Kokomo Magazine January 2022 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

FEATURING LOCAL EXPERTS ON BUILDING, REMODELING, MAINTAINING, BUYING, SELLING, REFINANCING

MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2022

2022

Home Issue TERRY AND KIM TRACY, ALL PRO PLUMBING DIRK WEBSTER, RUOFF MORTGAGE KOKOMO CHRIS MONROE, MONROE CUSTOM HOMES ROB ARMSTRONG, STAR BUILDING SUPPLY ANGIE ROE, HEARTLAND REAL ESTATE NICCI PERKINS, CUSTOM MOVES REAL ESTATE

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IN THIS ISSUE

JANUARY 2022

LOCAL TOUCH

Star Building Supply Has Your Home Improvement Supply Needs Covered

WOW FACTOR

Angie Roe of Heartland Real Estate Brokers Talks Home Improvements and Upgrades

INVEST FOR THE BEST

Tips to Maximize Your Home’s ROI

DOLLARS AND SENSE

Understanding Your Mortgage Options

GIVING YOUR HOME A FACELIFT Owner of Monroe Custom Homes Provides Tips and Guidance for Home Projects

KEEP IT FLOWING

Protecting Your Home Against Water Problems ON THE COVER Back Row: Kim and Terry Tracy, All Pro Plumbing; Dirk Webster, Ruoff Mortgage, Chris Monroe, Monroe Custom Homes; Rob Armstrong, Star Building Supply

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Front Row: Angie Roe, Heartland Real Estate; Nicci Perkins, Custom Moves Real Estate

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FROM SALES TO SERVICE

Q&A WITH STEVE SWAN OF THE FLOOR STORE

LAWN LOVE

TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK EXPENSIVE ON A BUDGET

KEY CONTRIBUTORS CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING / JULIE YATES MATT KEATING / SETH JOHNSON

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NICCI PERKINS 765-271-9088

nicci@custom-moves.com

AMY POWELL-HURST

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201 W. Morgan | Kokomo, IN 46901

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New classes start January 19. Apply today at IvyTech.edu/applynow. Contact us at 765-459-0561 or Kokomo-enrollment@ivytech.edu.

Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc., d/b/a Ruoff Home Mortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/141868. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #141868. 12102021

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WOW FACTOR ANGIE ROE OF HEARTLAND REAL ESTATE BROKERS TALKS HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Angie Roe

If you’re looking to bring the “wow” to your home, it can be done - and affordably so. Traditionally, homeowners have predominantly wowed by making updates to their kitchens and bathrooms, and that doesn’t necessarily mean plopping down $25,000 to create a whole new room. When it comes to making home improvements on a budget, there are a number of things you can do to spruce up a space and give it a more updated look or feel. For instance, putting a fresh coat of paint on cabinets is a great way to breathe new life into a room. Even updating hardware and countertops can make a big splash. The key is not to mix and match old and new.

“I think it’s a bad idea to leave 1984 countryblue countertops when you could easily upgrade with new stock cabinets from a home improvement store, or maybe even go the extra mile with a stone or a solid surface option,” says Angie Roe, a realtor with Heartland Real Estate Brokers. “Those choices really class up a kitchen.” If you have an older kitchen sink that is nicked or stained, it’s worth investing in a new one. Upgrading appliances and installing an eye-catching tile backsplash are other good ideas. Bathrooms are often transformed by putting in beautifully tiled showers and taking out aging whirlpool tubs. While these monstrous tubs were once all the rage, maintaining them can be pricey

After

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and problematic. Not surprisingly, today homeowners prefer a simple, freestanding garden tub. When it comes to wowing with flooring, that can be done through hardwoods. “Carpet these days is a big turnoff,” says Roe, who has been in the real estate business for nearly 21 years and has witnessed firsthand a waning interest in carpeting. “Most buyers prefer hardwood floors throughout the home.” Storage may not sound sexy, but there’s something exciting about the promise of space. Walk-in pantries, extra storage in the garage, and a well-planned laundry room with ample storage and a place to fold and hang clothes, are all hot commodities. A room can also be freshened by adding new light fixtures, and painting walls a neutral white, light grey, beige or sand color. “Dark shades tend to make small spaces feel dreary and closed in, whereas light shades reflect the light,” Roe says. Add to your home’s curb appeal by painting or replacing your front door, or painting the garage door or adding decorative brackets to give it more of a carriage-style look. “By far the most important thing when it comes to curb appeal is taking good care of your lawn,” Roe says.

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This includes maintaining landscaping and garden beds as well as keeping walkways swept and free of debris. Make your front entry area welcoming by

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cleaning the lights on your porch and hanging a wreath on the door. If you’re looking to put your house on the market, be sure your roofing system, HVAC systems and windows are all updated and in good working order. Most buyers spend a significant amount of money to get in the home. If such major systems were to fail within a year or two after moving in, it would affect the budget they could spend on a home. “We’re in a highly competitive seller’s market with very low housing inventory, and we continue to see low, advantageous interest rates for mortgages,” says Roe, noting that in 2022 home values are predicted to continue to increase throughout the year. Buyers can best prepare to enter the market by contacting a realtor who can provide professional advice to help them navigate today’s fast-paced market, as well as personalized advice so they can reach their individual goals.

home is where the heart is home is where the heart is

“Because each buyer has different needs, I can’t list off the top 10 things every person is going to want or expect in a home,” Roe says. “Plus, not everyone has the same financial preparedness when buying a home.” If you’re considering entering the housing market in 2022, call Roe or another trusted realtor to help you with your needs. Heartland Real Estate Brokers is located at 414 North Main Street in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-271-6875 or visit iheartkokomo.com.

765-271-6875 414 North Main Street • Kokomo, IN 765-271-6875 414 North Main Street • Kokomo, IN TownePost.com / JANUARY 2022 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 9

DOLLARS AND SENSE UNDERSTANDING YOUR MORTGAGE OPTIONS

you pay down the balance, you can reuse the HELOC up to your available credit, but because HELOCs are secured by your home, the interest rate is much better than a typical credit card. With a cash-out refinance, you end up with one fixed-rate loan and receive a one-time lump sum of cash, whereas with a HELOC, your original mortgage stays in place and you now have an additional, variable-rate loan that you can access for cash multiple times in the future.” Dirk Webster Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

If you’re interested in tapping into the equity in your home, the first thing you should do is reach out to a trusted lender who can explain your options. Though there are differences between refinancing and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) according to Dirk Webster, senior loan officer at Ruoff Mortgage, both options are considered mortgage loans. “Both loan products are liens on your home,” Webster says. “HELOCs have a lot of similar characteristics of credit cards. As

The first thing Webster does when a client calls him is assess their needs. What do they want the money for? Is it for a large one-time need, or something they will need repeatedly over time? The one-time need is going to be geared toward a cashout refinance, whereas if they are going to continuously want to have it in place for future needs, a HELOC might be the better option. Say, for example, a couple wants to tap into equity to pay off their children’s $40,000 student loans. “That’s a larger amount so it makes sense to go ahead and lock that in, especially with today’s low interest rates, to make it fixed,” Webster says. “If a client needs a larger amount, I explain that a fixed-rate, cash-out refinance is probably their best option as it 10 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2022 / TownePost.com

will never change on them.” However, if someone needs $5,000 for a new furnace unit, they may want to consider a HELOC and not be too concerned about the adjustable rate, because it’s a relatively small loan amount. Another factor to consider is cost. If you opt for a cash-out refinance traditional mortgage, you’re going to have typical closing costs, whereas with a home equity loan, there are nominal closing costs, if any. Generally speaking, Webster usually hears from customers who are seeking a larger sum of money because they are either wanting to do a debt consolidation or a home improvement project. If someone mentions that they are seeking a smaller amount, say $10,000 or less, Webster is up front about the cost of obtaining such an amount, and that it might be best for them to consider a HELOC. “When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the biggest obstacles for homebuyers, particularly first-time homebuyers, is lack of down payment,” Webster says. “A lot of people think they have to have a down payment saved up, and that’s not always the case. We have a down payment assistance

product where qualified borrowers can essentially have their down payment made for them by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority. We work closely with realtors and have them structure the purchase contract to minimize the out-of-pocket funds needed by the borrower for closing. Often these borrowers get into the home with little or nothing out of their own pocket. It’s pretty sweet.”

“ When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the biggest obstacles for homebuyers, particularly first-time homebuyers, is lack of down payment,” Webster says. “A lot of people think they have to have a down payment saved up, and that’s not always the case.” — Dirk Webster

In addition to conventional and Federal Housing Administration mortgage loans, Ruoff Mortgage also offers Veterans Affairs (VA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) financing. “We’re always excited to help our veterans with a VA loan, and USDA offers 100% financing for homes located in rural areas,” Webster notes. Contact Dirk Webster at his office (765-450-7572), on his mobile (765-271-1918) or by visiting dirkwebster.com.

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Financial Advisor

2985 S Webster St Kokomo, IN 46902-3456 765-450-5301

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KEEP IT FLOWING

PROTECTING YOUR HOME AGAINST WATER PROBLEMS toilet or a leak in the water line from the meter to the house. It may also indicate a leak under the slab foundation of the home. It’s wise to do a visual inspection of your plumbing in and around your home as well as inside your crawl space, because doing so may alert you to potential problems you didn’t know were there.

Terry and Kim Tracy Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Water is a beautiful thing. It quenches our thirst, cleanses our bodies and brings us life. However, when it invades our home at the wrong time or in the wrong place, water can create quite a mess. There are ways you can protect your property against potential water problems. Kim Tracy, president of All-Pro Plumbing, Inc., encourages homeowners to keep an eye on their water bill. “If you see high fluctuations in your bill, it may be an indicator of a leak,” says Tracy, noting that a high water bill can suggest a leaking

“That’s one of the benefits of our Advantage Plan inspection,” Tracy says. She suggests checking to make sure your water heater is installed with a drain pan if it’s located somewhere in the home that could potentially cause damage. “An added measure of assurance is installing a water alarm with your water heater to alert you if it starts leaking,” she says. A leaking water heater is, in fact, one of the most common water problems plumbers see in homes. Unfortunately, often a homeowner is unaware until a significant amount of water has leaked out. This is because small obscure leaks in fittings or in the tank can cause substantial damage and go undetected for quite some time. The best way to prevent leaks is by hiring a qualified,

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licensed and insured plumber to complete the repairs. Before hiring a contractor or tradesman, be sure to verify their license and insurance, and call the insurance provider to verify that the policy is current and valid. “Every fixture should have working shutoff valves that should be tested periodically to ensure that they are easy to turn,” Tracy says. “If there’s any hesitation when you turn it, don’t push it. The valve should be replaced.” She suggests that if you are completing repairs yourself, you should use quality products and recheck your work to ensure there are no leaks. Should you encounter a leak, shut off the water supply to the fixture. If it’s the toilet, flush it to empty the water out of the tank. If the leak is from the water heater, shut off the valve feeding the water heater. Then turn off the gas or electric supply to the water heater. “The most important shutoff you can have in your home is a whole-house shutoff,” Tracy says. “In the event of an emergency, you can shut the water off yourself inside your home rather than waiting on Indiana

American Water Company or the plumber to arrive.” Tracy says it’s a good idea to program your water company’s phone number and your favorite plumber’s digits into your phone so you’re not scrambling to locate these numbers when water is pouring into your home. We spend thousands of dollars on new appliances but sometimes put off purchasing a water softener because it’s an extra expense. Experts agree, however, that a water softener is a wise investment because hard water can damage and shorten the life of your appliances and fixtures, including water heaters, dishwashers, faucets, shower heads, and anything that water flows through.

“ IF YOU SEE HIGH FLUCTUATIONS IN YOUR BILL, IT MAY BE AN INDICATOR OF A LEAK.” —KIM TRACY

“A water softener conditions the water flowing though the water lines and fixtures and reduces buildup,” Tracy says. “It also lessens the amount of soap and hair products needed.” The advent of HGTV has made DIYers out of a lot of us - or, perhaps more accurately, DIY wannabes. While a lot of us tackle bathroom remodels on our own, sometimes we get in over our heads, and it’s due primarily to ill preparation. According to Tracy, it’s important to know what type and size of piping you have in your home, for both water and drain lines. “When connecting water lines, some types of pipes should not be used together,” Tracy says. “It can cause electrolysis and premature pipe failure. When connecting drain lines it’s important that they be properly sized, vented and installed with the correct fall for the system to flow properly, and to prevent gurgling and backups.” In short, do your research, educate yourself and know who to call when you need expert advice. All-Pro Plumbing is located at 606 South Locke Street in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-868-2094 or visit allproway2go.com. TownePost.com / JANUARY 2022 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 13

Local Touch

STAR BUILDING SUPPLY HAS YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT SUPPLY WE OFFER FULL DESIGNNEEDS & PLAN COVERED SERVICE TO MEET YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEED Supply, says, “When you shop local, you get the service you need and deserve. We become part of your team and take on your project as if it’s our own.” For people who are feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start, what to do or how to make selections, Armstrong and his staff will walk customers through the process.

Rob Armstrong Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

When you think “home improvement,” where does your mind go? Do you get excited and eager to dive into a project? Are you filled with trepidation and stressed about where to even start? Shopping the aisles of a big-box store may serve to complicate matters further if what you seek is caring guidance. Thankfully, there is another way to get the job done: shopping local. As Rob Armstrong, owner of Star Building

“That’s where we shine,” he says. “Mostly, we listen. We ask what your wishes are, find out the kind of project you’re looking for, then help match you up with the right guy for the job.” Armstrong maintains that education and communication are the two most important aspects of home building projects, so that’s what they focus on. Instead of just sending out a random contractor, Armstrong provides customers with a list of three or four options so they may interview each and select the one they feel most comfortable working with. Star Building Supply, which has been around since 1947, offers full custom design plans. A customer simply calls and sets up an appointment with Armstrong and his draftsman who can draw plans by hand or

with a computer-assisted designSALES program. LUMBER

BRICK, BLOCK, STONE

“We put their ideas toKITCHEN paper, thenDESIGNS have a & SALES DOORS, SIDING large-scale copy made,”WINDOWS, says Armstrong, & MORE noting that they can put a full working estimate together within two to four weeks, depending on the scope and scale of the project. At Star Building Supply, the team specializes in exterior features such as textures, colors, brick, stone, siding and windows. These days we are often conditioned to think that everything can be selected online, but when it comes to making these types of home selections, in-person is often best. “Looking at photos on your computer isn’t the same,” Armstrong says. “You can come in here and make selections in real life. You can see the product that’s actually going on your home. You can touch it, feel it, and mix and match colors to bring it to your taste and your expectations.” Armstrong takes the colors outside in natural light for his customers. He sets up different color combinations to see how they work with a client’s vision. “That’s a lot of fun to do because people will say, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that,’ or, ‘Maybe

WE OFFER FULL DESIGN & PLAN SERVICE TO MEET YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEED LUMBER SALES BRICK, BLOCK, STONE KITCHEN DESIGNS & SALES WINDOWS, DOORS, SIDING & MORE 14 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2022 / TownePost.com

this looks better,’” Armstrong says. “They always walk away knowing what they’re going to get, and happy with their selections.” Most of their materials are made and manufactured here in Indiana, including cabinets and brick. Their windows are also quality USA products.

Thank you Kokomo for your loyal support of The Hardie Group

Our homes are often the biggest investments we make in our lives. That means we are continually using time, money and resources to take care of that investment. “If you’re not building a home, you’re repairing one, you’re adding on, you’re remodeling, you’re updating,” Armstrong says. “There’s always something to do with the home.” Many people have an “I know a guy” connection when it comes to building supply needs. For many Kokomo residents, Armstrong is that guy, and he couldn’t be more pleased about that. “I want to be that guy,” says Armstrong, a lifelong Kokomo resident who has been in the industry for nearly three decades, helping to bring people’s visions to life. “I enjoy what I do so much. I wake up every morning looking forward to where the day will take me. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve this community. I’m lucky to have never had to work a day in my life because I love what I do so much.” Star Building Supply is located at 1501 North Market Street in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-459-4129 or visit starbuildingsupply.com.

765-457-7214 1808 Dogwood Dr Kokomo, IN thehardiegroup.com

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INVEST FOR THE BEST TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME’S ROI

or creating a perfect patio for entertaining friends. Whenever we contemplate such projects, we can’t help but wonder about our return on investment (ROI).

Nicci Perkins Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Regardless of where we live or what kind of home we have, we all daydream of ways we can improve our sanctuaries. Perhaps we consider adding a rainfall shower head in the master bath or a vivid backsplash in the kitchen. We may dream bigger and fantasize about building a luxurious home theater

A high ROI means the investment’s gains compare favorably to its cost. Some homeowners want to feel confident that their ROI is worth it, but for others, ROI is not the primary factor - they go forward with a project because they know it will bring them joy. According to Nicci Perkins, owner and managing broker at Custom Moves Real Estate Services, there are certain rooms that, when updated, consistently yield a high ROI - particularly kitchens and bathrooms. The extent to which you make upgrades depends on the price point of course. For homes in the $80,000 to $120,000 range, Perkins suggests painting cabinets a

neutral shade and installing new hardware. Replacing tired or faded countertops with a laminate is also a good choice. For homes priced at $200,000 or above, homeowners may need to replace cabinets and go with granite countertops. When it comes to appliances, Perkins says the most important factor in a higher-priced home is to be sure they match and are all the same brand. Even in lower-priced homes, appliances should be the same color. “Let’s not have a black refrigerator, a white stove and a stainless-steel microwave,” Perkins says. There’s no need to get fancy on tech trends either, since not everybody will want a transparent refrigerator door or appreciate receiving notifications from their appliance when they are running low on milk. “Techy stuff can scare some buyers,”

219 N Main St, Kokomo • 765-865-8940 • Mon - Fri 10-5 Sat 10-4 16 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2022 / TownePost.com

“A FIRE PIT OR ANY KIND OF OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE WHERE PEOPLE SIT AROUND AND COOK OUT EVERYBODY LOVES THAT.” —NICCI PERKINS

mess too,” Perkins says. Keep windows sparkling, clean the baseboards and take care of minor repairs. Perkins recalls a house that had adorable pictures online, but when she and her clients went to see it in person, it was a disaster. “There were holes in the walls from door handles, a ring around the top of the room that had not been painted, and broken doorknobs,” Perkins says. “Believe me, if a potential homebuyer opens a door and the doorknob falls off, they’re ready to leave.”

Perkins says. As far as flooring, carpet is passé due to allergies and the fact that it’s hard to keep clean. “I recently showed a house built in the 1960s that had pink carpeting throughout,” Perkins says. “We pulled that up to reveal beautiful hardwood floors, and once we did that it sold right away.” She’s found that most buyers aren’t leaning towards honey oak flooring, but rather prefer a grey wash or hickory color. Only invest in certain upgrades like a home theater or a hot tub if they really matter to you, because not everyone wants one. However, certain improvements like outdoor entertainment spaces are a great investment as they appeal to the masses.

“A fire pit or any kind of outdoor experience where people sit around and cook out everybody loves that,” Perkins says. Speaking of the outside, when it comes to home resale, you must pay attention to curb appeal. “Keep everything neat, bushes trimmed, and put in slow-growing plants that won’t overtake your lawn in a couple of years,” Perkins says. Don’t forget to power wash the siding and the sidewalk to remove mold, mildew and algae. This is key given that many buyers make up their mind about a house as they are walking up to it. “If the yard or outside of the house is a mess, they assume that the inside will be a

Accent walls were once super popular and many people still like them, but again, they are taste-specific. Perkins notes that when it comes to ROI, a shiplap wall is safe because it’s white and timeless. “Wood-toned shiplaps are fine too, if it goes with the overall look of the home,” Perkins says. “If the home is modern-contemporary, would a wood shiplap go in there? Probably not.” In today’s market, even outdated houses sell as long as they’ve been properly maintained. Homes from say the “70’s”, which I lovingly refer to as “little ‘ol lady” homes, have been maintained well and are in good overall condition, are easier for buyers to update. Custom Moves Real Estate Services is located at 1428 South Main Street, Suite 2 in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-271-9088 or visit custom-moves.com.

Fresh flowers are an inexpensive way to add color and texture to your home and instantly lift the mood of a room!

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GIVING YOUR HOME A FACELIFT OWNER OF MONROE CUSTOM HOMES PROVIDES TIPS AND GUIDANCE FOR HOME PROJECTS

Chris Monroe Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Our houses are our sanctuaries. It’s where we rest and recharge, eat and entertain, raise our families, and roll around on the floor with our pets. With the passage of time, however, our homes often need a little TLC. When it comes to sprucing up your space, certain projects such as painting and wallpapering, and perhaps even something like installing a kitchen backsplash, can be DIY endeavors. It’s wise, however, to leave the big projects to the pros. Chris Monroe, owner of Monroe Custom Homes, has seen what can happen when homeowners try to tackle something themselves in the absence of proper planning. “It usually leads to, ‘Oh, big mistake,’” he says. “They ask themselves, ‘Why didn’t I think this through?’” The key, Monroe says, is to look before you leap. “Always have a solid plan before you tear

into something,” he says. “If you don’t have a plan, you can bring a lot of heartache to yourself.” For instance, if you want to remodel your bathroom, first visit the local plumbing store. Check out available fixtures and faucets, determine what you can afford, and ask what’s required to plumb those fixtures in. Doing the legwork upfront and choosing the right materials is key to ensuring a smooth project. You also want to be fairly confident that you can see the project through to fruition. If you’re uncertain, it’s better to turn to a pro like Monroe, an allinclusive general contractor who knows the best subcontractors to hire. “My same team of people who work on remodels also build new houses, so these are all experienced professionals in every category,” he says. According to Monroe, homeowners typically crave modern kitchen appliances, then build everything else in the room around those appliances. In bathrooms, they often seek to overhaul showers by 18 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2022 / TownePost.com

incorporating decorative tile showers with large walk-in doorless entries. Older homes often have huge whirlpool tubs with decks around them. Now, if people want a tub at all, it’s a freestanding one that doesn’t take up much space. “It’s a time factor,” Monroe says. “People would rather invest in a beautiful shower since 90% of the time that’s what they use.” His biggest piece of advice regarding DIY projects is to make sure to follow directions during installation in order to satisfy the warranty. This includes everything from plumbing fixtures to flooring, or even installing your own fireplace. When building a new home, Monroe recommends making sure to build enough closet and pantry space. Room sizes are something else to consider, because while a foot or two may not seem like much, it can make a big difference in how spacious a room feels. “It’s not that much of an expense to make a room a foot or two larger,” Monroe says.

“ ALWAYS HAVE A SOLID PLAN BEFORE YOU TEAR INTO SOMETHING. IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PLAN, YOU CAN BRING A LOT OF HEARTACHE TO YOURSELF.” —CHRIS MONROE

“For instance, if you don’t make that laundry Monroe says. room a couple feet bigger, it’ll feel awfully He notes that if someone wants to add on a small once appliances are installed.” 20’x20’ room to the back of a house, it may cost double or even triple the cost of a new Investing in outdoor living space is a smart construction. move, as its popularity has skyrocketed since the onset of COVID-19. Screened-in porches and patios, complete with pergolas “There are a lot of overhead costs that are involved, whether a job is $10,000 or and built-in grills, are a great way to add $50,000,” Monroe says. “I still have all the value to your home while also adding same steps and must employ all the same endless enjoyment. Indoors, the smartest areas to upgrade include flooring, cabinetry, people to come to the job site.” countertops and plumbing fixtures. Some homeowners don’t care about the “When people start doing big room cost because they plan to enjoy their space additions, and gutting and reframing and in the long term. totally redoing existing space, then you start getting into not much bang for your buck,” “For them, they aren’t thinking about their

return on investment, but rather their quality of life,” Monroe says. “They know that staying put and building an addition will make them happy, so to them it’s worth every penny.” Monroe Custom Homes is located at 1836 South Plate Street in Kokomo. For more information, call 765-455-2993 or visit monroecustombuilders.com.

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