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opi my 11vine kiviuy K O I Mpr ii iyn4 Page 40 MATHISON SEPTIC SERVICE •New Septic System •Installations, Repairs *Sewer ft Water *Hauling Black Dirt, Stone, Sand ft Driveway Gravel BACKHOE WORK 344-3980 Improvement costs not always recouped when it's time to sell 'S Window & Screen Repair •FREE ESTIMATES •FAST SERVICE •FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY (In Woodstock) Summer's on it's way! Right now is the perfect time to have your screens repaired! Plexiglass available for storm doors •Safer than glass! 15% Discount On Screen Repair thru April 30th 815-338-1129 Although most home improvements pay off, homeowners may find that under some conditions they will not be able to recover the full cost of remodel­ ing when they sell their home. According to the managing director of the Professional Remodeiers Associa­ tion of Illinois, Homer V. Lundeberg, if a home is undervalued compared to sur­ rounding homes then a $10,000 kitchen remodeling job, for instance, may be recouped upon selling the home. "If, on the other hand, your home costs $100,000 before the improvement and the average home in your neighborhood costs $90,000, you could have difficulty getting back the full cost of the improvement," Lundeberg said. Likewise, he said that more homebuyers prefer three-bedroom, two- bath homes to any other size. If a homeowner with a two-bedroom house adds a third, the full cost may be col­ lected upon sale of the home, but building a fourth bedroom may not make the house more marketable. ~ In most instances, building a garage makes a home more attractive to poten­ tial buyers. However, only about half the cost of building a recreational room in the basement -- although the room will add to family comfort -- can usual­ ly be recovered, Lundeberg said. "Most outdoor improvements relate to cosmetics -- patios, barbaques, land­ scaping, specialty fencing, swimming pools -- all of which add to the homeowner's enjoyment but might not have value in the mind of the buyer," Lundeberg said. The result is that the cost of such cosmetic improvements may or may not be fully recoverable upon sale. However, home improvements that relate to improved energy efficiency "not only provide the family with more comfort at less cost, but their cost will be fully recoverable at sale," the managing director said. Energy improvements include insula­ tion, thermal or storm windows and doors, heat pumps and, in some in­ stances, passive solar devices. In planning home improvements, Lundeberg said the homeowner should review his plans with a reliable contrac­ tor. If the homeowner is inexperienced with finding and evaluating skilled con­ tractors, he can request the PRAI member handbook at no cost. The association recommends for homeowners' protection that they carefully scrutinize any agreement with a contractor before allowing, any work to be done in their home. The quality, brand or grade, weight, color and size of materials should be clearly specified in the contract. "This way homeowners will- know exactly what they're getting beforehand," Lundeberg said. The contractor should supply Continued on next page TimberCym The Best Backyard Fun on the Block TimberGvm the backyard playground with all the fun and excitement of a schoolyard or park. But at family prices. TimberGvm. Swinging, sliding, climbing, crawling. Keeps children family centered. A delight for the most energetic child. MANY MODELS! SIZES! PRICES! 60 jwrs of experience in the Nursery i Lsndsuping Business ltd. NOW ON DISPLAY! 50% OFF On Installation Charges Now At The Only Dealer In Northeastern Illinois (LANDSCAPE CENTER HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. & Sun. 9-5 Located on Rt, 31 between Algonquin & Crystal Lake, 8109 S. Rte 31,312/658-3883 c