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Contact: Chellee Siewert, Executive Director, 262-436-1120

Remodeling Trends
Captured at Fall Remodelers Tour

 (Waukesha, WI) October 2009 – The Metropolitan Builders Association is hosting its 25th Annual Fall Remodelers Tour, Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th. This scattered-site tour features the latest trends in remodeling with nine remodeling projects that range in scope from whole house remodels to bathrooms, kitchens, lower levels, 2nd story additions and more.

Kitchens
Kitchens remain one of the most popular remodeling projects. Homeowners in existing homes are looking for ways to experience the openness of today’s newer homes in kitchens fit for a chef. Cabinetry, appliance, and countertop upgrades in designs that open the room to the rest of the home are extremely popular. 

Bathrooms
Like kitchens, bathrooms continue to be one of the most requested remodeling projects. The greater the disparity between the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in a house, the more value a bathroom brings to the home. When it comes to today’s bathrooms, the bigger the better. Soaking tubs and whirlpool tubs are sharing center stage with expansive showers. Multiple shower heads set in a spacious surround of tile or glass take showers to a level never experienced before.

Whole house remodels
Whole house remodels are a common way to incorporate today’s amenities into a seasoned home. Opening up space and creating a floor plan that is both family and entertainment friendly are two of the latest trends. While kitchens, living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, baths, and lower levels are often part of the whole house remodel, the rooms that are affected will vary with each home.  If you’re looking for ideas for a whole house remodeling project, the 2009 Fall Remodelers Tour showcases whole house remodels in Oconomowoc, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay.

Additions
When the existing space in a home is performing well, but the homeowner needs more space, adding on
to the home is an excellent option. Additions on the 2009 Fall Remodelers Tour have enabled remodelers to renovate existing kitchen space, add an exercise room, laundry facilities, additional bedrooms, bathrooms, office space, and
much more. 

Windows
Bringing the outside in is just as important in a remodeled home as it is in a newly constructed home. Utilizing modern building technologies, remodelers are able to add more windows to the design without sacrificing energy efficiency. Windows brighten up the home and provide great visual interest.

Details
It’s all in the details, so drink them in at the tour. Allow yourself to be inspired by millwork, cabinetry, flooring, cathedral ceilings, windows, and designs that make the most of each home. 

The Fall Remodelers Tour will be open Saturday, October 101th and Sunday, October 11th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s Tour will also offer patrons the opportunity to “Meet the Experts” for Q&A Sessions at each project. Admission is $10 at the door, or $8 through discount ticket sellers. (Patrons can also receive $2 off the door price when they bring two non-perishable food items for the Hunger Task Force). For more information and a Tour Map, log onto MBAonline.org.