Special offer

Move Or Remodel!!!! Over 85% of Americans Have Jobs!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with Top Agents Atlanta Metro

Unemployment is high, but many people still have jobs and because of the dip in the home values cannot move but have desires for a more updated home.  So many people are remodeling their present homes to bring them up to the current enhancements and style of todays new homes.

Whether it is just staining a deck or putting a sunporch or major addition onto your house, there are some basicRemodel REal Estate guidelines to consider when doing a remodel to your present home.

  • Make a Plan and set forth in writing exactly what you want to do, even if it is a small project this will allow you to make a list of resources and needs to consider before you start the project.  Many small projects turn into major projects really easily, so knowing the specifics as early as possible will make the project more successful.  This is a good place to estimate the total cost of the project then add an additional 20% for the unexpected ( which is the usual if you have ever done a remodeling project)
  • Keep a noteboook on the project with you to jot down ideas.   If you are using a contractor, write down all the concerns or any questions you may want to ask.
  • Determine exactly what needs to be done, even if it is a small project that may only span a weekend.  You need to make sure it fits into your overall plan for the property.  Determine if project is really a priority or if something else should be done first.
  • Put all Changes in Writing - This protects you and the project and will help0 you stay on track.  If you use a contractor get everyone's signatures and remember to include a new estimate of cost. 

When you plan ahead, your remodel will be a success.  We have Cost and Value tables that are established for resale purposes so if you have any questions about the potential value to your property of the remodel, please call us so we can supply you with the payback period of the project.

Comments (5)

Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Excellent post.  Yes, lots are doing remodels/improvements right now.  This is a great guideline to make sure you stay on track.

Sep 27, 2010 11:33 PM
'The Diamond Group' 'A Cut Above The Rest'
The Diamond Group @ Keller Williams - Lubbock, TX
Lubbock Texas Real Estate

Important steps for the remodel project.  Need to stay on target. Thanks for the post

Sep 28, 2010 02:10 AM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Many remodels are occurring now both inside and outside of the home.  Your recommendations to plan and track the project are critical to the success which you envisioned. 

Sep 28, 2010 02:21 AM
Mary Macy
Top Agents Atlanta Metro - Roswell, GA
Top Agents Atlanta Metro

Thanks for your support Debbie

Elizabeth - Staying on target is so important to everything these days, you are right

Kevin, it is all about the vision

Oct 01, 2010 03:58 PM
Anonymous
Dan Fritschen

Mary, a great post on an important subject.  One of the most common questions i receive is "what should i remodel"  This questions has lots of origins - in most cases a knowledgeable real estate agent can help with several answers such as - will the house be overbuilt after the remodel? what is the payback for this specific remodel and maybe even some design ideas. 

In the past we have found that kitchen remodels were the most popular project but know small bathroom additions are #1!  A big change from a year ago.  Our site http://www.remodelormove.comhas o free - online calculator that helps homeowners decide if they should remodel or move.  As part of the decision proccess it provides a remodeling cost estimate.

Nov 02, 2010 04:16 AM
#5