Sorry, I know the title of this post made it sound like there was going to be a prize or a giveaway or something exciting like that. Or maybe even just some chicken for your dinner. All of the above are false. However, it would be really fun to do a prize giveaway on here! Let me know if you have a prize you'd like to giveaway :)
Today we are talking about home projects and which ones add actual value to your home. Here's a little quiz. Read over the following list of home projects and decide which ones actually add value to your home at the time of resale.
1. Trimming the trees
2. Adding attic insulation
3. Landscaping
4. Kitchen facelift
5. Bathroom remodel
So, how'd you do? If you guessed that the first two do NOT add value to your home at resale and the last three DO add value, you are correct! Winner winner chicken dinner!! (I heard someone say that recently on the Bachelorette and I've decided that phrase isn't used enough; I'm working on bringing it back. Hence the title of the post. Thankfully my husband is not yet reading my blog or he would be quick to tell me that the Bachelorette is killing my brain cells, and I should not repeat anything I hear on that show. He has absolutely no taste in good television.)
Enough about the Bachelorette. This is a real estate blog. Here's the deal.
Trimming the trees- This one is considered basic home maintenance. Unfortunately, as homeowners, there are things we just have to do as a part of owning the house. Other examples would be servicing the AC, interior paint, replacing rotten wood on decking, etc. When you spend money on these items, don't expect to get it back out when you sell. Oh the joys of being a grown up!
Adding attic insulation- I bet that tricked some of you! It sounds like an improvement but having adequate attic insulation is just considered a necessity these days. If your insulation is insufficient, you should definitely budget to have some added. It will help to lower your electric bill but in the long run, it would fall under the Home Maintenance category more than the Home Improvement category.
Landscaping- This is a great way to increase home value! And, with a little blood, sweat, and tears you can probably make this improvement yourself and save money on the installation thus adding to your return. Okay, so maybe there's no blood or tears involved in your landscaping projects but it is safe to say these are both part of any landscaping projects I do!
Kitchen facelift- Homebuyers love updated kitchens! Now, be careful on this one. Make sure you do your research before dropping a chunk of change on this project. Check out some of the other homes in your immediate area. Ensure that your kitchen remodel plans will be in keeping with the other homes in your neighborhood. Don't go overboard and add luxury appliances and granite if the "competition" in the area doesn't have these. You want your kitchen remodel project to make your kitchen only slightly better than your neighbors.
Bathroom Remodel- Yucky old tile and outdated fixtures should always go. Again, same as the kitchen advice, check out your neighbors bathroom before making your updates. Don't spend the money on marble flooring if all the other houses have ceramic tile. A talented carpenter can raise your cabinet height giving it a more modern look while making use of the existing cabinetry. A raised cabinet, new fixtures, and updated tile work will go a long way to giving your bathroom a new look.
If you need remodeling inspiration, just check out Pinterest! You could even follow Nix Realty Company's boards and get some great ideas. Basically, the moral of this post is to do your research before you start out on your remodeling projects. If your goal is resale, make sure the work you are doing is creating real value. If you have questions about a specific project you have in mind, you can always email me at KEversberg@NixRealtyCompany.com
