Archadeck discusses how outdoor living renovations are an investment towards the value of a home

RICHMOND, Virginia, 10/20/08 -- In today’s challenging economy, the last thing people want to do is spend money. If anything, they want to find ways to cut their spending. But, one particular outlay of cash is ultimately worth it, says Harold Cross, owner of Archadeck of Central Iowa, who says spending, or "investing," in one is home adds great resale value and should be a common practice for homeowners.

"Excessively inflated home values have caused a problem with our economy and it is important, now more than ever, that homeowners put real – or the best – value into their home improvement efforts, which includes the additions of decks, porches and other additions," Cross said. "For homeowners who treat their home as an investment, cost and value comparisons are great tools for making wise investment decisions."

The latest Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine showed how certain home renovations added values in homes during 2007. For example, the national average cost of a deck last year was approximately $10,347, which added a resale value of $8,835 to a home. In effect, 85.4 percent of the cost could be recouped.

The report also showed values for the following other types of renovations:

• Sunroom – Cost: $69,817; Resale Value: $41,231; Cost Recouped: 59.1 percent
• Deck (Composite) – Cost: $15,039; Resale Value: $11,672; Cost Recouped: 77.6 percent
• Family Room – Cost: $78,989; Resale Value: $54,148; Cost Recouped: 68.6 percent

Other examples can be found at http://www.remodeling.hw.net/costvsvalue/index.html

"Space is what people want in their homes," Cross said. "Space is a great example of how a project achieves added value to the home itself and to the homeowner’s enjoyment and use. It gives it great appeal. The better you feel about something, generally speaking, the more you’re going to value it; and you’re less likely to give away things that have value. In my opinion, you have to go outside to optimize added value and the most cost-effective way to add outdoor living space is a pressure-treated wood deck."

Cross said as the economy takes a toll on homeowners, individuals are beginning to be more conscious of the need to make wise investment decisions regarding their home. In fact, Cross said more Archadeck customers are doing research and applying scrutiny to their decision-making process. This is beneficial and prevents disappointment when there comes a time to recoup their investment.

"Quite frankly, those who choose not to make an investment in their home are running the risk of throwing money away," Cross said. "It is our goal at Archadeck to help our customers create an outdoor living space that they will value."

Archadeck specializes in custom-designed and built outdoor living spaces and they pay particular attention to the functional, aesthetic and lifestyle concerns of their customers during the design process. Archadeck has more than 28 years of industry experience, which uniquely positions them to provide clients with unmatched services and support as their livings spaces take shape, Cross said. For more information about Archadeck, visit www.archadeck.com.

About Archadeck
Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 70,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck builder in the United States. Their mission is "to enhance the lives of our customers by creating unique and innovative outdoor living environments." Qualified Remodeler magazine ranks Archadeck sixth on the 2008 National Remodeling Firms List. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in This Old House, Smart Money and Gardening & Deck Design, as well as on Home & Garden TV (HGTV).

Richmond, VA (Grassroots Newswire) 06/11/08 -- The kitchen is a common area where people choose to renovate, whether to change the “look” or to make it more convenient with upgraded appliances and cabinetry. More recently, however, the kitchen has actually extended into the great outdoors – also known as the backyard – as more people inquire about how to make outdoor entertaining more enjoyable and convenient, says Moe Meagher, a spokesman for Archadeck.

“Long gone are the days when people simply looked to their grill for backyard entertaining. Now, the big thing is outdoor kitchens,” Meagher said. “This trend has been front and center; we have seen increased interest over the past few years. People are spending more time outside and using the kitchen as a big part of their entertaining.”

Meagher added that outdoor kitchens make it easier for people to really take advantage of outdoor living. In many cases, when people have traditional backyard parties, they have to keep going in and out of the home for cooking that has to be done on stoves and in ovens, or to grab items out of the refrigerator. And, when it turns to evening, it may get a little too chilly to stay outside. But now, fire pits are being installed and outdoor kitchens are designed with numerous appliances as part of the yard scheme.

Archadeck handles everything that one would need for an outdoor kitchen – from building the deck; the installation of the actual kitchen, with all the countertops and appliances; and implementing a shade structure. Archadeck sets itself apart from others by distinguishing itself as a “custom-design and build” business, Meagher said. It acts as both the designer and the builder, designs the project for the customer and then makes it a reality by constructing it.

“The thing about the outdoor kitchen trend is that people don´t just want a kitchen outdoors, they are interested in a kitchen that enhances other amenities in their backyard,” Meagher said. “It´s not just a stove and ´fridge that is being incorporated. It´s a pizza oven, wine cooler – all next to a gazebo or outdoor room. It all depends on the individual´s needs, what the weather is like in their region, and how much they are willing to invest in the project. And, typically, many people who want outdoor kitchens are willing to invest a lot into it.”

The sky is the limit when it comes to the many choices homeowners have, Meagher said. For example, kitchen units can be bought pre-made, but most of the time people request something that´s customized so that it can match the design of their home. Whether it has a wood finish, or stone veneer, there is a range of aesthetic options they have to choose from, including kitchens made with low-maintenance materials. In addition, roofing and pergolas are usual choices for those interested in protecting their outdoor kitchen from precipitation or from the harsh rays of the sun.

“For each project we do, we try to get an idea on how the person is going to use the space, functionally. Then, we show them pictures and give them different design options, including aesthetic choices, and we discuss with them how much they are comfortable with spending,” Meagher said. “After that is all done, we take care of all the plans and building – from start to finish; it´s a turnkey solution.”