Smart Residents are Joining the Charleston Home Renovation Boom

By Jackie Thomas

Experts are hailing a ‘renaissance’ in the Charleston property sector – plans to build over 100,000 new homes have recently been approved in the three county Charleston metro area. And, spurred on by increased optimism about the economy, home improvement specialists are also reporting a ‘boom’ in renovation work across the county – noting Mount Pleasant and The Battery in Kiawah and as restoration hot spots.  Local tradesmen are benefiting as older properties left run down and dilapidated as a result of the recession are being overhauled, proving that the upturn in the market is great news for Charleston homeowners and businesses alike.  In fact, there are even some emerging trends in the regional home improvement market that could translate as business opportunities for local traders offering the next big thing in home improvements.

Building in Smart Technology

Once thought of as an idea gleaned from science fiction, smart technology in the home is becoming mainstream.  Residents of Charleston are embracing so-called smart hubs, technology epicenters that control anything from heating and lighting to security – via smartphone or tablets.  As smart speakers that link up to these home hubs and offer voice control also soar in popularity, experts predict more and more appliances within the home will become automated and intelligent.

One reason that smart technology in the home is being billed as the latest big thing is because, as it becomes more commonplace, it’s much more affordable. Popular products that could be offered by local businesses are smart sprinkler systems, doorbells that allow homeowners to interact with visitors via a smartphone and, of course, who wouldn’t want a vacuum cleaner that will clean the floors at the push of a button? And the good news for burglary hot spots, such as James Island and West Ashley, which saw a spike in break ins, is that 60% of intruders say they would be put off by a smart home security system.

High-End Finishes

Home to the luxurious beach-side districts of Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms, Charleston is not short of homes where no expense is spared.  But, finding themselves with more disposable income, even homeowners who don’t live in the most sought-after of areas are investing in high-end items to add value to their properties.  According to local tradesmen, high spec ‘over-the-top’ kitchens and bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular in the local area.  Luxurious jacuzzi baths, rainforest shower heads, waterfall taps and oversized kitchen islands are just some of the products that are in hot demand. Another trend is recessed lighting, a stylish way to add refinement and polish to any room in the home.

Coastal Couture

Products like wallpaper, houseplants, grey walls and bright exotic accessories are seeing renewed demand.  But there’s one key interior style that’s emerging as the winning look for the Charleston homeowner, according to renovation experts working in the local vicinity. Possibly no surprise given the four area beaches boasting miles of crystal clear waters and sandy beaches on offer in Charleston, Coastal chic is the ‘go to’ interior style for local homes. This look incorporates weathered shiplap, paneling and beachy chic styling for an on-trend look.  If designing a home around this look sounds a bit ‘out of the comfort zone’, there are plenty of local tradespeople on hand to help homeowners get the look.

Successfully renovating an older property is a sound investment and can add significant monetary value.  And luckily Charleston has an abundance of local businesses ready and able to take on projects big or small.   As for the future of Charleston’s real estate market, according to experts, even in the face of a rise in interest rates, the good news is that the market should stay active.