If you're thinking about selling your home and you want
to maximize the return from your sale, follow these guidelines to
determine where to spend your upgrade dollars. For most homes, I
recommend multiplying your total square footage by $10 to set your
maximum remodel budget (aside from required repairs). Once you have
determined that number, work down the list to give your home the fresh
look it deserves.
Start in the Kitchen
Since the kitchen is often one of the primary focal points in a home,
this is the ideal place to put the bulk of your remodeling money. Dated
countertops, cabinets, appliances and flooring can really have a
negative impact on the appearance of a home. A do-it-yourself project
here is quite easy, and not as expensive as you might think. Both Lowes
& Home Depot have service departments available to help you design
your new kitchen, and low cost cabinets and countertops that will give
your kitchen a professional look. Don't neglect to change the flooring
while you're at it, and give some serious consideration to new
appliances and fixtures.
Light Fixtures
Most homes can have every light fixture in the house replaced for
under $1,500. Tour some new construction homes in the same price range
as what you're selling to get a better idea of what is in demand. Try
Lowes, Home Depot, and Decor Lighting as your suppliers. They will all
be happy to provide you with advice as well. Be careful changing
fixtures... if you're not experienced, consider hiring an electrician.
Paint & Carpet
Generally speaking, fresh paint and new carpet will not add to the
value of your home, but it will improve its marketability. For paint,
choose a neutral color and make it consistent throughout the home. My
personal recommendation is to remove all wallpaper... it's such an
individual taste that it will turn off more buyers than it will appeal
to. Carpet should also be neutral and be consistent throughout the home.
Don't leave bedrooms with the old carpet simply because it's not as worn
as the rest of the house. Pergo or comparable laminate flooring is also
a very popular choice among today's buyers.
Bathrooms
Clean, fresh bathrooms with new fixtures add a tremendous
psychological appeal to your home. New inexpensive tub and shower
enclosures with a designer look are now readily available and easy to
install. Unless you are qualified to perform these upgrades, a good
plumbing contractor is essential.
Decks
If you have an older deck or one that hasn't been cared for, it
probably looks worn out and dingy. Often, you can restore some of its
original look by simply cleaning and re-staining it. Start by inspecting
it for loose or broken boards and making any needed repairs. You may
have a bit of sanding to do as well. Clean it with a solution made
especially for decks (available at the hardware store), and stain it
with a color that compliments the exterior color of your home. Finish
the project with a water sealer to protect it from the elements. |
