Moving Up

Home Renovation Specialists Say a Popular Way to Gain More Space is "Go Up a Level"

By Jenn Diamond

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WHO IS REMODELING?
Though researchers admit the Baby Boomers, now in their 40s and 50s, are aging beyond “prime remodeling years,” the aging stock of housing in the U.S. and the rising cost of new construction will continue to feed the remodeling frenzy. With the average age of homes in this country hovering around 32 years, homes are in constant need of
maintenance, repair and upgrading.

According to the Harvard study, 45 percent of renovations involve changes to interior space including kitchens, baths and room additions, accounting for more than $60 billion. Today’s homeowner wants to modernize or otherwise improve the livability of his or her home and will pay big money to do so. Twenty-eight percent is spent on exterior improvements such as roofs, siding, windows and doors while the rest is composed
of electrical system upgrades, appliances, and other general improvements including driveways and retaining walls.

Though researchers feel Generations X (ages 23 to 35) and Y (ages 16 to 22) are unknown quantities whose spending habits and remodeling tastes cannot be reliably predicted, their fascination with media and technology is sure to be a driving force in the home improvement industry.

A recent study agrees. “House/Works: A Study of the New American Homeowner,” sponsored by Owens Corning, is the third installment in a series of studies following key trends among homeowners. According to the study, home preferences are divided along the generation line. Twenty-nine percent of Generation Y respondents who ranked buying a car as their first priority over owning a home describe their ideal home as being “modern and cool,” while 24 percent of the Generation X group, who rank home ownership number one, would prefer a classic ranch home as their ideal.

Additionally, Generation X respondents see their home as a sign of their individuality, not their material success. They want a home that can be tailored to their personal tastes, is a reflection of their personality and style, and requires little maintenance or work. They say it is less important that their home reflect their success in life or feature the latest amenities and appliances.

On the contrary, according to the House/Works study, Generation Y respondents say it is important that their home be a symbol of their success inside and out. In addition to the wants of their older peers, Generation Y respondents want a home that shows their success in life and features the latest amenities and appliances. Nearly half of Generation Y respondents would like a home that is custom built for them.

AFFORDABLE CLOSETS
Affordable Closets Plus, offers all types of custom cabinetry not just closets. This is what makes the company unique. Affordable Closets provides space solutions for your entire home or business. Services range from master bedroom closets, kid’s closets, pantries, mud rooms, home offices, bookshelf units, custom entertainment centers, closet doors and more. In business since 1994, the company operates a 5,000-square-foot production shop in Newark and a satellite office in Frenchtown, NJ. Affordable Closets produces its own orders to ensure guaranteed satisfaction and a written lifetime warranty.

Affordable Closets Plus, stands behind the name by offering custom quality work at affordable prices and excellent service. The company’s systems are fully floor supported and we offer any depth for shelving and hanging. Our materials range from furniture grade melamine to solid wood. We are all so busy these days with work, raising families and enjoying life, so why not let the experts get you organized today? If your
answer is yes to any of the following, call today for a free in-home consultation.

Do you currently have one rod or the ventilated shelving and need to maximize your closet space?

Are you looking for a more durable and adjustable closet system?

Have your closets fallen apart over and over?

Do you think getting organized and getting rid of clutter will save you time?

Here’s the process:

Call or e-mail us to request your free in-home consultation.

Meet with your design consultant to measure and discuss space planning solutions with
you in detail.

We create a custom designed 3D layout of your space and estimate and forward this to you as quickly as we can via fax, email or by mail.

Orders take one to two weeks and installations are usually completed in one day.

Credit cards are accepted.

Affordable Closets, 1-800-823-4227; www.affordableclosetsplus.com

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