If you are thinking of doing any upgrades on your home you will want to consider how the COST of the project will affect the VALUE of the home for re-sale. The Cost Vs. Value Report for 2007 was just released in 2007. The results are from a survey conducted by Remodeling Magazine in 65 different markets across the country. Although there is no specific data for Santa Cruz County, I think you will find the information for the Pacific Region and the San Francisco Area interesting and relevant.
To cut the to the chase the projects that wielding the highest cost recoup from resale value (over 100%) in both the Pacific Region and San Francisco are the following; For Midrange and Upscale Homes the highest cost recoup were for Deck Addition (wood), Minor Kitchen Remodel and Window replacement (wood). For Upscale Homes the highest results were for Window Replacement (wood), Window Replacement (vinyl), and Siding replacement (fiber cement).
The lowest cost recoup were the following; For Midrange Homes the poorest cost recoup were for, Backup Generators, Sunroom additions, and Home Office remodels.
For Upscale Homes the lowest cost recoup were for Master suite additions, Roofing Replacements and Siding Replacement (foam backed vinyl).
On a national level the top returns on home projects were from Siding Replacement (cemnet fiber on upscale home), Deck addtion (wood), window replacement (wood), and Kitchen remodel (minor).
If you would like the complete report just give me a mailing address or fax number and I will be happy to send it to you. You can also go to the following website to get the complete report fro free:
COST VS. VALUE .
Or to read the article from Realtor magazine go to: REALTOR MAGAZINE