One of the things we pride ourselves on is being honest and conscientious advocates for our clients. We’re here to be our client’s building partner through the process of design and construction and offer our guidance and encouragement as appropriate. Luckily, on the whole, remodeling projects are retaining more value over the 2013 averages; this is a trend we at CG&S like to see! Our clients are doing projects with comfort in the knowledge that their projects not only solve their functional difficulties but also can offer a reasonable investment.
According to our sources, the highest ROI in the Austin area can be had in undertaking a wood deck addition. We see a direct correlation to the increased number of requests for outdoor living areas we receive, but our clients tend to prefer lower maintenance materials such as limestone or steel with the warmth and character of wood reserved for the undersides of roof structures or other protected areas. In this instance, our clients tend to favor the increased cost in materials in order to offset the long term maintenance. Our weather, coupled with the prevalence of pools in the Austin area, make a deck or outdoor living area a necessity for many. Pair that with the higher investment return, and the cost of a new deck becomes very appealing. In fact, the ROI on a wood deck is increasing every year here [as well as nationally]. In Austin for 2014, the return is actually higher than the investment—a rare feat!
One of the things we pride ourselves on is being honest and conscientious advocates for our clients. We’re here to be our client’s building partner through the process of design and construction and offer our guidance and encouragement as appropriate. Luckily, on the whole, remodeling projects are retaining more value over the 2013 averages; this is a trend we at CG&S like to see! Our clients are doing projects with comfort in the knowledge that their projects not only solve their functional difficulties but also can offer a reasonable investment.
According to our sources, the highest ROI in the Austin area can be had in undertaking a wood deck addition. We see a direct correlation to the increased number of requests for outdoor living areas we receive, but our clients tend to prefer lower maintenance materials such as limestone or steel with the warmth and character of wood reserved for the undersides of roof structures or other protected areas. In this instance, our clients tend to favor the increased cost in materials in order to offset the long term maintenance. Our weather, coupled with the prevalence of pools in the Austin area, make a deck or outdoor living area a necessity for many. Pair that with the higher investment return, and the cost of a new deck becomes very appealing. In fact, the ROI on a wood deck is increasing every year here [as well as nationally]. In Austin for 2014, the return is actually higher than the investment—a rare feat!
Photo by Greg Hursley
To make this attic conversion possible, the roof line was extended to cut in an eyebrow dormer that makes space for a bed cove. The change enhances the geometric charm of this Rosedale cottage facade as an added benefit.
The attic converted into a cozy bedroom. Photo by Greg Hursley
A bathroom and dressing area are tucked away within the attic conversion, but not in a way that feels stuffy. Natural light via skylight and air conditioning from a mini-split system keep things feeling comfortable. Photo by Greg Hursley
The rarest of rare, a basement in the Austin area can also be finished out into an entertainment room with new bathroom for a nearly 100% ROI. This elusive project type holds third place in the ROI competition. The lack of basements in Austin make this a very rare project type indeed.
Much more common, and nearly as sound of an investment, is the major kitchen remodel. This is one of our specialties at CG&S, and it is clear to us that clients are very interested in taking advantage of the investment opportunity when fully updating their kitchens. An extensively remodeled kitchen can return roughly 95% of the invested value for a client while simultaneously taking their home from OK to great! We typically have at least one major kitchen remodel on the boards at all times.
As covered in our post about the convenience of kitchen remodels, a minor kitchen remodel follows closely on the heels of the major remodel in terms of ROI. Often, this is a more achievable project for clients, and they should feel confident that their investment will still retain over 90% of its value.
Rounding out the top 10 on the list of sound investments, we see bathroom remodels, garage additions, and two-story additions. Naturally, we tackle bathroom remodels regularly and love working on them with our clients. It’s amazing how such a small space can net such a big change! And two-story additions can dramatically change the character of a home while providing lots of valuable living space. Check out more of these types of projects in our portfolio.
If you are considering a remodeling project like one of those mentioned above, reach out and talk to us. We’d love to discuss the functional as well as the financial aspects of your project!
