Over the last few years, some homeowners have opted to stay put for the time being and that's caused them to consider remodeling instead of moving. But most homeowners know that one day they might need or want to sell their home so which remodels help to add value and entice buyers?

There are a few areas that are better than others to improve. It's pretty easy to understand why these home remodels are enticing buyers when you consider the way the housing market has been for the past several years.

Here are a few of the renovations that are adding value to homes and creating appeal from home buyers.

Aging in Place

With the tough economic times, more short sales and foreclosures, extended families are combining homes and reducing their cost of living by residing together in one larger house. The National Association of Home Builders found that 62 percent of builders in a survey were working on home projects that were helping families "age in place". Included in these types of remodels are placing a bedroom on the entry-level of a home, wider doorways that would accommodate a wheelchair, and overall modifications for the elderly including reducing steps outside and inside.

At one time, these designs might have been unattractive but with many Americans wanting to "age in place" and extended families living together, remodels like these are becoming common, necessary, and valued.

Savvy Kitchen

The great rooms that bring the kitchen and the eating areas together are still popular. More space is preferred so families can have room to sit and spend time together over a meal even if that means having less space to actually prepare the food. Cabinets and shelving are being customized to suit the homeowners' needs and many are favoring pantries or utility rooms. Kitchens are taking on the look of a chef's cooking space with open shelving and islands to help homeowners be able to quickly prepare meals and still mingle with guests and family.

Totally Wired

Fast-placed, busy buyers who often work from home will find smart homes that are wired and built to handle all the high-technology needs a huge plus when it comes time to market and sell their homes. Another plus is having space-saving workstations in the home. Remodeled homes that feature floor-to-ceiling bookcases and wiring for home offices are increasingly becoming the norm in many homes.

Outdoor Living

This continues to be a popular trend to bring the outside in. Making the most of living spaces, even those in the garage and outside, is a huge benefit. Homeowners are capitalizing on all possible livable space by creating outdoor living rooms complete with wiring for entertainment, cooking, and relaxing. Outdoor furniture is also being featured inside as well as outside the home, blending the line between the two.

According to the Census Bureau, 2011 home starts were bigger and featured more amenities than in the previous year. It seems houses are growing again. The average new-home's square footage is was 2,522 in 2011, up from 2,381 square feet.

Not all remodels add value to the home. The balance of achieving what you like in a home and which improvements can potentially increase the sale of your home, can allow you to make smart home improvement choices.

Published: February 24, 2012

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Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. Her company, LFE, specializes in media services including marketing, PR, writing, commercials, corporate videos, customer service training, and keynotes & seminars. Visit her magazine website: www.LiveFitMagazine.com. Phoebe's articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, Rancho Santa Fe Review, and Today's Local News in San Diego, as well as numerous Internet sites. She holds a California real estate license. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying Foreclosures. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT! 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success. Contact Phoebe at (858) 259-3646 or . Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.