Remodeling Your Home

If you've been in your home for a while, you might be thinking it’s time to upgrade your kitchen or bath. This might be especially true if you think you would like to sell in a couple of years. Or, perhaps you are planning on buying a fixer-upper at a great price. Listed below are a few things to think about as you plan your home remodel.

Don’t Turn Your Home into the Mansion in Your Neighborhood
You may be tempted to add a lot of expensive upgrades with hopes of making your home more attractive and boosting its value. However, this can backfire if you live in a modest neighborhood. Having the biggest or “most luxurious” home in a neighborhood can make it harder to sell it later at a price you feel repays the cost of remodeling. Example: if you're thinking of replacing formica countertops with granite or Corian you might compare these with the beautiful laminates that are available. Many of these look like granite but are a third the cost. However if you are planning on living in your home for many years, then you most likely can justify the cost of granite or Corian countertops by spreading the cost over a number of years.

Repair Structural Flaws First
If your home has structural or mechanical problems, fix them first. Whether you plan to stay in your home for a few years, or you plan to sell years later, it's important that you take care of problems that can turn into safety issues. Left unchecked, a leaky roof or an electrical issue can cause larger and more expensive problems down the road. Plus, if you try to sell, you will most likely need to make the repairs before a buyer will make an offer or the sale closes. Tackle the essentials before you start on other home improvement projects. Don't let disrepair be a deal breaker.

Focus On Things Your Family Needs
Be practical. Figure out what bothers you the most about your home and fix those things. Also consider improvements that can lower your overall costs. Some green home improvements such as adding insulation, better windows and upgrading your HVAC system can provide you with monthly savings. Think about practical things that will make your home more comfortable for your family and add the extra touches later if you think it will enhance your quality of life.

Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal
Look at your home's exterior to see if you can make improvements to how your home looks from the outside. In many cases, you can do some of these things with little cost or effort. Improving the curb appeal of your home is especially important if you are trying to sell.

Before Remodeling		After Remodeling

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Planning to Sell Your Home?
If you plan to sell, you will get the most return on your investment with small, low cost improvements to your home. Take care of the obvious ... have the carpets shampooed or replaced, de-clutter and clean. Add fresh paint or wall paper. The only exception to this low-cost remodeling rule is if you only have one bathroom, your family will probably be more comfortable — and you’ll be more likely to sell — if you add at least one more bathroom. If your kitchen is dated and the cabinets are old and worn, consider upgrading your ktichen. Kitchen and bathroom upgrades add value to your home. If a buyer sees your home needing a lot of work or upgrades, they may choose to keep looking.

Contact Detail Home Improvements today for a free estimate for home repair, remodeling and home additions.