Cost Vs. Value Report Again Available

Once again, the Realtor magazine/Remodeling magazine annual report is available. If you want to know how much added value (at resale) you can expect from that new deck, added bedroom, or remodeled bathroom, the report can give you some insight.

Eleven of the improvements generate a greater than 100% return when compared to the cost (though the returns don't reflect ongoing comfort improvements or efficiency savings, such as fewer drafts and lower utility bills from window replacements). Last year's review, with a slightly different project mix, included only seven with ratios over 100%, though back in the mid-00s, the ratios were consistently above 100% in the Bay Area. Throughout the decade, the Bay Area's cost vs. value ratios have been consistently higher than those across the Pacific region, and across the nation.

"Best" investments (meaning ratios over 100%) include: attic bedroom, basement, bathroom, minor (not major) kitchen remodels; garage door, entry door and window replacements; and deck additions (wood better than composite, though I've got to say that with most of Montclair's 30- and 40-year old decks carrying high dry rot inspection price tags, a composite deck is sounding awfully good to me....). Least effective investments include master suite additions, sun room remodels and backup generator installations.

Which leads me to say, all real estate is local. There's no question in my mind that the sale value of a Piedmont home with a master suite will be much higher than a home of comparable size without a master suite (and I ran the numbers not long ago for a client). Our buyers "expect" a master suite and are willing to pay for it (or conversely, some will skip past a home without one, and of course value buyers willing to live without a master suite will be pleased with their cost savings). Likewise, a bedroom addition in Piedmont often comes with a new foundation and second garage space expense attached--it may make little sense without also considering the needs of your family, tax bill considerations, and emotional attachments to neighborhoods. In that case, you might get exactly the arrangement you want for your remaining years in your home, at, say, 60 cents to the dollar of cost paid, after resale is reflected.

So don't hesitate to invite me over to look at plans or add my two cents to your discussions. And don't forget, you need a remodel without a permit like you need a hole in the head.

An Interview with Sarah Susanka

You may know I'm a fan of Susanka's Not So Big House books. The best "green" home renovation maximizes the functionality of the home you already own.

Realtor magazine has a nice interview with Susanka in February's issue. Read it here.

A Visit to EcoHome on San Pablo Ave.

Have you been into EcoHome since they opened a few years ago? This showroom, design studio and paint bar offers eco-friendly advice for renovators. Have a hands-on look at no- or low-VOC paints, flooring, American Clay plasters, custom cabinetry, countertops, tile and more that's easy on the earth.

I popped in last week to pick up material on Marmoleum, the new-wave linoleum, for clients who are in contract to buy an Eichler, and had a great chat with co-founder Taja di Leonardi. She gave me a coldwater catcher she prototyped and manufactures(to catch and re-use the cold water that preceeds the hot water you need), and we talked about a shower timer they sell (won't work in my house because boys won't voluntarily turn the timer on before then step in). They are about to start selling the shower tool we've discussed here before that turns your shower water off as soon as it gets to temperature (if, say, you're off folding laundry or brushing teeth). This post at Treehugger.com includes a great video on the Roadrunner (the turn-off valve with shower head, for $39.99);

(By the way, while searching for the Roadrunner, I came across an Australian post for an Aqualim shower head that offers x gallons of shower water, reduces shower flow to signal impending shut off, and then shuts off. A nice way to make sure the showers are reasonable in length! And there's a temperature-sensitive light fitting you can add to your showerhead that lights blue when the water is below 100 degrees, and turns red when the temp goes above 100. Now that might excite the boys.... )

EcoHome sells lots of other handy energy- and water-saving devices, and are a great one-stop shop. Check 'em out!