Home Remodeling Code Names for the First Family

One of the privileges of the Secret Service is choosing code names for the first family. With the most comprehensive online tracking system of home improvement services, we at ServiceMagic thought we'd take a shot at coining code names for some of this year's trendier home remodeling projects. You don't need to be moving into the White House to take advantage of these remodeling insights?.

The Barack Office
Barack Obama: Renegade
Home Office Remodel: Industry

There is little debate about the top priority for the incoming administration. Getting the economy back on track is a prerequisite not just for the rest of President-Elect's political agenda, but the country's future. At least, the incoming President will have a world-class office to work from with plenty of opportunities to put his personal touch on the unique workspace. Of course, Americans are more likely to find their office desk at Staples or IKEA than the timbers of a British frigate, but the same principles apply in creating an atmosphere that nurtures mental acuity.

Beyond just interior decorating, home office remodels are every bit as critical to the future of our nation's economy as the energy efficiency of our homes. A recent survey of Pew Internet and American Life Project suggests that Americans believe that the 9-to-5 job will be a thing of the past. Between more tech jobs, trends toward a 4-day work week, and greater Internet technologies, home offices are becoming the place of industry for more and more of the American workforce. According to ServiceMagic, an online contractor referral service, home office remodeling projects have increased by 42 percent over the last two years.

The Michelle Home Addition
Michelle Obama: Renaissance
Home Addition: Commissioner

Raised in a one-bedroom on Chicago's South Side, the new First Lady knows something about the value of expanding your living space, but this connection doesn't stop here. In 1992-1993, Michelle Obama served as assistant commissioner of planning and development for the city of Chicago. Once you've helped to plan additions for the third largest city in the country, residential home additions become old hat.

In fact, previously an associate with Sidley Austin in the areas of marketing and intellectual property, this "Renaissance" woman could even help draft the contracts for the architect who will design your custom home addition plans. Hiring an architect as the commissioner of your home addition is something every homeowner should take seriously. You can't have a successful home addition without these detailed plans—whether it's avoiding the tackiness that results from lopsided, awkward home additions or dimensions that relate door clearances, window openings, plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation.

The Malia Bathroom
Malia Obama: Radiance
Bathroom Remodel: Transition

Trying to pivot from soccer practice to drama class can take some doing. Of course, when paired together, "Obama" and "transition" typically refer to the process of transferring power and establishing the new administration, but bathrooms are themselves largely about transitions throughout the day. Whether it's starting your day, freshening yourself up after a workout, or heading to bed, an efficient bathroom is a great asset for your home and your life. Bathrooms also signify the transition in the consumer spending of Americans. As the holiday retail season winds down, more and more homeowners look around their homes and see bathrooms in need of a facelift. If you're planning a bathroom remodel this year, focus on your day-to-day activities and where you lose the most time, comfort, and hygiene dealing with your old bathroom.

The Sasha Bedroom
Sasha Obama: Rosebud
Kids' Bedroom Remodel: Storage

Some parents make the mistake of kids' bedrooms are mostly about easy, childhood themes: cowboys, princesses, and the like. While your child's bedroom will probably not reflect the sleekness of contemporary interior design, the most important element for your parents in designing their children's rooms is often storage capacity. Rather than out-of-sight closet space, colorful and easily organized bins, modular cabinets, and easy-to-reach shelves will help facilitate a safe, organized, and presentable bedroom. In general, help keeping the house organized has become a priority for American homes. According to ServiceMagic, demand for closet and room organizers has increased by a sharp 41 percent in just the past year.

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