8 October 2 - 15, 2010 Remodel from Page 1
“Many people in homes are frustrated with the current market and are choosing to redo their existing home rather than try to sell it and upgrade to another house,” says Butler, who teaches Real Estate Studies at ASU. “Now we’re seeing homeowners doing lots of renovations rather than moving. They’re adding a pool or remodeling the kitchen or doing similar upgrades.”
they can have exactly what they want without having to move.”
Submitted photo
NEW KITCHEN: Tri-Lite Builders’ co-owner Linda Minde says newly remodeled master bathrooms and kitchens like this one help to enhance the resale value of homes.
He notes that unlike other parts of the state, at least homeowners in the SanTan Sun area are in a desirable location while weathering the real estate storm. “Even during the hyper-market, people in the East Valley were able to acquire the new home they never thought they would have,” explains Butler. “They’re in a place with good schools, close to work and transportation, lots of shopping – just an overall great place to live.”
Indoor upgrades
Area companies are seeing evidence of the increase in renovations as more homeowners upgrade their properties.
“Remodeling has always been popular, especially when clients love their home and neighborhood or don’t want to incur a larger mortgage,” says Linda Minde, co-owner of Tri-Lite Builders. “However, now that more people are unable to move, they are defi nitely looking at remodeling as the next best alternative. Now
The most common interior remodel projects, according to Minde, are kitchens and master bathrooms, which not only enhance quality of life but also offer a great return on investment. Other improvements such as insulated windows, solar water heaters and energy-efficient
appliances can actually pay for themselves through immediate tax rebates and long-term savings on utility bills. And, renovations that improve safety are likewise drawing increased interest among area homeowners. “Tankless water heaters are very popular, and curbless walk-in showers continue to be the must- have item. Men especially like the larger space and rain heads that make taking a shower very spa like,” Minde reports. “Kitchens with pull-out shelves and dual bins for trash and recycling are being incorporated in our kitchen remodels. Lighting has also been greatly improved.”
Minde says remodeling doesn’t have to be expensive to produce impressive results, but choosing a qualifi ed and reputable contractor is key.
“The advantage of a design/build remodeler is that the job is done on time and within a budget that you are expecting,” says Minde. “Our company will help with selections to ensure choices are within the established budget. There are no hidden costs or
change orders once the contract is signed unless the client makes changes to the design or contract.”
Outdoor oasis
In an area known for having nine months of lush weather, it’s no surprise that outdoor space remodels are also very popular. Jeff Heins, owner of H2O Pools, says business is booming even in what is traditionally his slow season. “We’re defi nitely seeing a spike lately for pools and outdoor renovations,” says Heins. “Water features are going like popcorn. So are sunken bars, spas, outdoor kitchens and Ramada roofs that match the house exterior.”
Heins says unlike years past when many projects were done to help sell the house, today he sees more requests from people wanting to stay in their homes indefi nitely and customize everything to their specifi c tastes.
“We don’t go out to the house to sell a pool, but in design mode,” Heins explains. “We custom design the whole backyard, then give homeowners a 3-D presentation showing the completed design – the pool, deck, patio, landscaping, outdoor kitchen, whatever they’ve asked for. They can see it and tweak it before any construction begins, and we can even make changes or additions once work has begun. It’s all done to each homeowner’s custom specifi cations.” The goal for Heins is to produce a dream backyard that not only boosts a home’s value, but becomes a favorite living space for the homeowners. “When we’re done, people say it’s like paradise.”
Miriam Van Scott of Kerby Estates is a freelance writer and Chandler transplant from the Washington, D.C. area. She can be reached at
Miriam@SanTanSun.com.
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
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