Adding Value to Your Home

 

As architects and interior designers, we typically find that the best home improvement that a homeowner can invest in to add value to their home really depends both on the intentions and desires of the homeowner, the condition of the house, and also the market that the house is in (if selling is the intention).

As architects and interior designers, we typically find that the best home improvement that a homeowner can invest in to add value to their home really depends both on the intentions and desires of the homeowner, the condition of the house, and also the market that the house is in (if selling is the intention).

If the home owner is looking to sell their house immediately, we would recommend improvement projects that make the home appealing to the greatest amount of people in the house's given market. This will not only attract greater attention for the house, but can also serve to improve the value of competitive bids. In order to create a house that appeals to a large variety of people, we recommend that the color schemes for the rooms are neutral in tone, and that worn / outdated finishes and materials such as carpeting are replaced, or hardwood floors sanded and re-stained.

Replacing the wall panels and flooring really helped to update this dining room 

Depending on the age of the house, a home owner may choose to invest in the home's architecture. Projects may include: replacing the windows with more modern, energy-efficient windows; improving the homes insulation to reduce energy costs; or repairing/replacing the roof. If the home owner's budget is tight, we would recommend that they choose the project based on the greatest area of need. For example, if the roof leaks, that would be the first priority. If the windows are out-of-date and single pane, replacing the windows may add the most value. After all, a home that will not pass inspection will be significantly devalued over a home with up-to-date, modern features and efficiencies.

A leaking roof and poorly designed indoor porch/sitting area was replaced with a solution that significantly added beauty and space to the home, all while retaining the original home's design character.

Also, depending on the market that the house will be listed in, the homeowner may have to make other improvements as well. If most of the houses on the market have luxurious, high-end kitchens, and the home owner's house does not, perhaps a kitchen remodel would add the most value. If most of the potential home buyers are looking for his-and-hers sinks in the bathroom, perhaps updating the bathroom will yield the most value.

If the home owner is looking to simply add value to their home while continuing to maintain residence, we would recommend improvements that not only add monetary value, but improvements that increase the home owner's happiness as well. These improvements may include: upgrading the kitchen's layout, appliances, or cabinetry; a bathroom remodel; creating outdoor living areas such as a patio, enclosed porch, or outdoor kitchen / BBQ area; or even modifying the layout of the house to best fit the lifestyle and preferences of the owner.

Updating this kitchen not only improved the arrangement of the "work triangle", but took the look/feel from 'retro' to 'luxurious'.

All of these improvements can add value to the home, whether it is appraisal value or homeowner "quality of life" value. Therefore, the best investment a homeowner can make to add value to their home depends largely on the intentions and desires of the homeowner, the condition of the house, and also the market that the house is in.