Five Bad Home Improvement Ideas

 

  Five Bad Home Improvement Ideas

     When considering adding value to a house, you consistently hear that updated bathrooms and quality kitchens stand out the best.  It has been proven in actual home sales that improving the bathrooms and kitchen works to increase the value and are proven sale closers.  However, there are improvements that studies have shown do not return the bang for your buck.

     Here are Five Improvement Ideas that most times don’t increase value and may even make it harder to attract buyers for a sale.

1)  Over-the-Top Renovations
     Not all renovations will raise the value of a property.  Some people think because it’s bigger, it will be perceived as better by future homebuyers, and that is not the case.  Unless your home is located in a high value neighborhood, don't install a supersized steam shower or Italian marble custom vanities.  That kind of improvement doesn't typically do anything to increase the value of the average home.

     On the other hand, if you updated an old bathroom, you could see an increase of several thousand dollars to your home's bottom line.  It’s a good idea before planning improvements to look over local home listings to see what amenities are the standard in your area.  You can check out properties on my website www.kathymckinney.com.  The “Search Local Homes”  button will give you access to all of the properties currently on the market. 

     After you have viewed what’s standard in your area, then upgrade to meet the neighborhood and not exceed it.  It’s never profitable to be the “Best House on the Block.”

2)  Swimming Pools

  

     If you think installing a swimming pool in the backyard of your home will draw hoards of homebuyers clamoring to make offers, you'd be wrong.  Some may consider it a great feature, but usually homebuyers perceive it as a pain with all the maintenance it will require.  After maintenance, the second objection usually voiced by homebuyers is added liability.

     Homeowners have even paid to have their swimming pools buried to create more yard space.  If you shell out the expense to build one, don't expect your home's value to budge.  The only exception to adding a swimming pool is if you live in states where they are considered the norm, like Florida or California, but definitely not in Pennsylvania.

3)  Home Office Renovations
     Although a home office is often an amenity appreciated by those shopping for a home, today, it should be built with frugality in mind.  Overhauling an office with expensive built-in bookcases doesn't pay off when it's time to sell your home.  Also, it’s not a good idea to steal usable space from another living area to create a home office.  Instead, make sure the space can easily be converted back into a bedroom or other living space if needed.  

4)  Unique Features
     Home magazines are always coming up with creative ways to change the look of your living space.  Some are exotic and over the top.  Ever been tempted to paint a mural of the horses you owned as a kid in the living room, or a tribute to your favorite sports team in your family room or a peaceful Koi pond in your back yard? 

     Don't be tempted to incorporate these ideas into your own home, unless you don't plan on selling anytime soon. Homebuyers may not share your enthusiasm.  You want to attract as many buyers as possible, not just the few that might like your creativity.

5)  Roof Renovations
     If your roof needs repair, don't hesitate to have the work done.  It will be one less issue you'll have to deal with when selling your home.  However, if in your pursuit of roofing options you think replacing your roof with cedar shakes or clay tiles will increase the value, think again.  Although they have the ability to make your home stand out, they probably won't inspire homebuyers to pay more for them.  Before considering the expensive options, unless you have the money to burn, keep it similar to the neighborhood when preparing your home to be listed for sale.

Hope this Helps.

 

Kathleen McKinney, Realtor - REO Specialist

Real Estate Excel, Souderton

Office 215-723-5300 ext 6

Facebook "Montco Foreclosure Homes"

Website - www.kathymckinney.com