If you have recently bought an older home or you have lived in your home for a while you are probably getting the itch to start updating it and get going on some remodeling projects.

Do you start with the bathrooms, add on that extra sunroom, or the kitchen? How do you know which one will give a return or the added value should you end up having to sell? The last thing you want to do is sink a bunch of money into your home and never get the added value and return. The following is a list of projects that add value to your home and those that don’t.

Projects that Add Value

• Energy Efficient Windows - According to HGTV, you can recoup 60-90% of your costs when you invest in energy efficient windows. Energy Star says that you can save up to $500 a year in heating and cooling just by making your home more energy efficient. Many states will also give you a 10% energy tax credit.

• Kitchen Remodel - Remodeling a kitchen is probably the number one project that will not only add value to your home, but also give you the biggest return on your investment. Make sure to include upgrades that are worth doing and forgo that $10,000 gourmet stove unless of course you are a cook by profession. When it comes to resell the kitchen can make or break the deal for the buyer.

• Bathroom Addition - HGTV projects that the homeowner typically recoups 80-130% of what is spent adding a bathroom. Consider adding a bathroom to an underutilized room or see if there is space in a larger closet or under the stairs.  It is much more cost effective to add to existing space.

• Deck Addition - People are looking more and more to outdoor living spaces. A new a popular current trend is outdoor kitchens that make entertaining more convenient and fun. Having a deck and well-landscaped yard makes your house more appealing to potential buyers.

• Using Existing Space to Create a new Room - As stated previously in bathroom additions use space you already have. Look for unused space such as an attic or utility room.  You might even consider opening up a wall to create a more open space or larger kitchen. If you have space over the garage you could add an apartment and use it for rental income.

• Upgraded Energy Efficient Insulation – It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to make your home more energy efficient. A typical homeowner can save more than $2,500 dollars a year by adding extra insulation. For as little as $200 or less extra insulation can be added to the attic.

• Fixing Normal Wear and Tear – Sometimes homeowners put off the everyday maintenance and upkeep of the home. They put off fixing little problems because it is not that big of a deal or they’ve gotten used to living with it. Over time these can actually contribute to the wear and tear of the house and end up costing you more in the long run. Clean the windows and when things such as a small roof leak occur take care of it immediately before it becomes a bigger problem. Many people underestimate what a little paint, maintenance work and dusting can do for the look of the house.

Projects to Avoid

• In Ground Swimming Pools – For a lot of homeowners putting a pool in seems like a good idea. However typically they only recoup 30-50% of their investment. Not only does it cost 1,000-2,000 or more to operate a year, but it can also affect the premiums of your homeowners insurance. Unless you live in the Deep South it can actually make it more difficult to sell, especially to families of young children. It is only typically recommended for people who plan on staying in their house and will use it often.

• Whirlpool Baths - These are a nice luxury, but they don’t add any extra value to your home. Recent bathroom trends show people are opting for soaking or freestanding tubs. Whirlpool tubs are less energy efficient and are a lot more expensive. Should they break they are expensive to fix as well.

• Room Additions/Sunrooms - Adding a room addition to your house is far more expensive than it is worth in most cases. For example a sunroom only recoups about half of what is spent for every $1,000 dollars. It’s also important to consider the area you live in. If you live at the beach or in the South most people are looking for sunrooms, so it does make a difference there. The overall exception to additions is adding another bedroom. An extra bedroom in a house is usually a great selling point.

• Garage Additions – The Cost and Value Report shows that the homeowner will only recoup 62% on their investment. Unless you plan on staying it may not be worth doing.

Overall you the homeowner need to enjoy the home you are living in. When it comes to any remodeling project it is important to consider whether or not you are planning on selling in the near future.  Here at Brakur Custom Cabinetry we can guide you whether you are remodeling a kitchen for resale or wanting to design a kitchen that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.  If you would like to talk to a professional about remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or adding cabinets to other remodel projects throughout your home you can contact us by clicking below.