Remodel or Relocate? Trend is Toward Home Improvement Instead

The decision between selling your home or staying and remodeling is always a complicated one.  There are many things to factor in, but in the current economy, many real estate experts are recommending that if at all possible homeowners look toward adding value to their residences and finding improvements that will make their homes more workable for them rather than relocating.

The real estate market, while slowly recovering, has still resulted in volatile home prices.  The housing bust has left many homeowners upside down on their mortgages, while those who are further into their mortgages don’t have the equity they once had.  Add to that the fact that there is a glut of foreclosed and short-sale properties on the market, for many homeowners it just makes good economical sense to stay put, unless there are other factors motivating the move, such as a job change.

Home improvements fall into two categories, which often overlap:  those which add value to a home, and those which add function, aesthetic appeal, and enjoyment.  The most recommended projects are those which combine both aspects.  If you’re going to stay in your home for economic reasons, it just makes sense to find ways to enjoy it more as well.  The main point is to make the most of what you’ve got.  Here are some popular projects:

• Add a greenhouse or conservatory.  This is one remodel that is rapidly growing in popularity.  Greenhouses and conservatories add a whole new feel to your home and give you the ability to bring the outdoors inside, regardless of the weather.  If your budget or space constraints don’t allow for a full-fledged conservatory, you might consider installing a greenhouse window or two. 
• Give your entrances an overhaul.  Your entry areas are where your visitors form their first impressions about your home.  Make sure they say what you want.  Attractive entries can add curb appeal, but you can enhance value by doing such things as bumping out your entry to add closet or foyer space.  Consider new doors, sidelights, transom windows, etc. for visual appeal as well as increased interior light.
• One thing at a time.  The temptation for many homeowners is to do a whole-house overhaul.  Not only is that expensive, but major renovation work can be stressful.  The better alternative – and what many experts recommend – is to focus on one room or area at a time.
• Some renovations add more value than others.  Keep in mind that the cost of your home improvement project won’t translate dollar for dollar into increased home value.  In fact, some improvements such as new flooring or carpeting merely make your home more attractive to buyers but don’t add value.  If your main thrust is to add value, do your homework and find out which types of work will return the most value in your area, because it may differ.  Check with a professional real estate agent to find out what’s most cost productive in your area.  As a rule of thumb, kitchen and bathroom upgrades usually provide the best return.

Windows Outfitters offers a wide range of home improvement products which can add value as well as appeal and function to your home.  call us if we may be of help to you.

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.