Home remodeling is predicted to have another robust year, with homeowners outspending the estimated $130 billion spent on remodeling projects in 2004, according to Doug Dwyer, president and owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide®.

"Our customers continue to see remodeling as an investment rather than an expense," said Dwyer. "Whether it’s for personal enjoyment, a return on investment down the road, or both, home remodeling will continue to be on everyone’s wish list. And kitchens and bathrooms will remain the most popular rooms for makeovers."

As a remodeling franchise that averages 20,000 jobs a year, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen surveyed its locations to identify the following design trends to expect in 2005:

Kitchens:

• Natural granite countertops [and quartz composite countertops gaining in popularity],
• Pendant lighting over sinks, islands and peninsulas,
• More color,
• Open-area cooking and eating areas to co-mingle with adjoining living areas,
• Laminate flooring,
• Maple cabinets with natural finishes or specialty glazes,
• More universal design features,
• Kitchen islands for cooking, eating and more,
• Faucets in nickel finish, antique copper and oil rubbed bronze,
• Stainless steel appliances,
• The hub of the house ["A Gathering Space."]

Baths:

• Enlarged spaces borrowing from adjacent closets or small bedrooms,
• Conversions of tubs to showers with seats,
• Luxury showers featuring body jets and double shower heads in place of whirlpool tubs,
• Quieter ventilation fans,
• Grab bars for safety,
• Solid surface countertops,
• Maple cabinets with natural, light or painted finishes,
• Granite tile floors.
• Spa-like atmosphere ["A Getaway."]

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen identified universal design as an overall growing concern in 2005,

"Educated customers are remodeling with safety and flexibility in mind," said Dwyer. "Universal design is the perfect answer to suit an aging population as well as guard against the number of common accidents that occur in kitchens and baths every day, regardless of the homeowner’s age."

In addition, the company said 2005 will be the year of new luxury in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Customers will find room in their budgets to trade-up on a least one luxury feature in the typical remodeling project, even if it means downgrading somewhere else.

About DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide:
Based in Waco, Texas, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide has approximately 190 Independenty owned and operated franchises in 11 countries and has been in more than 2 million homes. Honored as the National Remodeler of the Year by Professional Remodeler magazine, the company is also a national member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the Remodelers Council of the National Association of Home Builders and the International Franchising Association. For more information, call DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen at (800) 583-9099, or visit the web site at www.DreamMaker-remodel.com.