Walk in to any big box home improvement store and you'll be faced with tons of magazines about remodeling your kitchen...your bath... your garage... your whatever they think they can make money on. Seriously....if you're considering remodeling your home...think like an investor.
Most of us remodel our home because we want something more modern, more comfortable, more functional or just more appealing to our friends. But remodeling has an big financial impact on the values of our homes. There are tons of national magazines touting return on various remodeling projects. Typically- they tell you kitchens and baths bring the biggest return. In fact...usually they say the average bath remodel will cost somewhere around $5,000 but the value added is about $5,800. It looks great on paper...wow a 16% return in just a few weeks. Let's start rolling!!
But what you don't understand is that magazine is trying to sell ads to home improvement product companies who obviously want you to take on that expensive remodel project.
So how do you think like an investor when deciding where to spend money in your home?
Bring Your Home Up to Par
When investors look for a home- they look for the ugliest home on the block. Then they bring it up to standard with the rest of the neighborhood. They don't over-renovate because they know that making the house toooo nice wont add to the incremental value.
The lesson for homeowners...look for improvements where your home is below standard. And bring it up to standard. Don't overspend with the hopes of recouping that cost when you sell.If youre in a neighborhood of four bed two bath homes...and your home only has one bath...spending to add that second bath makes a lot of sense.
Restoring
There are many cases where your home is in an older neighborhood that is seeing a resurgence. Investing in modern touches such as Paperstone countertops or dual flush toilets can make your home appeal to a whole new crowd. This is especially true in Urban historic areas that are experiencing an influx of young hip buyers looking for luxury at affordable prices.
The Numbers
Another way to look at remodeling from an investor standpoint is to analyze the potential returns of your project compared to your desires. If that new kitchen is going to cost you $30,000 but will add $20,000 in value... then you just got your shiny new kitchen for a net cost of only $10,000. The question you have to ask yourself is...is this kitchen really worth an extra $10,000 in costs for you? If that answer is yes...then go for it!
Check with your REALTOR
One thing investors have learned... a good REALTOR is worth their weight in gold. Notice I said GOOD. Investors rely on their REALTOR to help them understand a neighborhoods standards. What improvements will add value and which one will not.
Even if you're not considering selling anytime soon- a REALTOR is always ready to start a new relationship and will gladly share their knowledge of the neighborhood and give you advice on which remodeling projects make the most sense. With the help of an experienced real estate agent, you can make much better investments in your home. And the great thing about these investments...you get to enjoy them every day. Happy Remodeling!
;)
;)
I like your paragraph about restoring. In Sacramento and Elk Grove CA there are definately homes worth restoring and home buyers who want the 100 year old charm along with new plumbing, electrical and hvac!
George Potiris