Renovation Trends
by Kim Kinrade
Renovation, in most cases, means to rearrange or add space in order to improve the quality of life in the home. If that is truly the case then there are a few items that many designers feel have outlived their usefulness.
1. The Great Room is Dead
Size In the 1980's this was once the most sought-after renovation in an existing home or design feature of of a new home. The huge, in many case, 2-story room with windows to the ceiling brought the outdoors into the home and made the rest of the rooms satellites to this area. Even the kitchen, although open and accessible, was boxed off into a quasi-galley affair.
2. Lighting
Hall-style lighting, however, decorative meant that there were few ways in which the atmosphere could be changed without looking like a hotel foyer.
3. Windows
The floor-to-ceiling windows were okay when the price of home heating and cooling were not at astronomical levels as they are today. Also, security is an issue when so much space can be viewed from outside.
4. Sound
Without adding hanging sound dampeners such as fabric banners and carpet the great rooms could be very noisy. And since hardwood was all the craze even the decorative rugs did little to lessen the effect which usually traveled through the whole home.
The New Realities to Consider When Renovating
With each successive year we see technology change at a rapid rate. In fact it's hard to keep up with the increase in cell phone options and computer programs. Building and renovating, although not in the same league in terms of scope of change, has also seen rapid advances due to technological gains and changing lifestyles.
1. The Multi-Generational Factor
Not long ago when a young person reached the age of maturity he or she was out the door to college or an apartment. Today, the trend in Kansas City � as it is in almost every other corner of the country - is for the younger generation to delay leaving the parental home. In addition, aged parents are moving in with their children so self-contained in-law suites are being added to existing homes on built in as additions on new homes. These suites are also being used as rentals for extra income.
2. Accessible Features
With the advent of age come new features for a more comfortable life. Showers and tubs with easy-access doors and extra hand rails are becoming more prevalent as are wider entrance doors and hallways. Bedrooms, kitchens, washing facilities and bathrooms are being built on one level to allow for easier access.
3. Home Entertainment
Home theaters, once a novelty for the rich, are becoming a staple in todays' entertainment styles. Rooms are being retrofitted for sound, wiring, shelving, storage and seating to give a full-rounded theater experience. Furniture with sports logos and kitchenettes are also popular in these rooms.
4. Energy Renovations
This would include adding insulation, installing a more efficient heating/cooling system and changing old windows for new triple-pane models.
5. Health Concerns
Leaking foundations, low air flow or improper filtering can lead to environmental disease brought on by mould and other airborne pollutants. Installing a mechanical ventilation system can minimize this and chemical emissions. Kansas City has its times of high humidity and this discomfort can also be eliminated.
6. Home Offices
Because of telecommuting more people are working out of their homes. Renovators the Kanasa City area are creating attractive and efficient work environments with all the conveniences of an office with the freedom of being at home and none of the traveling.
7. Security
Home security has also adapted with the times and there are some ingenious systems that can be added on after the renovation as well as during the build.
Contact Information for Permits:
For information on renovating in the Kansas City area the Permits Division is composed of two distinct work teams:
Permits Services Branch
5th floor
City Hall
414 E. 12th St.,
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone (816) 513-3600
Plans Management Branch
Development Services'
Plans Review Division
324 East 11th Street, 2nd Floor, Oak Tower.
Kansas City, MO
64102
Phone: (816) 513-1500