Let's say you are considering remodeling a certain aspect of your biggest investment- your home. And let's also say you are having trouble deciding what projects produce the largest return on investment. Well, Realtor Magazine has recently published ways to stretch your remodeling dollars. Here are five of the top projects of 2010-2011. The key to remember is FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER & CURB APPEAL IS A MUST. 
PROJECT 1: ENTRY DOOR REPLACEMENT (Steel) * Cost: $1,218 Resale Value: $1,243 Cost Recouped: 102.1%
PROJECT 2: GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT* Cost: $1,291 Resale Value: $1,083 Cost Recouped: 83.9%
PROJECT 3: SIDING REPLACEMENT (Fiber Cement) * Cost: $13,382 Resale Value: $10,707 Cost Recouped: 80.0%
PROJECT 4: KITCHEN REMODEL (Minor) * Cost: $21,695 Resale Value: $15,790 Cost Recouped: 72.8%
PROJECT 5: DECK ADDITION (Wood) * Cost: $10,973 Resale Value: $7,986 Cost Recouped: 72.8%
* National Averages
Entry door replacement projects have always performed better in resale value than other types of remodeling projects, partly because they're among the least expensive. Garage door replacement projects recognize that curb appeal continues to play a strong role in a home's resale value. Since siding replacement was added to the survey in 2005, fiber-cement siding replacement has ranked first among projects costing $5,000 or more. The minor kitchen remodel may carry a hefty price tag, but it's a relatively inexpensive face-lift to what many buyers consider the most important room in the home. And finally, the deck addition is considered essential rather than discretionary in many markets, particularly in neighborhoods where every home has an outdoor living space. Sellers should also consider:
1. ONLINE RESEARCH BEFORE A PURCHASE OR PAY THROUGH THE NOSE. YOUR CHOICE!
2. CONSIDER GARAGE DOOR WITH WINDOWS FOR NATURAL LIGHT. ONLY MY CAT LIKES A DARK GARAGE.
3. BELT-DRIVEN GARAGE DOORS ARE A LOT LESS NOISY FOR ABOUT $100 MORE. GENIUS!
4. ASK FOR PREPAINTED SIDING TO SAVE MONEY ON PAINT/REPAINTING.
5. PAINT CABINETS INSTEAD OF REPLACING THEM. PAINTING HAS TO BE THE EASIEST TO ADD VALUE.
6. LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS ARE IMPRESSIVE, COST-EFFECTIVE, AND MIMICK NATURAL STONES QUITE WELL!
7. DO SOME OF THE WORK YOURSELF I.E. REMOVE CABINETS, PAINTING, PATCHING NAIL HOLES AND SCRATCH MARKS. DEMOLITION WORK IS NOT ONLY CATHARTIC BUT KIND OF FUN TO SMASH THINGS.
8. HAVE A PROFESSIONAL DO FOOTINGS AND FRAME OF DECK. ANYONE WHO CAN USE A SCREW-GUN CAN PUT IN FLOORBOARDS AND RAILINGS. THIS ISN'T BRAIN SURGERY!!!!
9. REMEMBER TO PULL A PERMIT FOR YOUR DECK 10. RAILINGS MUST BE CORRECT HEIGHT AND DECK SLATS NOT TOO FAR APART. THIS IS HAZARDOUS TO KIDS AND PETS. I'VE ACTUALLY SEEN CHILDREN GET THEIR HEADS STUCK. IT IS NOT A PRETTY SIGHT!
If you would like to speak with a live actual Realtor /Appraiser who is a professional in Hillsborough county real estate market please call Jon Tipton now at:
Comments(2)