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Remodeling Options for 2015 Ž Keep up with current colors. An easy way to make the roof pop from the road is to choose a stylish color. Gray, dark blue and deep green are popular roof color choices this year. Ž Go green. Whether using energy-efficient building materials or installing rooftop solar panels, more homeowners are looking to improve their roof 's energy footprint. A recent study funded by the Department of Energy found that homeowners were willing to pay as much as $4.51 per watt for photovoltaic systems. Ž Make it last with metal. Steel roofs can last as long as 60 years, reducing the need for costly roofing replacements. ■ R ESIDENTIAL REMODELING WILL li kely ex per ience substa ntia l g row t h in t he coming year, experts say. Homeowners in urban settings are helping drive the urban remodeling boom, preferring to stay in their current surroundings rather than upgrade to brand-new housing elsewhere. Many downtown properties are also increasing in value, making it easier to secure loans for remodeling. The main areas homeowners are looking to upgrade include: Ž Redesigned bathrooms with spa-like touches to maximize smaller spaces Ž Remodeled galley-style kitchens and eating nooks for improved living space utilization Ž Rooftop gardens or deck spaces for green living and outdoor entertaining ■ Ž Quartz countertops. Durable, antimicrobia l and scratch resistant, quartz countertops can beautify a kitchen and last as long as 30 years. Ž Composite decking. Today's composites effectively mimic the grain and color of real wood but don't mold, mildew or rot. Ž Fiber-cement siding. Whether in the form of shingles, horizontal lap boards, or vertical board and batten style, this long-lasting siding can imitate wood grain at reduced cost. Ž Steel garage doors. Updating garage doors with steel replacements that roll up, swing out or swing up provides beautiful curb appeal. They are also a good return on investment — most homeowners see an 80 percent return on garage door upgrades. ■ When looking for design fl ourishes that add beauty and opulence to a home, try these additions that are trending in 2015. By Melissa Moore By Melissa Moore Whether expanding longevity or empowering homeowners to help the environment, these roofi ng trends for 2015 look great up close and from the street. By Rachel Stewart Superlative Roofs with Curb Appeal Remodeling Revisited TOP TRENDS | Greater Boston Builder+Architect BOSTON.BUILDERARCHITECT.COM