What are the best remodeling updates I can make?
Answer:
Not all remodeling projects provide the benefit of
increasing your home’s value.  Some of these improvements have a major impact on the resale value of the home while others do not.  In general, basic improvements always have more of an impact on resale values than designer upgrades.

In fact, the home’s resale value is a product of several factors including neighborhood demographics along with the value of other properties in the area, the type of home improvements made, the condition of the home, the amount of time that passes from the time that you made the improvements, and the direction that the current housing market is moving.
 
 
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In fact, it’s important to realize that you probably aren’t going to recoup the entire cost or 100% of the monetary expense incurred when making the improvement.  In general, practical improvements are better bets when deciding which improvements to make in the sense of resale value.

Updating the kitchen is one of the most important remodeling improvements that a homeowner can make.  Updated walls, flooring, cabinets and hardware, countertops and backsplashes, and adding a second sink or pantry are good investments and are very likely to recoup a major part of the expense.  

Additionally, bathroom remodels or additions enjoy the reputation of adding to the resale value of a home.  Additional storage space gained by remodeling a basement or attic is always a plus.  Constructing a sunroom, den, or family room are also desirable features that might add a bit more to the asking price of a home.  Outdoor upgrades such as a new deck, porch, or greenhouse are other options that have positive results when it comes to calculating the resale value of a home.

Basic improvements avoid the personal likes and dislikes of the sellers and buyers alike.  This equates to a better chance of getting what you ask for the home.  For example, if you put in an in ground pool, but the interested buyers dislike swimming, what did you gain?  If you have large bay windows added to the home, the buyers are not going to think, “Hey, I should pay an extra five thousand for this home because bay windows are costly.”  Instead, they will think, “I am glad that the windows are newer because at least I won’t need to replace them.”

So, when making home improvements that you hope will increase your home’s resale value, focus on the basics.  Start with the kitchen and bathroom.  Continue with added storage features.  Give the home a basic facelift and stay away from anything trendy.
 
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written by chrishazen , June 01, 2007

Does it significantly increase the value of a home?

written by LtDangle , June 29, 2007

From what I understand it depends on the climate. Having a pool in a warm climate will increase the value while having a swimming pool in cold weather climate where you don't use it often can decrease the value of the property.


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