TO INVEST OR NOT TO INVEST? Part 3

           Welcome to Part 3, the final segment of this post.  Part 1 was addressing exterior investments in relation to resale value.  Part 2 covered interior investments in relation to resale value.  Part 3 is addressing interior investments, not directly related to resale value.  Enjoy!

MEDIA ROOMS

One growing trend right now is the “Media Room”.  These originated in high end luxury homes, but have made their way into 5 and even 4 bedroom homes.  It is interesting though, that even though a homeowner may invest many thousands of dollars into furnishing a media room, a surprising number do not actually use them.  At least not frequently enough to warrant the expense.  Be honest with yourself as to whether the room will ACTUALLY get used.  If you are not planning to sell, it is completely up to you.  However, do not expect a significant return on the investment, unless you are selling a luxury home.  If you personally would use a media room, but are unsure as to whether you will sell, consider furnishing the room as a multipurpose area (a media room, playroom, game room, and den).  This will help ensure that prospective buyers will feel that the room will be of use to them, if they do not have interest in a media room.  A new and similar investment is Home Automation, which is also growing in popularity.  Home automation is cool, and can be helpful in everyday life (if you are tech savvy), but it can be EXTREMELY expensive, and in most homes you will not receive much of a return, if any. 

 

FURNITURE

These days, consumers that would have been buying high end furniture ten years ago are shopping in lower end department stores and in bargain furniture warehouses.  The companies that pitch a $699 sofa set are making millions.  These deals are usually for poor quality imported furniture that will last about 3 years before it starts looking old and worn.  It is incontrovertible that products manufactured in the US, with much higher quality standards will be at least a little more expensive.  US manufacturers that do not apply a sufficient markup are the ones going out of business.  That is why you see good quality furniture mom and pop shops closing all over the country.  They are trying to remain in competition with the imported furniture pricing, and are not managing their costs effectively.  However, high priced furniture that is American made will not ALWAYS be the best quality.  It is important as a consumer to be educated on what to look for when investing in the best quality furnishings.  A qualified designer will be able to consult with you on this.  A few basics would be dovetailed drawers (although not all are created equal), 8 way hand tied springs, and ply versus mdf and particle board.  Consult with a designer as to which pieces of your project should get the bulk of the budget.

SKYLIGHTS

Skylights are an interesting and organic architectural touch to a home.  In some situations, they are very fitting.  A home in the mountains that is designed to appreciate all nature has to offer should employ multiple skylights throughout.  It is important to remember that while skylights can add extra light and character to your home, they are not without their issues.  One of the top issues is MAINTENANCE.  Skylights will involve a recess into the ceiling that will accumulate dust and spiderwebs, not to mention the inevitable leaves and moisture residue and caking on the roof.  Plus, on those relentless summer days, skylights can be your worst enemy if you do not have some sort of covering on them.  Effective coverings for skylights can be expensive, so plan accordingly.  If you are considering a skylight, be honest with yourself as to whether you want to maintain them.

MURALS

Handpainted wall or ceiling murals can be just exquisite and can sometimes be a crowning touch to a home.  Bear in mind though that murals are very PERSONAL.  Their beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  If you have no plans to sell, go nuts.  However, if you anticipate selling within 5 years, reconsider.  A nice handpainted mural by a professional can cost thousands of dollars.  Don’t invest a significant amount on a personalized mural that you will have to paint over in a few years with a cheap bucket of Behr.

MURPHY BEDS

Murphy beds date back to the early twentieth century as a space saver.  The bed was designed to fold up into a closet, away from view during the day, making it easier to reside in smaller spaces.  Today, millions of Americans are downsizing, sometimes very dramatically from a 6 bedroom to a 2 bedroom.  Never has the need for space saving furniture been more in demand.  While the futon and sleeper sofa are still the reigning champs when it comes to a stow-away guest bed, they are also the least comfortable.  The Murphy bed is making an amazing comeback, and is the best way to go to save space while offering guests a comfortable place to sleep.  There are numerous types and sizes available.  The biggest drawback would be cost.  They can range between $2,000 and $6,000 installed.  However, when you consider the cost of an additional bedroom, or a room addition in comparison, the cost is minimal.  Murphy beds are usually designed to last a LOT longer than sleeper sofas and futons.  If you purchase a new sleeper sofa every 5 years that would be about $6000 out of pocket over the course of 15 years, and the majority of sofa beds are extremely uncomfortable even when new.  A good quality wallbed with a good mattress can last you 25 years for as little as $2,900.  A Murphy bed is a logical piece for most homes, and is usually worth the investment.  www.wallbedsnmore.com

LIGHTING

Poor lighting is one of the biggest problems in a home, and often goes unrecognized as a problem that can be fixed.  However, one does not necessarily need to install recessed can lighting throughout their home to resolve this problem.  Nor does one need to install a skylight.  There are numerous ways to integrate additional light, or even give the illusion of light.  If you have three light fixtures in one room, and the light emitted is still insufficient, you do not necessarily need an additional fixture.  It may be as simple as using a different lamp/bulb.  All light bulbs are not created equal.  One common misconception is that a higher watt bulb will give off more light. NOT TRUE!  The number of watts will determine the amount of ENERGY used, hence the amount charged on your energy bill.  What homeowners need to recognize is not the number of watts, but the “lumens per watt” or L/W.  More lumens equals brighter light.  This is the biggest advantage to fluorescent, halogen, and LED lights.  You can have more light, using significantly less energy.  If you are still using incandescent bulbs, there is a very easy way to add more light to your room.  Watts and lumens aside, there are still many ways to solve your lighting problems.  Contact a qualified designer with lighting expertise for a consultation if you want more light in your home, but don’t know the best route to take.

IN CONCLUSION

Thank you to all who have followed this article.  I have shared this information from experience, education, and “designer logic”.  These investments are some which I have found to be popular.  What is popular is not always what is right--- that rule applies in so many aspects of life.  I have stressed disadvantages to many common investments, but that is not to say that any of those investments are not right for you.  It all depends.  I can only recommend being open-minded when considering one investment or another.  Be honest with yourself.  Do your research, and if you are still unsure, bring in a qualified designer for input.  Even if a designer does not give you the answer in black and white, at least you will have a professional opinion from an UNBIASED party.  That small investment may be worth it to give you peace of mind.  Call or email 925-895-1336 for a consultation.