to present their project proposal during a members meeting. To apply, click here.

Window Fashion Vision is now accepting nominations for its second 20 Under 40 Awards, open to professionals in any segment of the window treatment industry, including interior designers, workrooms, installers, manufacturers, retailers and entrepreneurs. To submit a nomination before the August 1 deadline, click here.

Southern Living has announced its annual list of Tastemakersa group of 10 women who exemplify modern southern style across the categories of fashion, home, art and beauty. Among the cohort are Stephanie Summerson Hall, founder of Estelle Colored Glass; interior designer Jean Liu; Keith Smythe Meacham of Reed Smythe & Company; and artist and textile designer Riley Sheehey. For the full list of tastemakers, click here.

Homepage image: Kravet Inc. will begin distributing MissoniHome fabrics. | Courtesy of Kravet

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PPP loan forgiveness requirements are rolled back, the foam shortage is here to stay, and more - Business of Home

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If youre contemplating a new and exciting home renovation project think a loft conversion, total remodel or creating an open plan space and want to take your ideas to the next level, you're going to appreciate all the advice and expertise you can get.

When it comes to any DIY project, from fitting your own kitchen to installing a new toilet, the lines are somewhat blurred when it comes to the parts of a project that you should confidently take on yourself, and when you should be contacting a professional for deeper insight whether you're an experienced homebuilder or not.

Hiring a structural engineer could make the difference between a house renovation that runs smoothly and successfully, and one that is stressful not to mention more costly.

From both a visual and a safety perspective, it's worth searching the Institution of Structural Engineer's database. This free service will put you in touch with structural engineering practices, with professionally qualified staff, so that you can get the advice you need.

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Additional costs are one of the main turn offs with home improvement and building projects. Which is why the fact that it's free for homebuilders and renovators to search the database and find a local structural engineer, is an extra perk.

With no compromise on efficiency or ease of use, only structural engineering practices with professionally qualified IStructE members are able to become a part of the scheme. Meaning that you will only be put in touch with industry experts that are at the forefront of the profession and sure to give your project the mark of technical excellence that it deserves.

New practices are joining all the time so you should find the help you need.

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As with any sizeable home improvement project, you'll want to ensure that your building is structurally sound and that working conditions are safety assured to industry standards. Part of the service that a structural engineering practice provides is structural surveys. These identify any structural faults and issues (or lack thereof) with a building.

Your structural engineer will work with your architect and contractor to bring your project to life in a safe manner, identifying and managing the risks associated with your project.

Different surveys can be done, depending on the age of the building/property and on your requirements. Structural engineers will then work with your architect to draw up the best plans to achieve your expected outcome.

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Introducing a structural engineer in the early stages of your project can make for an even more successful result. Going open-plan isn't just about joining two types of space together for example. Getting a professional's perspective and expertise from the start could widen your options and elevate your project to a whole new level.

It doesn't stop there. Basement and loft conversions are increasingly popular home improvement projects. Turning unused dead space into a liveable and beautiful area for the whole household to enjoy is one of the most exciting projects around. But these can be complex projects. It's this type of home reno that will benefit immensely from the input of a structural engineer that is able to carry out a full structural survey.

This involves a full inspection of a property to understand the structural behaviour of the building and whether any work could negatively impact the home or surrounding properties and to make recommendations to help you get the most out of your space. The survey will look for any movement or potential subsidence and other eventualities to ensure you peace of mind that work can be carried out successfully and whether the building is behaving as it should.

As with any reno, it's essential to consider all of the eventualities. Unfortunately, if you haven't planned for any spanners in the works a missed alcove or structural issue and if these become a problem mid-project, it can drive costs (and stress-levels) up.

A visual inspection can help produce technical designs and drawings for home remodels. This is fairly brief and designed to understand the general configuration of the main structural elements which in turn, will help finalise plans to help everyone working on your project deliver in an effective and efficient way.

The purpose of a measured survey on the other hand is to measure up the property, to help create accurate technical plans and to draw up any structural calculations needed, usually this can be done from detailed Architects' drawings. A visual inspection shouldn't be needed additionally to this but your structural engineer will let you know if they need to visit, and if they will need access to your property.

From more defined designs to better planning, searching the IStructe database and having a professional's input from the onset is a brilliant way to pull your home renovation project of dreams together successfully, and smoothly.

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Why it really pays off to bring a structural engineer on board - Real Homes