Wait! Don't Do That to Your House!

Everyone should be able to make their homes an environment they will enjoy; it is one of the best things about homeownership.  Be careful, though.  When I purchase a home, remodel a home, or re-decorate a home, I always think, "Would a buyer like this?"  Here are a few of the things you probably should NOT do.   1.  Don't convert your garage into living space; most home buyers like the ability to park their cars in a garage, even if they often do not.  If you go ahead, though, make sure it can easily be converted back.  2.  If you have a one-level home and need to add more space, try keeping it a one level instead of adding a second story.  The reason for this advice is that one-level homes appeal to a larger number of buyers, especially to senior citizens and young families.  3.  Resist the temptation of adding anything that takes up yard space; many people dream of a large, flat back yard.  4.  If you have a view, do not obstruct it with landscaping.  5.  Never create a floorplan that requires going through one bedroom to go into another bedroom.  6.  Resist using the latest styles of carpets, tiles and appliances, as chances are they will "date" your home when you go to sell it.  7.  Don't plant too many shrubs and trees at the front of the house.  8.  Don't panel your family room.  9.  Don't put an ugly mailbox in front of your house; it is often the first thing someone will notice.  10.  If you have open beam ceilings, do not paint the beams a dark brown.  11.  Don't texture the plaster of ceilings or walls.  12.  If at all possible, avoid decorating with wallpaper.  12.  Don't put your laundry area in the kitchen; if it's already there (as in many older homes), try to move it to the garage or some other part of the house.  13.  Don't add on a pre-fabricated covered patio.  14.  Never, never erect a chain-link fence.  15.  Never go ahead with an addition or improvement without checking with the city in which you reside and any kind of architectural review authority that you may have to assure that everything you are doing is up to code. 

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