2024 Remodeling Trends

Hello and welcome to 2024!

First things first: At Boulder Creek, we don’t necessarily follow trends in order to create the best custom homes for our customers. But hey, it’s the new year, so it doesn’t hurt to take a look at some things that are trending that we can really get behind! That’s probably because these are homes we’ve worked on in the past couple of years.

1.)   Wood Cabinets. While we still love a traditional white kitchen, wood cabinets are a classic that never truly goes out of style. What might change over time is the type and color of wood. Right now, we’re seeing lots of mid- to dark-toned neutral woods that work well in almost any style of home.

2.)   Details, Details. The swing in style for 2024 includes a return to traditional details in places like exterior lighting, moldings and window and door casings.

3.)   Return to Warmth. Probably the most prominent 2024 trend is a move away from the strictly gray and white tones we’ve been seeing a lot of the last few years. While gray is still popular, there is an emerging return to warm tones and textures. Find this trend frequently in things like backsplash tiles and accent walls.

We’re sure to see more trends come and go as 2024 continues. But as always, remember that we work with our customers to match their personal style with their remodeling projects. If you’re ready to BUILD BOULDER with us in the coming year, give us a call today.

Ask Grant: When is it okay to DIY a home remodel project?

Maybe you need more living space. Maybe your kitchen is outdated. Maybe you are itching for a spa-like bathroom or a family-friendly all season room addition. All of these things are possible in your current home with a well-planned home remodel. That’s where I come in.

I’m Grant Tschetter, owner of Boulder Creek Custom Homes. I have been in this business for nearly two decades and there are some key things I have learned about the remodeling process. The most important is this: Unless you are a professional, it’s best not to DIY your home remodel projects, with very few exceptions.

Believe me, I understand the lure of the DIY. There are dozens of TV shows that make it seem so easy. Trust me. It’s not. If you watch those shows, you also know how often unexpected surprises pop up. You see how much time it takes, the creative solutions involved and the difference a professional eye can make. Plus, most remodels require specific tools and equipment your probably don’t own or know how to operate unless you do it for a living.

If it is cost-savings you’re after, consider the fact that most professional contractors get contractor’s rates on materials and can do the job in way less time than you can. They know where to save and where to spend to get the most value. Also, if you don’t get it right the first time with a DIY, fixing it and doing it over is often the costliest mistake of all.

If you’ve gotten this far and you’re still considering a DIY remodel, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you know exactly what you want your project to look like and how to get it there?

• Do you have the time to complete this project without turning your life upside down?

• Have you ever undertaken a project like this before?

• Do you have the tools, equipment and materials necessary to complete the project?

• Are you familiar with the applicable building codes and permits?

• Do you enjoy physical labor?

• Do you have the necessary skills for this project?

• If not, do you have the time and resources to learn these skills? Are you sure this is even in your wheelhouse?

• Where will you obtain the necessary materials?

• If you cannot complete the project according to your original schedule, are you (and your family) prepared to handle the resulting inconvenience?

• Will you need assistance with this project? If so, who will assist you? Do they have the time and skills required for this project?

• Do you understand all the safety issues associated with this project?

• Are you familiar with the architecture and structural makeup of your home (how knocking down one wall will affect the rest of the structure)?

• Have you considered the hidden costs associated with doing it yourself — time, tools, and the possibility that you may actually decrease the value of your house if the result isn’t up to professional standards?

• What does your spouse or partner actually think about this (I have witnessed some nasty arguments, please be on the same page).

If you answered NO to any of these questions, do yourself a favor and call me. I am a professional with hundreds of happy customer referrals. My crew is respectful, friendly and clean. We always have your best interest in mind, and I promise we will surpass your expectations.

Now let’s remodel!

Ask Grant: How long should a kitchen remodel take?

If you’re thinking about remodeling the most popular room in your home, you are probably wondering just what you’re getting yourself into. Boulder Creek Homes takes great pride in working around you and your family, keeping the site clean and working as hard as possible to minimize your timeline. While every project is different, here are some general guidelines for what to expect from your kitchen remodel.

Step 1: Planning

Good planning can take several months as we nail down your design, choose materials/products and get everything ordered. Depending on availability, it can take months for some items to be available unless you are willing to choose in-stock items from local vendors.

4-6 Months

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 Step 2: Demo Day

Demo can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week, depending on the scope of the project. Keep in mind that this part of the project is messy and noisy, but we do our best to contain the mess to the kitchen.

2-7 days

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 Step 3: Roughing In

Now we incorporate changes in walls, windows, doors, ceilings and do check-ins with  plumbing and electrical.

2-5 weeks

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 Step 4: Drywall, Paint, Flooring

After structural changes, things start to take shape with painted walls and new floors. Be sure to have your paint picked out in advance!

1-2 weeks.

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 Step 5: Cabinets/Countertops

Assuming the products have been ordered well in advance (sometimes several months), the actual installation of cabinets can take up to a week. Countertops might take a few weeks if they need to be custom cut.

1-3 weeks

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 Step 6: Fixtures, Hardware, Appliances

Also known as the ‘fun’ part, the installation of your fixtures, hardware and appliances should take just a few days,  assuming things have been pre-ordered

3-4 days

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 Step 7: Cleanup and final check list

Final clean-up and getting things perfect will take just a few days before you being using your new kitchen!

2-3 days

TOTAL TIME:

7-13 weeks, once planning stage is done and products are placed on order!

Meet the Good Guys: Nic

Boulder Creek foreman Nic works on new flooring for a client in Sioux Falls with co-workers Chris (center) and Travis (left).

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One of the things most homeowners care about when they start a remodel project is the people they will be inviting into their homes to do the work. At Boulder Creek one of those guys is Nic, a construction foreman who has been on the job with Grant for about 4 years. His experience in the industry started much earlier, as Nic has been working in the construction industry since he graduated from high school (his hometown is Haywarden, IA).

Because he’s seen many renovation projects through from start to finish, we asked Nic about advice he would give to homeowners when they are getting ready to remodel, whether the project is big or small.

“Always ask questions. We’re used to walking people through the process, and we’re here to help you on a day-to-day basis. The truth is, every day is different on the job, so it’s our job to keep you informed.”

What does Nic like most about what he does for a living? “I guess I just love working with my hands. And I really enjoy seeing the end result of a great project. There’s a lot of pride that goes along with doing what I do, and knowing I did a good job.”

Finally, what does Nic do when he’s not on the job? For starters, he spends quality time with his family – wife Haley and two kids, a 9 year old daughter and 5 year old son - and surprise! - another child on the way this summer. And just like a true construction professional, Nic has also built his own home in Tea, SD.

“I’m always messing around with something. I guess that’s why I love what I do.”

Ask Grant: What are some of the latest remodeling trends?

I am seeing several things happening in the remodeling and building industry directly resulting from people spending more time at home. Below are just a few of the many exciting features people are putting on their wish lists when it comes to elevating their home spaces for work, relaxation, safety and entertainment.

Home offices or dedicated work spaces are becoming staples in new homes and are high on the list of requests when it comes to remodels.

Spa-like bathrooms are one of my most popular requests as people seek to de-stress with some alone time in a place of privacy. Deep sinks and tubs, unique lighting, heated towel racks and floors, and walk-in showers are become very mainstream.

Expanded living spaces onto decks and patios is huge right now. Covered decks, three-season additions, outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, patio bars and more are making the outdoors “in.”

Kitchen remodels are seeing more multi-function capabilities for the most popular room in the house. A favorite trend is to have two kitchen islands—one for entertaining and food prep and the other for school work and hobbies. Open-concept designs are going away as people look for ways to increase storage, decrease sound, and incorporate more privacy into their homes

Bigger mudrooms with more storage and laundry rooms with more counter space are always a request. These are the rooms we rely on to keep the rest of the house looking tidy, and everything gets dumped here. Think about dedicated pet feeding stations, sports equipment closets, shoe and outerwear cubbies, cleaning supply closets, recycling stations and more.

No matter what the space, I always suggest things that are important to most people: smart technology, sustainable products, intelligent lighting solutions, upgraded safety features and more storage.

If you are considering a home remodel or a build, Boulder Creek Custom Homes is ready to go above and beyond for you. Give us a call today!