Organized Home Solutions, LLC

Remodeling dips slightly in 2Q

WASHINGTON — The remodeling market slipped under pressure from a sluggish economy according to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI), which dipped during the second quarter to 43.9 from the first quarter result of 46.5.

The overall RMI combines ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future activity. Current market conditions for the second quarter of 2011 fell to 44.8 from 46.1 in the first quarter. Future market indications dropped to 43.0 from 46.8 in the previous quarter. Market conditions shrank in the Midwest and the South. The West region and Northeast experienced modest improvement.

“Remodelers have experienced the same hiccup that has rippled through the U.S. economy,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Ft. Collins, CO. “After picking up the pace early in the year, the calls from customers dropped off and remodeling slowed down.”

“While the RMI indicates that the home remodeling market softened somewhat in the second quarter, this is still the second highest RMI we’ve been able to report since the third quarter of 2007,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “There are several barriers blocking the way to a stronger recovery. Homeowners who may want to remodel still face stringent lending requirements, and uncertainty about the economy is making them hesitant to undertake major improvements.”

Posted by Karen Koenig

To view article – click here

The purpose of custom closets are numerous, but the most important aspect of a new custom designed and installed closet should be function. A custom closet must meet the needs of the end user. In many cases, the customer wants a closet to increase and maximize their usable storage space, but custom designed closets can also meet the needs of those who are physically challenged due to a disability or aging.

According to the January 2010 BUILDER Magazine, “twenty years from now, nearly one in five U.S. residents will be age 65 or older. According to AARP consumer research, 89% of older Americans want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. The problem is that people begin to lose certain facilities as they age. Currently, only about 10% of America’s housing is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.”

Home builders throughout the country are finally getting on board with “Universal Design”. Although Universal Design can increase the cost of building a new home by about 4%, builders are starting to include accessible features that can also make a home look better, such as wider doors and hallways, barrier-free showers, and open spaces with large wheelchair friendly turning radii. Some features that are age friendly, including pull-out pantry shelving and walk-in (or roll-in) closets with everything in reach.

For another great article about “Universal Design” check out the BUILDER Magazine at the link below:

http://bldr-media.com/portal/wts/cgmc3Ncdq0aqARyLm80g6cmwounDa

We recently had the opportunity to provide new custom designed and built closet components for a gentleman that was confined to a wheelchair. While the closet in the master bedroom looks similar to any other walk-in closet, the components in the closets, as well as all other areas of this condominium were custom built to  meet the needs and requests of the owner. The top shelf was placed at a height that could easily be reached from his wheelchair, with a lower shelf to allow him to store his shoes and shoe boxes below the hanging clothes. The bottom shelf was located 9″ off the floor, a typical dimension for barrier-free design that allows the proper toe space for the wheelchair. The closet was also designed with 4 drawers on full extension slides, with adjustable shelving above.

OHS carries a full line of accessories that can make your living space more user friendly, more accessible, and more organized. We carry all the specialty hardware you need to make your office, kitchen, bathroom, basement, garage, and closets accessible and convenient. We can provide hardware options like pullout shelving, pull-down shelves for upper cabinets, pull-outs for base cabinets for trash, recycling, pots and pans, dishes, silverware, and the list goes on and on. Consult with us on your project and see how easy it can be to make your life more accessible.

REMEMBER OHS – THE PERFECT FIT!

Accessible Walk-In Closet

I would like to take a moment and extend a special “THANK YOU” to my many customers and accounts that have helped support my business through the early days and for the past 2 years. Customers like you are the foundation of our business. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and the confidence you have placed in us. We look forward to working with you again in the future.

Special thanks go out to Mosher, Dolan, Cataldo & Kelly, as well as Templeton Building Company for their recent business and continued support. You have truly made a difference in growing my business. You have been tremendous to work with.

Thank you also goes out to many people behind the scenes that have helped me develop by business forms, business cards, the new brochure (found on the home page at http://www.organizedhomesolutions.net/documents/organized_home_solutions_brochure.pdf ), lawn and vehicle signs, marketing and advertising. A great big “Thank You” to each and every one of you.

Lastly, I couldn’t have done it without the talent, experience and patience of my website designer (Guru). Kevin and Rob VanDette did a great job getting my new site together, getting it launched, and of course, getting it found out there is cyberspace. Thank you both for the help and ideas that helped make the site a reality. Check them out at http://affordablewebsitespecialists.com or call Kevin at 248/884-5267.

You can now find us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/pub/keith-ahee/17/51b/574

Organized Home Solutions – THE PERFECT FIT