Home Sweet Home Improvement |
| RISMEDIA, Jan. 23-A home is arguably one of the largest financial
investments a person will make in their lifetime. While property values
over time are determined by national variables, the economy and local
market conditions – the care and upkeep of a property is also a
crucial element toward achieving a solid re-sell. Whether you are
planning on adding more rooms to create extra space, upgrading your
kitchen with new appliances or are thinking of putting your home on the
market, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation offers some essential
home improvement tips that might increase the value of your home. Kitchen Makeover: Out of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen is the most popular to remodel. According to Remodeling Magazine, money spent to upgrade a kitchen produces the highest return on investment. “Hot” kitchen makeover trends include adding dual sinks, cooking stations, extra-long dishwashers, under-cabinet lighting, warming ovens and wine coolers. Bathroom Fixer-Upper: Upgrading a bathroom is also a sound choice and will usually provide a significant return on investment. Large bathrooms are typically on the top of the list of priorities for those seeking to purchase a home. Adding skylights, glass block windows, ceiling fans and sunken whirlpool baths are also attractive selling features. If you don’t have the room to expand or to accommodate larger appliances, or you don’t think you’ll be living in your home long enough to enjoy the changes and/or see a return on this kind of investment, stick with neutral, mid-builder level updated cabinetry, refreshed flooring and shower/tub, or a new sink and toilet. Room to Grow: Adding a room or two, such as a spare bedroom or a study, is a significant home improvement that you will be able to take advantage of every day. In addition to the much-needed extra space, it can also potentially provide you with a good return on your investment when it comes to selling the property. Landscaping the Lot: A professionally landscaped yard can certainly increase the “curb appeal” or desirability of a home. In fact, beautifying your lawn can be one of the most inexpensive home improvements. Additional simple landscaping projects include trimming and edging the grass, manicuring the trees and shrubs to open up the view of the house, removing any dead plants and planting flowers to brighten up the yard Repair Jobs: While many homeowners may want to update and remodel their kitchen, if the roof needs fixing or the chimney has to be reappointed, then they should prioritize these necessary repairs over any cosmetic changes. This applies to both sellers and those who plan to stay in the home for years to come, as these essential repairs must be taken care of before they cause the house to lose value. It is vital to look after the minor problems such as a leaky faucet or a loose cabinet to ensure that your house doesn’t undergo any long-term damage. As soon as you notice a problem, fix it since this will help avoid a larger expense later on. |