Remodeling Ideas

Before Kitchen 

After Remodeling 

As home values drop and loans become harder to get, homeowners are going after remodeling projects that cost less and hold their value when it comes to sell. Here are some home improvements based on cost vs resale value.  Basically, it shows the resale value of your house when you've finished your remodeling projects.  

Bathroom Remodel 

Cost: $19,936

Resale Value: $10,850

Cost Recouped: 57.3%

How to do it:

Add a full 6-by-8-foot bathroom over a crawlspace with poured concrete walls.  Include cultured-marble vanity top with molded sink; standard chrome faucets; 30-by-60-inch white fiberglass tub/shower with ceramic tile surround; single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced faucet; white low-profile toilet; general and spot lighting; electrical wiring to code; mirrored medicine cabinet; linen storage closet or cabinet; vinyl wallpaper; painted trim; and ceramic tile floor.

Minor Kitchen Remodel 

Cost: $20,377

Resale Value: $14,611

Cost Recouped: 71.7%

How to do it:

In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install midpriced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.

Window Replacement (Vinyl)

Cost: $12,633

Resale Value: $7,313

Cost Recouped: 57.9%

How to do it:

Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do not disturb existing interior trim.

For a complete list of all the remodeling projects, you may refer to Remodeling Cost vs Value Report 2011-12.  so, why invest in these major improvements? In our current buyer's market, says the National Association of Realtors, houses with well-done improvements tend to sell quicker than their shabbier neighbors.  As a result, remodeling your home is a great investment.

If you need a list of professionals who can help you remodeling your home, please don't hesitate to contact me.