5.) Sunroom Addition: 51% recoup on an average investment of $73,000. How do you like that for some depressing math? Sunroom additions fall into that category of inefficient use of space, right along with bathroom additions. If you’ve got a hankering for room addition investment, throw your dollars into a more valuable project like guest room suite for the sibling that won’t go away or a baby nursery that can be easily modified into a child’s room.

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3.) Backup Generator: The potential return on these puppies is just over 50%. If you purchase this one, accept the fact that that you are doing so strictly for personal usage. Do not make the purchase with much expectancy of potential future profit.

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2.) Home Office Remodel: Square footage is of primary relevance to the majority of homebuyers. Home offices are somewhat more popular today than they were ten years ago. But in the eyes of the majority, that additional square footage is far more valuable than an in-home workspace. Home office remodels stand to gain less than half of their cost upon resell.

I may love my home office, and you may, too. But we cannot assume that the next dweller will feel the same. Spend your dollars elsewhere.

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Economy is jacked. Bonuses have been pulled. Household budget is struggling to keep its head above water.

You’re well aware of this. The kids know all about it. Hell, the dog has even accepted the circumstances for what they are. Everybody is doing their part in making sacrifices and concessions.

But what about the house? What sort of concessions have you asked your house to make during the past year or so? Is your house all too aware of your current financial situation?

Despite it’s kindness and unsurpassed level of understanding, has your house ceased to require maintenance? Does it no longer require replacements? Has it agreed to hold off on all pressing projects until “things get better?”

If this is the assumption you’re operating under, then might I suggest you reconsider your hypothesis.

Your house is your largest investment (tired of hearing me say that, yet?) and it should be treated as such. Rocky financial times may not afford you the ability to turn your queen-size bedroom into a king-size master suite. But the necessary maintenance and replaceable items of your home should not be left to they wayside.

Windows, siding, roofing and guttering need to be considered absolutes on your home’s maintenance and replacement checklist. With the case of each of these items, failure to replace them in a timely manner will most always result in higher paid costs later on down the road.

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Appraisers. You’re not going to fool them, so don’t waste your time trying to do so. But there are a few things to consider pre-appraisal in order to reap maximum value out of your home evaluation.

And remember what I always tell you: Your home is your largest investment, right?  Well, this is your time to shine.  Show off your investment in its “Sunday best.”

Make Necessary Minor Repairs

• Windows – Replace all broken windows
• Appliances – All should be in working order
• Steps/Railings – Repair if hazardous

Clean Up Your Crap

• Passing a white glove test is not the goal, here. But you should keep in mind that first impressions do matter. Clutter, trash, dirty dishes, strewn laundry – These things contribute to a flawed first impression that definitely won’t do you any favors.

Brag About Your Big Accomplishments

• This is the part where all of those painstaking remodeling & renovation projects will actually start to pay off. Now, don’t expect to recoup the full value of your investment – But you absolutely need to point these projects out to the appraiser.  Bathroom? Floors? Windows? Sod? Allow the appraiser to take note.

Put A Leash On Your Pets & Kids

• Okay, I’m joking about the kids part. Don’t turn me in for that one. But do control the both of them. A distracted appraiser, is not a happy appraiser. (And you don’t want an unhappy appraiser on your hands).

Invite Your Agent – Have A Party!

• Sellers – Your agent works for you, so put her to work during the appraisal. She is better trained to think on her feet and deal with the routine concerns and questions of the appraiser. If this is an option, use her.

(I am providing the link to the blog that I stole this photo from)

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Serial Remodeling projects are all the rave.

Gone are the days of one shot, once-in-a-lifetime home remodeling projects.  More and more, today’s residential undertakings are conceived, plotted, budgeted, and carried out in a “series-like” manner that allows the homeowner to attain the ultimate end goal, through a system of achieving a series of smaller goals.

Phased remodeling projects typically start out by obtaining an overall estimate for the full price of the full project.  The contractor then sits down with the homeowner and explains what phasing options are available and conceivable to the home itself.

People don’t always look at their major renovation as a multiple-project undertaking. But in all reality, many larger renovations can be broken up into smaller ones. This approach will offer several key benefits to a homeowner:

• Budget – So money is an issue? When is money not an issue, right? Phased remodeling is an excellent option for homeowners who are attempting to majorly upgrade their house but do not massive piles of money lying around to do so. This option would allow homeowners the ability to pay for portions of their overall project in smaller chunks, as they can afford them.
• Schedule – A ‘construction tolerance’ exists within every homeowner. Most will begin a project with much enthusiasm and excitement, but a few weeks into the project, will grow tired of people showing up at their house every morning.  Serial remodeling projects allow for short-lived jobs that bring a contractor to the home in brief intervals.
• Tax Credits & Discounts – Stimulus money, tax credits, special discounts… If a homeowner is able to plan her renovations around the opportunities, she will most likely reap great benefits.  For example: This year, many homeowners are choosing to take  advantage of the Window Replacement tax credit, thereby receiving a serious discount on their replacement product.

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You know how you’ve always heard things like:

“Your house is an extension of you.”

“Your personality is reflected through your home.”

“Home is where the heart is.”

“My house is your house.”

Yadah, yadah, yah.

Well, a couple of authors, Dawn Ritchie and Kathryn L. Robyn, wrote a book titled the “The Emotional House: How Redesigning Your Home Can Change Your Life.” 

Now, although I think these ladies really tapped into the touchy-feely side of Home Remodeling, they present some truly excellent points.

They explain that because the majority of us spend the majority of our time in our homes, these personal spaces have very powerful influences over the way we feel about our lives.

“The Emotional House” includes exercises, similar to a workbook, that allows the reader to explore the various spaces of her home, room-by-room.

Here’s a quote from HGTV’s Candice Olson: “This book unlocks the door on home design, giving keys to creating a home that lifts your spirits and agrees with your lifestyle.”

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I think home remodeling is too often viewed as one of those necessary evils in life.  It’s all relative, though.  And it has a lot to do with approach.

I’ll list a few tips that might help to motivate you into the realm of ‘Remodeling Like A Pro!’

• Trendy – Think twice on this one.  A) It will cost you more up front. B) It will potentially look dated in no time flat.  Definitely something to consider if you’re remodeling with intent to resale (and who isn’t right?)
• Insulation – Expert tip: Don’t skimp on this one.  Yes, too much can lead to mold issues – But not enough will cost you for years to come.  You can drastically decrease heating and cooling bills by properly insulating your home.  (And remember, the term insulation applies to many more things than just the scratchy, fluffy pink stuff).
• Test Drive – You can get a good feel for the projects that take priority and what types of changes you really want if you live in the house before you begin to remodel.
• Make Up Your Mind – Changing your mind six different ways from Sunday during your remodeling project will accomplish 2 things: 1) You’ll cause the project to take longer and cost more 2) You’ll drive your contractor nuts.  Try to get all of your imagining out of the way prior to the job start date.
• Think Twice – If you’re not a licensed contractor (or married to one) then I would suggest you strongly rethink the idea of doing it all yourself.  There are plenty of things that can be done on your own – And the good folks at the local hardware store with the little orange aprons will be happy to offer any advice they can.  But in all honestly, some tasks are best suited for a pro.  Don’t stretch beyond your limits.
• Don’t Be Surprised – Plainly stated: The job will cost more than you expect, so set aside an additional 10% cushion.
• Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You – The job will be very messy.  Dust, debris, trash, screws…Things might get damaged.  This is just a part of the process.  (If a professional brings damage your way, he should obviously repair it, but don’t freak out – Just a part of the process).

That’s all I’ve got on that topic for now.  But as a quick side note, today is National Donut Day.  So from one ‘little things in life-lover‘ to another, Happy Donut Day!

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So you’re gonna remodel the interior of your home, eh?  This experience can be an adventure or it can be a disaster.  The process is, for the most part, up to you.  I am offering you my advice that will allow you to place as much positive influence into your remodeling project as possible.

1. News Flash!  Your house is about to become a construction site.  Accept it.  Prepare for it.  Work with it.
2. Discuss details and variables with contractor prior to beginning of project.  (i.e. Where will trash be stowed?  Which bathroom will crew be able to use?  How will floors/carpets be protected?)
3. Consider the pets.  Do not assume that your dog will appreciate the workers’ presence.  Also keep in mind, the workers cannot carry heavy materials through gates and doors without propping them open.  Moral of the story: Fefee needs to be contained and quarantined away from the construction.
4. Live like simpletons for a few weeks.  It will be fun!  Eat soups, sandwiches, take-out.  Use disposable plates.  (This will apply mostly for any of you who are either remodeling your kitchen or who are utilizing your kitchen as a work zone during another remodeling project).
5. Number 5 to stay alive: Keep a sense of humor.  Trust that you did ample and adequate research to hire an accredited and talented contractor who has probably done this many more times than you.  This will be messy but it will be well worth it.

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1. Where will your contractor be able to drop lumber and store materials?
2. Parking.  Where will the crew be able to park?  What about you?
3. Which bathroom will the workers be allowed to use?
4. How will floors and carpets be protected form dirt and dust?
5. Are all breakables packed away for safe keeping?
6. Window treatments will most likely get very dirty.  Should you pack them away, as well?
7. Consider closing off the job site from the remainder of the house with a piece of plywood or plastic.

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