With more Americans nesting - the Census Bureau, no surprise, reports that far fewer people moved to a new home in 2008 than 2007 - and money tight, budget remodeling is in. Homeowners want to be comfy in their nests.
So what home improvements are hot, and which can you do on the cheap that will add value to your home? There are, in fact, improvements that cost less than $5,000 that will enhance your home - while you're nesting and when you're selling - and leave change in your pocket. Two of the hottest trends: new materials and kitchen and bathroom tweaks.

Bye, bye granite
New materials are pushing granite out of the kitchen and bath. "I'm seeing more natural stone like travertine, slate and limestone," says Dean Bennett, president of Dean Bennett Design and Construction Inc. in Castle Rock, Colo., "in addition to colored glass tile on kitchen backsplashes and in showers."

That's not the only change in kitchens and bathrooms. "The bathroom tub is extinct," says Michael Sauri, owner of TriVistaUSA, a design and building firm working in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. "Unless we're remodeling for a family with young children, no one - but no one - wants a bathtub."

Instead, homeowners are creating a spa feel in the bathroom. "People are going for larger or more open showers, dual showerheads and full body sprays, and full benches in showers," says Marlaina Teich, owner of Marlaina Teich Designs in Merrick, N.Y.

"The big thing is heated floors," adds Bernie Smith, CEO of Masterworks, a remodeling firm in Atlanta. "It's not as expensive as it was in the past, and it's luxurious," concurs Teich. "Some people are even bringing it into the kitchen."

Creativity in the kitchen and bath
Speaking of kitchens, they're migrating. "Homeowners are moving their kitchen - or at least a part of it - into their master bedroom to create a mini ‘breakfast' kitchen," says Teich. "All you really need is a counter area for a coffee maker and a mini refrigerator underneath for milk or juice."

Or, consider minor enhancements in the kitchen. "You can save a lot of money by refinishing kitchen cabinets," says Teich. "In one kitchen, we saved thousands of dollars by stripping and refinishing the cabinets and changing the hardware and backsplash. It was a brand-new kitchen for under $5,000."

Bennett also does lower-cost bath remodels. "Do new fixtures, replace your toilet with a high-volume flush with an elongated bowl - which is more comfortable and has a bigger opening, and still conserves water - and change out the fan to a quieter fan, which is a big hit for under $300," he says. "People are also switching from a Jacuzzi to a soaking tub, which is bigger and deeper. I've also put in a solar tube that diffuses the bathroom with light. It's highly reflective and runs from the ceiling through the attic and out to the roof. For about $500 installed, it makes dark bathrooms light, and you're not using light bulbs."

Don't forget the effect of minor accessories. "Change your whole look with lighting," advises Teich. "Replace your chandelier and accent lighting, and add overhead lighting and floor lamps. That, along with a new area rug and accessories, can change the whole look of a room, even if you keep the same furniture."

Source Inman