Kitchens and bathrooms neck and neck

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In recognition of May as National Home Remodeling Month, the National Association of Home Builders is out with a list of the most sought-after remodeling projects, based on its quarterly survey of inquiries made to remodelers.

Bathrooms were the most common make-over projects sought by homeowners in 2013, according to the survey, at 72 percent, followed closely by kitchen remodels, at 70 percent.

The NAHB notes that the two projects have jockeyed for the first and second position in remodeling projects since the survey began in 2001. Bathrooms have been the most common rehabilitation projects since 2009.

The other types of projects trail far behind. Window and door replacement accounted for 40 percent of remodeling work inquiries; 39 percent for entire house projects; 35 percent for room additions; 29 percent for damage repair; 27 percent for handy-man services; 25 percent for decks; and 22 percent for siding and finished basements.

Kitchens and bath re-dos are also a big component of remodeling activity in the Charlotte market, said Mike Waite, executive director of the Charlotte chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

“It’s where sellers and those who want to stay in their current properties get the most bang for their buck,” he said. Waite added that what is really trending higher is “universal design” in kitchen and bath remodels, a practice that is more commonly known as “aging in place.”

“People are looking for open kitchen and bath floor plans to allow for better access for wheel chairs, lower food prep counters, showers with no lips and decorative yet functional fixtures,” said Waite.

Outdoor projects are tremendously popular in the Charlotte market, according to Waite, as people take advantage of the region’s mild climate. Local demand is high for decks, sunrooms, landscaping and outdoor chimney projects that create an outdoor entertainment space.