As Long Beach architects, we do our best to stay on top of the latest trends in home design and interior design. We always want to be prepared for anything a client asks of us, and we also just find it fascinating how things change regarding the ways people like their homes to look and function.
Sometimes, it’s not so much that people’s tastes change—it’s that society changes around them. External factors cause people to want or need different things from their homes. Here are a few examples of things in society that have recently affected home remodels in Long Beach:
Difficult Real Estate Market
Residential real estate is crazy right now! This is true in almost all areas of the country, but in Southern California specifically. Home prices are climbing at unprecedented rates. Homeowners who, in the past, might have sold their current home to move into something bigger or nicer are having second thoughts. Sure, they could sell their current home for top dollar, but then what? Get in a bidding war with all the other buyers out there? Offer tens of thousands of dollars over the asking price on a new place? Risk being homeless for who knows how long?
Knowing these are all very real options in today’s real estate market, many Long Beach homeowners are choosing to hire an architect to help them remodel their current home. If you like your neighborhood, this is a great option. A Long Beach architect can help you reimagine your space and give you the home of your dreams—whether that means a house with more square footage, a more functional floor plan, or one with some upgrades to key areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor space.
Aging Population
As the country’s Baby Boomers age, we are seeing that many of them want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. This is known as “aging in place.” What this means for architects is that we help people rethink their homes to accommodate their current and/or future needs as they enter their later years. In the past, Grisafe Architecture has done residential remodels in Long Beach that have included design elements like wider hallways and doorways, ramps, accessible showers, elevators, and stair lifts. Our goal is always to design a home that is both functional and beautiful, so we do our best to incorporate these types of design changes as seamlessly as possible.
If you’re a younger homeowner, you may need to take into consideration your aging parents. Not every senior is able to age in place, and some prefer to be near family members as they get older. A great option for many families is to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on the same property as a single-family home. ADUs, sometimes called “granny flats” or “mother-in-law units,” give aging family members their own space and a sense of independence, while still allowing them to be near family for assistance when needed. Grisafe Architecture can help you design the perfect ADU that will meet your family member’s needs. We can also help you with the permitting process in Long Beach or any of the surrounding cities.
Working From Home
As we enter year three of the pandemic, it may have become apparent that you will be working from home indefinitely, and you are realizing that your home’s current setup is not conducive to working from home full time. It may be that you need a dedicated office space or another creative solution that will allow you to maintain a healthier work-life balance. The team at Grisafe Architecture can design a space that helps you be more productive during your workday, while also giving you the space you need for family time at the end of the day. We can also help you make smart choices that will improve your home’s value in the process.
Whatever your reason for wanting to remodel your Long Beach home, Grisafe Architecture is here to help! Contact us today to get started.
