This week we had Mary Cool in studio, the Rhode Island California Closet designer.   California Closets set the standard for custom home storage in 1978 and remain the industry benchmark.

   Closet Systems are considered an important upgrade for many buyers, just like renovated kitchens and baths. Everyone seems to have more stuff than ever before and most of that  gets crammed into closets when  the home  goes on the market. Buyers look into those closets and see not enough storage space.   California Closets mastered the art of spatial design, creating custom solutions for every room of the home in a variety of configurations, finishes and styles. They design media centers, garages, pantries, laundries, offices, and of course closets from a broad portfolio of materials.  Selection includes state of the art “green” material from Italy (this meets the strict Euro standards); cherry and maple woods (in many stains); and 10 styles of high performance laminates. 

           California Closets work with architects, designers, builders and realtors.  They are called in to add value and solve problems.  Architects use them to create storage which adds value to a home.  Designers use California Closets to add style while maximizing the storage in a home.

The California Closet experience begins with a free in home consultation.  They listen, measure, determine needs and budget, and design a solution unique for that client.  Take it from me; the process is both productive and enjoyable.  Simplifying, organizing and creating order gives serenity and peace.  If you would like a free in home consultation with a California Closet Representative, call Mary Cool direct at 401-596-2039 or tool free at  1-800-225-6901.

This Week’s Real Estate Insight

The latest Cost vs. Value study found a major Bedroom remodel will return 70% of costs.  But beyond that lies the added value of a selling point of distinction for homes on the market.  How valuable is it to you for your children to be able to get ready for school in an organized manner? How do you put a value on the “intangibles” like happiness and functionality?

 

 Listen to this week's show here [48:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The National Association of Realtors just released The 2008 Cost vs. Value Report.  The Report compares construction costs with resale values for 30 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 79 markets across the country and found that exterior remodeling projects return the most money as a percentage of cost.

 The resale value of any given remodeling project depends on a variety of factors; A home’s overall condition, availability and condition of surrounding properties, location, and regional economic climate are all factors that will influence the value of any remodeling project. Not every neighborhood will support additional renovations, that’s why it’s important to consult with professionals like Realtors in your area. Realtors see hundreds of homes every year and can provide valuable insight into what projects and improvements will make a difference with buyers in your area.

Here are some of the highlights from the survey:

•          Wood deck additions and all types of siding replacements returned more than 80 % of project costs

•          All types of window replacements – upscale and midrange– 76 %

•          A major midrange kitchen remodel: 76.0 %

•          A minor midrange kitchen remodel: 79.5 %

•          A midrange bathroom remodel: 74.4 %

•         A midrange attic-to-bedroom conversion: 73.6 %

•        Midrange basement remodel: 72.7 %

•          The regions that generally returned the lowest percentage of costs were New England,  East and West North Central, and Middle Atlantic

 This Week’s Real Estate Insight:

While these renovations will not return 100% of the investment, they often can mean the difference between your house even selling at all, potential buyers “become their own contractors” and go around adding up all the potential costs and subtract that from their offering price.  You might be apprehensive about a major renovation in this economy, but that can work in your favor; you can probably bargain with contractors as  they are feeling it too.  But don’t go just by price, make sure you get good references for contractors

 

 Listen to Sally and Steve here: [47:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download