Steve Napora © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
Whether you live in a studio apartment or a multi-million dollar mansion, adding luxury upgrades to your renovation or remodeling plans can really turn your home into your castle. American homeowners are always looking for ways to increase the comfort, beauty, functionality and luxury of their homes, and according to the National Association of Home Builders (NABH), they spent over $225 billion on home improvement projects in 2008 alone. There are many ways to make your home more luxurious, and you can custom design features that fit into your budget.
Install Trendy Kitchen Features
The must-haves in the past for luxury home remodeling projects included things like stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. These have become increasingly standard, and the latest countertops include alternatives like quartz or basalt that have the advantages of granite, but require less maintenance. Many homeowners are also incorporating green features like sustainable or recycled wood when they remodel.
Create an Outdoor Room
Renovation plans are more and more including ways to create luxurious exterior spaces. Swimming pools and spas are still on everyone�s wish list, but the concept of outdoor entertaining has evolved significantly. Homeowners now want the same custom design features outside that they have inside so they can cook, watch movies or dine with guests outdoors.
Wire Your Home
Any luxury renovation should also take into account ways to incorporate smart home technology. This involves wiring your home to computers to automate tasks that increase comfort and security. This allows you to remotely control lights, door locks or security systems, and a professional can custom design a system tailored to your needs.
Build a Home Theater
Many people are including a space dedicated specifically to watching movies at home when they remodel. Screening rooms used to be found only in the homes of movie stars or producers, but now the rest of us can enjoy that kind of comfort and luxury, too. These spaces can range from a few recliners placed before a large screen in the basement, to custom designs that closely match the movie going experience.
Create a Home Spa
Home renovation often involves redoing bathrooms to create luxurious, private retreats. The latest trend is to recreate the look and feel found in fancy spas. If you want to remodel your bathroom to resemble a spa, include features like devices that warm towels, radiant heating in the floor or even a home sauna.
However you decide to remodel your home to make it more luxurious, make sure you consult with a professional before you begin. Choose a good, reputable contractor to ensure the best work and a maximum return on your remodeling project investment.
