How to Remodel Your Older Home to Increase Its Value

Many people love the charm of older homes, however they often lack modern conveniences for the way families live today. This article will list a few ways to remodel your older home to increase its value

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Families spend a lot of time in kitchens. They must be functional with modern amenities and modern energy efficient appliances. Your home may just need an update to the finishes, or it may need a total remodel. If you decide to do an entire remodel, make sure you consult a professional designer in order to get the best result.

2. Bathrooms in older homes tend to be small and there are usually very few of them. Many older homes also do not have a master bath adjacent to the master bedroom. Most home buyers today want a master bath in addition to at least a 1/2 bath on each level of their home. Having an over sized tub in addition to a shower in the master bathroom is preferred over just a standard sized tub.

3. For those who have basements, consider finishing out your basement. A finished basement adds a lot of extra living space to a home.

4. Many older homes have very small closets and very few of them. Home buyers today require larger closets for all of their belongings. Consider adding a storage system to maximize the storage potential of your closets, mud room, garage, and pantry.

5. Checking under your carpet for hardwood floors is a good idea. Many buyers love the charm and character of hardwood floors instead of carpet. If you wood floors are in good condition, they should be able to be refinished relatively inexpensively.

6. Central heating and air conditioning is a modern convenience that most home buyers are looking for. Window units tend to be unattractive and inconvenient.

7. Remove popcorn ceilings or any other unwanted era specific detail in order to increase your home's value.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your real estate agent or appraiser to see if a remodeling project will increase the value of YOUR home. Certain homes are already maxed out at the top of their price point, so you may not get your money out of the investment in the current market.
• Make sure you do not put too expensive or too cheap finishes in your home. If all of your neighbors have granite countertops, then you should have something comparable. If your neighbors all have laminate countertops, you may not get your money back by installing granite.
• If you have a historic home, make sure you follow any city rules pertaining to the restoration of the exterior of your home.

Resources

• Affordable Remodel: How to Get Custom Results on Any Budget

[jamaclassics]

on 4/3/2009 Good tips.

[jamaclassics]

on 4/3/2009 Good tips.