A strategic approach to remodeling: refreshing rooms with small projects

(ARA) - In today's challenging economy, you're taking a look at how you spend your hard-earned dollars. And while you may not have the necessary budget to tackle a major home improvement project, there are many homeowners who are choosing a more strategic approach to remodeling - by refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time.

This new methodology toward the do-it-yourself (DIY) movement is something that is quickly growing, goes beyond quick fixes and simple decor updates and actually involves a completely new mindset. This concept is so relevant, in fact, that the researchers at Moen, the No. 1 faucet brand in North America, have identified it as a home improvement trend: "remodel-lite."

"In essence, the remodel-lite consumer is one who wishes to refresh a room with only a few items - and with a minimal investment," says Jack Suvak, director of market research and insights, Moen. "But at the same time, they still have the mindset of a remodeler - they want their home improvement project to make a significant impact on their home, in terms of both style and functionality. And now, more than ever before, trusted brands are of the utmost importance to homeowners."

Who is a remodel-lite consumer?

According to Moen, the general demographic profile of a remodel-lite consumer is an individual with an average household income of less than $100,000, and an average home value of more than $230,000. More than 40 percent of remodel-lite consumers are Baby Boomers and 55 percent are married. Nearly 70 percent have lived in their homes for less than 10 years and almost 80 percent will complete the home improvement project themselves.

"In conducting our research, the characteristic comments we heard from remodel-lite consumers included phrases such as, 'I just retouched the paint to make the house look newer and fresher,' and 'I bought paint, hardware, a new faucet and towels. This time it will be more cosmetic. Reduce-reuse-recycle is my new mantra,' says Suvak. "

Taking the remodel-lite approach

For homeowners seeking to incorporate the remodel-lite approach into their next home improvement project, Suvak offers the following tips:

* The everyday touch

Rather than spend your hard-earned dollars on a vase or piece of artwork that you only use at the holidays; invest in items that you see and touch on a daily basis. The perfect example is a kitchen faucet - it's something you use multiple times every day, and can truly be the ideal finishing touch to a remodel-lite kitchen project.

Most kitchens have a basic faucet - but as the focal point and most-used item in the kitchen, updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will notice. When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for a high-arc style with pull-down functionality. Models, such as the Moen Anabelle Eco-Performance faucet, feature this unique design - with the added benefit of up to 32 percent water savings. The multi-function wand offers both a fast-fill stream for filling pots, as well as two Eco-Performance sprays that reduce the water stream to 1.5 gallons per minute for tasks that require a constant yet low water flow, such as washing dishes or preparing foods.

* Accessorize

Take a page from the fashion industry and realize the power of accessorizing. You can easily transform the look of any room with a few key pieces. But in this economy, choose items that can multitask to make the most of your investment. Examples include an ottoman that doubles as storage and/or seating, or a flip-top sofa table that can open up to be used as a buffet or desk.

* Day-by-day, one step at a time

Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle a number of complicated projects all at once. Rather, select one primary project - even if it's complex - and divide it into smaller jobs. Start by looking at the rooms you use the most - typically the kitchen, master bathroom and master bedroom. In the bedroom, the perfect remodel-lite project, which you'll be able to enjoy every day, is a do-it-yourself closet organization system. A system composed of wire rack shelving is available in a variety of sizes and depths, and can be arranged to incorporate a number of accessories - from tie racks to shoe trees.

* Begin to dream again

Just because you might be short on funds doesn't mean you have to be short on inspiration. In these trying times, it's OK to continue to have pie-in-the-sky home improvement dreams ... but also understand that even small projects and purchases can help you slowly inch toward your goals. With just a few updates around the house, you can quickly move from survival to revival. And if you simply don't have the budget to begin even a small project, surround yourself with things that reflect your personality or people close to you - photographs of family trips, family heirlooms and souvenirs can help you reminisce about special days - and realize that they could be just around the corner.

* Style statement

Finally, don't neglect your sense of style while you're watching your budget. You can simply dress up the basics with your personal flair by adding a stunning statement piece. And many times, you don't even need a tool box - try a new area rug, a piece of inexpensive artwork or a collage of family portraits.

"Whereas some home improvement trends come and go quickly, we feel the remodel-lite trend has staying power - especially while we ride out this time of economic uncertainty," said Suvak. "And when the recession is over, the lessons learned while incorporating a remodel-lite concept into your everyday life will still have a great deal of value."

For more information about Moen, call (800) BUY-MOEN or visit www.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent