Hopkins & Porter was interviewed by Forbes magazine and Entrepreneur magazine for insights on COVID-19 has inspired new remodeling projects. The article titled “Rebuilding America: Washington, D.C.” will hit newsstands as November/December 2020 issues.
As a Potomac, MD based design/build firm, the editors recognized they would have the pulse on homeowner remodeling demands through COVID. Hopkins & Porter Hopkins & Porter Construction, Inc., has served the Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia area (a.k.a. the DMV) since 1977, began receiving urgent calls from past clients asking how to manage this significant business change. And as the DMV begins to reopen, the Hopkins & Porter team has found an increase in certain home features and design trends to accommodate our new normal.
Since March 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has viewed working from home in a drastically different light. Suddenly it not only became acceptable, but it became mandatory for those who were able and essential. This meant a home office was in high demand and kitchens and dining rooms became active workspaces. Children (from elementary to college) also transitioned back home, needing spaces for distance-learning and suddenly what once was a quiet refuge became a bustling business location.
In 2020, the home became the new headquarters for teaching, learning, exercising, and working. Suddenly family members were all at home and it didn’t take long to realize their homes needed additional functionality and in some cases more space.
The Washington area remodeling market was somewhat stagnant through the early months of the pandemic as most people spent considerable time trying to navigate what the COVID-19 lockdown meant for their family. After being quarantined for weeks upon weeks, many homeowners realized the need to update or reconfigure indoor and outdoor spaces for work, school, exercise, and more. They became concerned for family members who might be more vulnerable to the virus based on their age, location, or living conditions. Hopkins & Porter found many homeowners wanted to expand or reconfigure their living spaces to accommodate additional family members. We have seen open concept living and kitchen areas become the family hub and extra bedrooms become enlarged to help a newly displaced family member feel at home.
The future of construction is always difficult to predict. But, a great design/build remodeling firm, we listen carefully to the needs of the client and develop solutions for both function and beauty. Our clients are like family to us. We care deeply about them and we are always here to meet their needs – it’s just the way we care.
