 Baby Boomers and Gen Xers have one thing in common - it's not music or fashion trends - they both want better closet storage in their homes.
In fact, home buyers of all ages ranked bigger, more efficient closet storage as the #2 most desired feature in a "dream home" in a 2006 trend survey by Roper Reports. Better closet storage was close behind the #1 desired feature, a state-of-the-art kitchen.
"Builders are very focused on meeting home buyers' desires in the kitchen," said Steve McCamley, Vice President of Marketing at SCHULTE Corporation. "This research shows that they should also focus on better closet storage. Builders spend only $1 in the master closet for every $100 they spend in the kitchen, yet bigger, more efficient closets are almost as important to home buyers as great kitchens."
Other industry experts agree that better closet storage is a must. In a Professional Builder magazine article, "50 Must-Have Features for Today's Home Buyers," several storage features ranked high, including:
#5 Emphasis on quality and detailing more than square footage. It's the super-size theory in reverse - people are willing to trade some space for better features.
#6 Flexible floor plans. It's important that rooms and space can adapt to changing needs and are multi-functional.
#9 Accessible storage. Cabinets and shelves should be placed at heights within easy reach.
#18 Quality closet organizers. Vinyl-coated wire shelving isn't acceptable anymore, wood finish is now a minimum.
One popular closet system that provides these "must-have" features is the freedomRail® product line, manufactured by SCHULTE Corporation. freedomRail:
•Offers the quality and detailing of a custom-built closet.
•Provides flexibility because it's truly adjustable. Components can be moved up, down and side to side as storage needs change.
• Makes storage accessible. Once the rail is attached to the wall, all other components snap or click into place and can be moved up or down without tools.
• Is available in Cherry, Maple and White wood finishes.
The company attributes freedomRail's popularity with home buyers to its ability to provide these important features. freedomRail also meets builders' needs because it's production-oriented and is an easy-to-sell upgrade. For more information, visit www.schultestorage.com.
For more information about SCHULTE Strong Home Storage products, contact Kristen Bowser, Marketing Communications Manager, at 513-277-3746 or email marcom@schultestorage.com. |
