When it comes to home remodeling there is a sea of options, and in most cases it just comes down to what you want to tackle (and your budget, of course). That said, sometimes home owners engage in remodeling not for themselves, but with the future buyer in mind.If you are planning on selling your home, you’ll want to choose the home remodeling projects that will increase the value of your home the most. Use this list to select the best project for your home remodel.
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so let’s start out with the usual suspects.
1. Kitchen Remodel
Anything you can do to improve your kitchen will help add value to your home. A full remodel using a kitchen designer and the design-build delivery style will help create a kitchen with the wow factor. Depending on what you need, you’ll have a whole team including designer, contractor and architect to help you make decisions on flooring, cabinetry, lighting, fixtures and more.
2. Bathroom Remodel or Additional Bathrooms
Bathroom trends change over time, so it’s important that your home feature the latest trends. For example, bathtubs used to be popular but today many buyers prefer large showers with beautiful tiling from floor to ceiling.
Instead of a bathroom remodel, you may also consider building additional bathrooms, especially if your house doesn’t have many. Many buyers today expect a private master bathroom and additional bathrooms throughout the rest of the house.
OTHER ROOMS
Moving beyond the usual suspects, there are remodeling projects for the other rooms of your house as well.
3. Open Floor Plan
Many buyers today are favoring an open floor plan, where the rooms on the main level are open without separating walls. This style of floor plan is ideal for entertaining and also sought-after by parents who want to keep an eye on children while they are in the kitchen.
4. Refurbish the Basement
Refurbishing the basement adds function – what was once a storage area can now be used for a variety of purposes. Basements are popular as family rooms, entertainment rooms, children’s playrooms, offices and gyms. By refurbishing the basement before you sell, you give the next owner a prepped and ready space to use as they see fit.
5. Additional Square Footage
More square feet equals more money at resale time, so anything you can do to expand the space will increase selling price. We mentioned bathroom additions, but other popular home additions are kitchens, master bedrooms, family rooms, and guest wings.
APPLIANCES AND SYSTEMS
Expanding beyond the rooms of your house, you can also update your appliances and systems to make them more appealing to homebuyers.
6. Upgrade/Repair/Replace Indoor Systems
While these projects are less visible than, say, a new kitchen, upgrading indoor systems adds value for home buyers, who know that the house is safe, updated and that they won’t have to tackle these expensive projects themselves. Check the current condition of plumbing, heating, electrical and sewer, then upgrade, repair or replace as needed.
7. Energy Efficiency
Whether they are concerned about the environment or just want to save money, home buyers appreciate additions in the way of adding energy efficiency to the home. There are many options, from energy efficient appliances and heating/cooling systems, to adding energy efficient windows or solar panels.
OUTSIDE CONSIDERATIONS
When you’re fixing up the inside, don’t forget that changing the outside of your home can add value too. This includes:
8. Adding Curb Appeal
In many cases it is the outside that first catches a homebuyer’s attention, making them want to take a tour of your home. Investing in some landscaping is usually a good idea, as well as repairing or replacing your driveways and walkways.
9. Deck Addition
Entertaining outdoors is as popular as ever, so if you have the space you may consider a deck addition, which creates a functional and beautiful outward expansion of the home.
10. Siding and Roofing
An old roof or damaged siding will likely turn prospective buyers away. Evaluate condition, such as signs you may need a new roof, but also assess neighborhood expectations based on comparing your home to others in the area.
As you can see, there are many home remodeling projects that can improve the value of your home, allowing you to choose the projects that make the best sense for your home and budget. Whatever you choose, avoid going overboard, especially if you’ll be selling right away. You don’t want to put in more money than you can recoup.
Gerety Building & Restoration is a top choice for home remodeling in Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. Call (914) 248-1300 for a free estimate.
