A survey published by the National Association of Home Builders suggests that ours is a nation enamored with remodeling. Homeowners are making alterations that reflect a changing residential lifestyle. What popular features are showing up in home remodel plans across the country?

Great rooms are replacing the conventional living room/dining room floor plan. “Open up the space!” is the cry that brings down walls, as kitchens merge with living and dining spaces into multi-purpose living areas where food preparation, family interaction and entertaining occur in a comfortable blending of function.

Master bedrooms and bathrooms are becoming larger and more luxurious, incorporating breakfast alcoves, linen closets and Jacuzzi tubs. Walk-in pantries and island work areas are being added to the kitchen.

One word of caution: be careful not to over-improve your property in comparison with other homes in the neighborhood, or you might not recover your investment when you decide to sell the home.

Be sure to consult with a real estate agent to determine whether the remodeling project you have in mind will add value to your property.