Home Remodeling Options in 2006: “You have a WHAT kind of room?” - By Susan Tucker

According to the Census Bureau, the average home size has increased by 47% since 1970, yet the average family has decreased from 3.1 to 2.6 people per household. This begs the question: What are we doing with all that space?

I started out my research by contacting several of my clients who advertise in Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine. Our county was recently named the seventh wealthiest in the nation, so I figure if anyone knows what’s happening to that “luxury” space, my clients do.

Their responses were amazing. Guess what people? These aren’t our childhood homes! In the age of HGTV and Cribs, it’s not surprising.

With rooms such as media rooms, wine cellars, libraries, sewing rooms and craft rooms the norm. Homeowners are upping the ante by adding ballet studios, beauty salons, massage suites and lets not forget about the indoor pool (or better yet, the “spool”).

The action doesn’t stop here. My research indicates that our furry family members are getting their fair share of the space, too. For our beloved companions we’re adding customized Pet Suites that can include: a doggy wash- room, automatic pet feeder, treat dispenser, and of course the pint size door so they can come and go as they please. We can’t leave out mans best friend when we remodel, can we?

It looks like the lady of the house wins with her spa room and beauty salon – but, oh no – the man of the house has found a room customize however he likes, too. The garage! You fellas are spending $2.8 billion (according to the National Association of Homeowners) a year to drive home your very own space. Designer workbenches, hard wood cabinets, custom painted flooring … the options are endless.

In the land of the free, I’m happy to know that I can make my house my own. I look forward to a day when, I too, can add a spool or a massage room. At least when I do, I’ll know where to turn to, Boulder County certainly is chock full of experienced home remodelors who will understand that no request is too silly, no job too hard. Until then, though, I’ll be happy in my very average house that has no specialty rooms … just yet!