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

Environmentally Sensitive homes are becoming more Mainstream.

There were about 50,000 environmentally friendly homes built in the US between 1990 and 2000. Mounting energy costs and concerns about the environment, as well as more and more municipal building code requirements-are transforming what was once a curiosity into a mainstream phenomenon

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 88% of those polled said that they are building or planning to build a larger share of smaller homes, and 89% said they’re planning on building more lower-priced models. The average size of homes started in the third quarter of 2008 was 2,438 square feet, down from 2,629 square feet in the second quarter.  

Add to that a Better Homes and Gardens survey in which 90% of those who participated said they’re planning to have energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their next home and 31% plan to have geo-thermal heat. There has also been increased interest in home gardens, with more people wanting to know where their food is grown.  

This week Rich and Steve spoke with Brad Hyson, Executive Director of The Apeiron Institute For Sustainable Living to talk about their efforts to make Rhode Island the nation’s first sustainable State.  The Apeiron Institute launched Sustainable RI as the Rhode Island Sustainability Coalition in 2001 to put “sustainable” thinking at the heart of how we grow and develop our state.  The Coalition, with more than 50 partners, can point to a number of successes including:

• Launching an energy cooperative, People’s Power & Light that now supplies renewable energy to over 3,000 users
• Expanding International Walk to School Day from 1 to 8 school districts
• Establishing the RI School Gardens Coalition, now the Children’s Garden Network  
• Creating the Sustainable RI Directory - a sustainability clearinghouse with over 1,000 sustainable listings & resources
• Developing the RI Sustainable Living Festival as the premier sustainability event in the region

Those interested in learning more about sustainable living can visit the Center for Sustainable Living, this model house showcases more than fifty environmentally friendly systems, technologies, and products, including: passive and active solar energy systems, natural, recycled and non-toxic building materials and construction, radiant flooring, and landscaping. The Center’s exhibits explain all the features, including how they differ from traditional systems, their cost-effectiveness, and their payback periods.

This Week’s Real Estate Insight:

Green building provides safer, healthier, more comfortable homes with economic benefits like lower energy and water bills, reduced exposure to mold and mildew and other indoor toxins. Green homes are quieter and tighter and the residents save money on their utility bills.

 

 listen to this week's show here: [47:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download