Melissa Harmel - LESS HOME, MORE LIVING

your front door or as complicated (and expensive!) as remodeling a kitchen or repairing a bathroom. The million-dollar question is, which home improvements give the best return on the remodeling dollar? Here’s an example. If your home is worth $265,000 and you spend $20,000 to revamp the kitchen, don’t assume the investment will increase the value, dollar for dollar (to $285,000). The remodel might add value to the home, and serve as a helpful selling feature, but the return will probably only be around 50%. Smaller upgrades, like replacing outdated fixtures in the kitchen and bath, are certainly worthwhile, but major remodeling of those rooms isn’t wise just to sell your home. At the same time, never ignore necessary repairs, like a leaking roof, faulty furnace, or outdated electrical!

MECHANICAL MAINTEN CAL MAINTENANCE

Before thinking about any home improvements that will add value and give you the ROI you’re seeking, you need to start with the basics. Mechanical maintenance is a must! Sure, it’s tempting to get caught up in the upgrades that are fun to do and pleasing to the eye, but your house needs to function properly before you start working on aesthetics. People want to purchase a home that reflects their aesthetic tastes and lifestyles, but also one that is safe and sound. Your home should meet the basic expectations of any buyer. This includes, at a minimum:

• a solid roof • a crack-free foundation • solid subflooring • safe electrical boxes and wiring • working natural gas lines

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