How To Update Your Home, But Not Lose Your Shirt!!!
Updating your home can be fun and profitable. I am always happy to come to your home to make suggestions as to what would be a good investment and what would be just for you. If you keep the following suggestions in mind, you should have a good grounding in what is and what isn’t a good update to make.
1 - Paint
The best investment you can make in your home is to paint it modern, neutral colors. If you are planning to stay in your home for a long time you can paint it any color you wish, but plan on repainting it before putting it up for sale. Plan on using quality paint, and keep it neutral to appeal to the widest audience possible. At about 75¢/sq. ft, this is one of the least expensive, but greatest impact improvements you can make.
2 - Knock Down Walls
When you compare older homes to newer homes, the biggest difference you will find is that the newer homes feel open and flow well. Old homes feel choppy, while new homes have less separation between rooms. Before knocking down walls, always check with a professional to determine which walls are structurally necessary, but then have at it.You will be amazed at the difference it will make, and how much bigger your current home will feel.
3 - Put In Wood Floors
If it is time to replace your floors, take a serious look at wood as it appeals to the most buyers. If your home will sell for over $300,000, go with real wood. If it is a less expensive home, one of the many fine laminate floors might be more cost effective for you.Whatever type of flooring you go with, putting in quality materials will help your home sell faster and for a greater price.
4 - Remodel Your Kitchen or Master Bathroom
The two most important rooms in your home to potential buyers are the kitchen and master bathroom. Therefore, focus on these two rooms. Replace the cabinets, sink, and appliances to start. Depending on your budget, you can add tile and/or upgrade your bathtub. Any money you spend in these rooms will probably have a return of 80-90% of the cost, but if done properly can even increase the value of your home. If your home was built before the 1970’s, you could add a master bath as your home probably doesn’t have one. Make sure you use a reputable builder who ties in the addition to the rest of the home. A poor design or poor workmanship will decrease the value of your home, not increase it.
5 - Gut The Attic
Older homes typically have 8 foot ceilings and can feel very confining. Consult with a professional about the possibility of
creating a new vaulted ceiling in your home. It is often inexpensive to do, and you will be amazed by home much bigger and lighter your home will feel. This is a huge change that has a good return on investment.
