Smart Remodeling Part 2: Some Ideas to Consider

In our last post we reviewed some basic information on the current state of remodeling trends relative to increasing home value in a soft real estate market and a tight economy.  So, which projects do you take on if you’re looking to boost your home’s value while keeping the possibility of resale in mind?  At the top of the list are those which provide enhanced curb appeal.  A classy-looking exterior draws buyers.  So how do you determine which renovations make the most financial sense?  Here are some examples:

• New entry doors, especially the front.  When you choose energy-efficient models you’ll save money on heating and cooling, plus the upgraded door adds value to your home.  It’s also an attractive feature for buyers.  And relatively speaking, replacement doors return a larger share of their cost than some other projects.  Windows fall into the same category, especially if you replace your old double-hungs with a more contemporary style.
• Upgrading 3/4 or half baths.  It’s not that expensive to add a shower to an existing tub area.  Or if your bath is lacking a tub, you might be able to find room for it.  Increased bathroom capacity always makes good financial sense, but don’t go overboard and expect to recoup your investment.
• Basement renovations always pay off.  Whatever the state of your basement, even the most minimal improvement can provide a good value increase.  For example, if you’ve got a a large open area, consider putting up some interior walls and replacing at least one of the windows with an egress window to make it a code-compliant bedroom and you’ve increased the number of your bedrooms without adding to your square footage.  Converting part of the space to a home office is a good choice, too.   Adding a few additional electrical outlets won’t necessarily add value, but in today’s electronic world, it makes the space more attractive.
• Experts recommend that if you have a choice between interior and exterior renovations, always go for the exterior first.  A prospective buyer pulling up to a home with a sad-looking facade may not step inside to see your state-of-the-art media room or gourmet kitchen.   And think in terms of low- and no-maintenance exterior products; it’s a feature more and more buyers are looking for.  Siding, roofs, gutters, and doors and windows all have low and no-maintenance choices available.

Before making any major remodeling decisions, it’s always a good idea to check with a real estate professional to find out some things about the homes in your neighborhood.  You don’t want to “overbuild” and have a home whose value far outpaces those surrounding it, but you don’t want to be left with a house which is lacking the basic upgrades most of your neighbors have made.

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.