It happens every year. As the weather cools and people spend more time indoors, many homeowners evaluate whether or not their current home is meeting their needs, and often, the answer is “no”. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the most common reasons homeowners undertake a remodeling project are:

They want to make the home more comfortable and attractive
Their family is expanding and requires more room
The home is outdated and the homeowner wants to make the style more current
The home is not functional for the owner’s lifestyle
The home needs repair

“Fall is a great time to take an objective look at your home and begin planning for a remodeling project,” said David Michelson, regional partner of Alair Homes North Georgia and current president of NARI Atlanta. “As we spend more time inside, we pay greater attention to how we are using – or not using – our space. Clients also tell us that hosting friends or houseguests over the holidays really accentuated their home’s shortcomings. Whatever the reason, fall is an excellent time to begin planning for a remodeling project in the coming year.”

Many of the challenges of the past two years are starting to be resolved, according to Michelson, and greater Atlanta’s remodeling industry is robust. Plus, rising interest rates are encouraging some would-be home buyers to remodel their current homes, versus purchasing a new one.

“Thanks to increased domestic manufacturing, we are less dependent on off-shore products,” said Michelson. “However, it’s still ideal to order materials, appliances and products in advance, which offers the added benefit of locking in advantageous pricing. For example, lumber costs have dropped in recent months and are currently down nearly 70 percent over the 2020 peak.”

Michelson says NARI Atlanta member companies confirm the most popular remodeling projects throughout greater Atlanta continue to be kitchen expansion and updates, creating in-home office/study space and adding transitional spaces such as porches, decks and patios to blend the indoors and outdoors.

“I think the past few years reminded us all of how much we value time spent with friends and family. Now that we can gather together again, people are looking to create spaces where memories can be made. As the heart of the home, the kitchen will continue to be a focal point, as well entertainment areas like dens, rec rooms, media centers, outdoor fireplaces and porches.”