Archive for January, 2010

Home Improvements That Add Value To Your Property

Posted by Dave McIntosh on January 31st, 2010

Many homeowners take out a homeowner loan to be able to complete home improvements when they need to. There are a number of popular home improvements that can really add value to your home, which can make your loan a very worthwhile investment. With the right improvements you can enjoy increased comfort and practicality while you are living in your house and that will really add value when you decide to sell your property.

Among the top improvements that can add value to your home are:

1. Converting a loft or basement space into living space. Often attic or basement space goes to waste, and gets used to store junk, but imagine the extra usable space you could enjoy with a loft or basement renovation. Not only will these renovations enable you to enjoy the benefits of a larger home, but it will also add considerable value to your property. You can use your loft or basement remodel for anything from an extra bedroom, to a study, a home office, or recreation room. Other possibilities are a more attractive and functional laundry room, or an extra bathroom. Home ImprovementsEvery home owner is looking for that extra bathroom it seems.

2. Adding an addition. Another way to add additional space to your home is to add an extension or addition. So if you have enough space on your lot then an addition could prove to be the right idea. You will enjoy a larger home, and can increase the number of rooms that you have both downstairs as well as upstairs. Building an addition onto your home is more costly than just renovating or finishing off space you already have but can be made to suit your needs more easily. Like the basement or loft this new space can be used to add bedroom space, another bathroom, a family room or enlarge the kitchen. Additions are always a great way to make the most of your homeowner loan by adding value to your property.

Home Improvements3. Remodeling the kitchen. The kitchen is a room that is very important to potential buyers. It is a room in which a lot of time is spent and because of the use can get looking old fairly quickly. Making it more usable and creating the right look and ambiance is a lot easier these days than it used to be, especially with all the choices and little extras that are available. Often these extras are needed with all the new appliances that are used in today’s kitchens. The kitchen is not an inexpensive room to renovate though. Kitchen cabinets seem to start around $10,000 and it doesn’t take long for the dollars to go a lot higher plus you need to add flooring and paint and, if you’re moving things around, electrical. This often means a loan is needed to do the work but if you don’t get carried away it will add more value then it costs.

4. Renovating the bathroom. This is another room that is used a lot and as a result can get looking old before we want it to. With the right design you can have a great bathroom that looks and feels perfect. This room as well as the kitchen is not inexpensive to remodel as the price of fixtures, faucets and cabinets really add up quick. But when a potential buyer sees your house with a completed bathroom renovation that looks really good they will be ready to buy and pay the price you are asking a lot quicker than if they have to do the renovation.

Home Improvements5. Replacement windows. Many people can be put off buying a home if the windows are shabby and old. Not only do they look bad upon first impression, but they also affect the light, heat, and comfort levels in your home. New vinyl replacement windows with double glazing and additives like low E and argon gas will increase not only the energy efficiency but improve the lighting, feel, and appearance of your home.

6. New high efficiency furnace. Having the right heating system in place is another important factor when it comes to the comfort and sale ability of your home. For most buyers a high efficiency furnace and air conditioning are a must these days. By having a new furnace with air conditioning you can enjoy cozier winters, and a cooler summer, and a more sellable property.

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Updated Bathrooms Pay When You Sell Your Home

Posted by Dave McIntosh on January 26th, 2010

North America is deep in a housing slump which means that a lot of people who are trying to sell their homes are having a difficult time doing so. There are basically more homes for sale than there are home buyers right now. One means a seller has to improve their chances of selling their home is by adding value to it. People look for ways to add value to their homes through home improvements and one of the best ways is to remodel the bathroom.

Updated Bathrooms PayThe bathroom is a great focal point to any house, and it should be updated on occasion anyway. This is even more important if you are trying to sell your house. You maybe would like to update everything, but are on a budget. Still there is a lot you can accomplish.

Today’s bathrooms are wonderful. Showers that “rain” on you, warm air hydrotherapy bathtubs, sinks that look like water boles. You can pamper yourself now and smile on your way to the bank when you sell because homes with good kitchens and bathrooms are in demand. The only thing to keep in mind is don’t make it so grand that it’s above your neighborhood’s standards. It’s hard to get your money out of it when yours is the most expensive house in the neighborhood.

Explore and Plan

Updated Bathrooms PayYou should first decide what you want/need to update. Do you need to just make a few small changes, or does it need a complete redo. You should have this decided before you shop for anything especially if you’re on a budget. Make a complete list of the items you will need, and budget it out properly. While shopping, be sure to keep track of your budget. Cost may fluctuate a small amount, but you will want it to be as precise as you can be.

The scope and style of your bath update needs to fit the style and price range of your home and your family, and no doubt you will face space constraints. One way to approach the project is to start off window shopping at various places that sell bathroom fixtures, to see what you like, and do a little comparison shopping. At the same time see if there’s an outlet for your price range with a good design staff to help you on a “freebie” basis if you buy from them.

The big Box stores are useful if you are very price conscious. They carry brands we’re all familiar with. It can be fun to explore some of the avant-garde fixtures in some of the high end outlets, and then see if something similar can be achieved for less. And if the budget (and the neighborhood) can take it, go for a truly luxurious spa of a bath.

Updated Bathrooms PaySimplicity is prized today. I think it may be because life tends to be so rushed and complicated. Simplicity does not mean boring. Far from it. The simple can pamper and provide great visual appeal.

Put together a plan within your budget and you are on your way. Improved bathrooms can actually add tens of thousands of dollars in equity to your home. So if you are trying to sell your home right now and aren’t having much success then you may want to consider a bathroom home improvement project to add value to your home.

It’s not as difficult as it seems.

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