Remodeling Projects That Add Value To Your Home

Written by Posted On Thursday, 17 October 2013 11:06

Selling your home for more money is always top importance for sellers. However, sometimes they don't know how to add value to their home. Not all remodeling and maintenance projects increase the value of your home. Some may not even provide equal return on investment, at least not initially. Think solar. That may take a while to recoup the expense of the installation.

The following are remodeling and maintenance projects that tend to increase not only the value of your home but also its mass appeal to buyers: 1. Updating electrical and plumbing, 2. Bathroom remodel, 3. Kitchen remodel, 4. Painting, 5. Outside maintenance.

When you think about what buyers are looking for, it's easy to understand why improving these areas would bring increased value. Moving into a home that has major, or even minor, electrical and plumbing issues can be a real headache. Electricity and plumbing are two major necessary conveniences in the home. When they're malfunctioning it's often not only time consuming to fix but possibly costly. Take time to note the areas of your home that have electrical and plumbing issues. It may just be a minor issue such as an electrical outlet needs fixing. If that's the case, fix it before you have buyers coming through your home.

During home inspections, many things are noted. Then the buyer studies that report and often wants to have the seller fix the issues and/or take money off the sale price. Be a step ahead by taking care of the issues you know are problems. Better to cross them off the list rather than wait for the buyer to discover them and add them to their list of reasons the home should have a lower price.

Bathroom remodels are projects that are often long overdue. It may be that a bathroom is very tiny and an expansion is desperately needed. Or it might be that there's mold behind the shower walls and must be properly removed, cleaned, and replaced with better products, or, maybe, the bathroom simply needs an updated look, or just a maintenance repair such as fixing a leaky faucet or toilet. I recognize that most people don;t want to remodel their bathroom only to turn around and sell their home. However, fixing problem issues is always a good idea. And, if you're planning to stay in our home for a few years, then giving some thought to a bathroom renovation might be to your benefit. That way you can enjoy it for the time that you remain in the home and then recoup the expense when you do decide to sell. Be careful not to go for extreme trendy materials and patterns that will give the bathroom a dated look in the years to come.

Kitchen remodel. This is attractive to nearly everyone, even those who don't cook! There's something really appealing about a beautifully remodeled kitchen. Again, remodeling an entire kitchen to then immediately sell isn't in the budget for most sellers.

But simple things can help like new paint on the kitchen walls and throughout the house. It can brighten and freshen up even a very old home. Resurfacing the cabinets or giving them a good cleaning can also make a big difference. Then clearing clutter from the shelves, cabinets, inside the pantry and refrigerator will help make the kitchen feel cleaner and look bigger.

Outside maintenance is one of those areas that is a must do. Why? Because it's outside and it's often the largest and first area buyers see. Yes, curb appeal matters. If your home doesn't look inviting from the outside, chances are, no matter how cute it is on the inside, buyers won't look at it. Call it unfair, but that's the way it goes. First impressions count. So, make your home as charming as possible from the outside in.


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Phoebe Chongchua

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 [email protected]. Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.

www.phoebechongchua.com/

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