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Get The Home You Really Want

Throughout 2009, one thing that concerned many people was the economy.  Many homeowners became more selective on where to invest their money, and many chose to invest in their home.  The benefits of renovating your home now is that you will get to enjoy your new space, make your life easier through improved room functionality and appeal to more future home buyers.  Some projects included taking in existing space, upgrading bathrooms, retrofitting kitchens and improving your home's visual  appeal and energy efficiency. 

Making Your Home More Livable through Added Space

Many people are lucky owners of bonus rooms.  From basements, sunrooms and even loft areas these rooms may not be defined as the fifth bedroom, an extra living area or home office, but many can be transformed into the perfect solution for what your family needs.  But what if you don’t have these bonus rooms available?  You simply need more space, but may have decided it would be better to move than to add on to your existing home.  What type of space do you need? Look at every area of your home to consider what rooms could provide dual functionality or how to repurpose an area and get the new bath, additional sitting area or home gym you have always wanted.

Your added space needs to be carefully thought out before you begin any construction. What is the function of the room?  This most popular current trend for basements is adding a media room complete with high definition TV and state of the art stereo components for surround sound, giving the homeowner the complete movie experience or having friends over for the big game. Another popular use for added space is a home office.  Will you need additional media components or computer capabilities?  What about plumbing, will you be adding a toilet or just needing water for a bar sink?  Draw out the floor plan of the space to include furnishings as well as the necessary electrical and plumbing components.  It will be easier to incorporate new ideas and room functionality now before your room is complete and components need to be added.

Renovating For Prospective Home Buyers

Think of your remodel as providing a service to future home buyers and yourself if you should choose to sell your property.  Reduce your buyer's stress and provide a home where the new owners can move in and not have to change a thing. 

If your property is energy efficient, designed for functionality and aesthetically appealing, your home will be a top choice for most buyers.  If you plan to sell your home within the next few years, start making repairs and upgrades now so you can enjoy them.  When it comes time to sell, buyers will be less likely to negotiate a price decrease because repairs and updates won't need to be made.  Your property will also be a favorite among other homes on the market because improvements won't be essential.

Make sure you are not making changes that will turn off prospective buyers. Keep in mind what future home buyers would like to see in their next home. It is often wiser to add an additional bathroom or bedroom rather than a sunroom or sauna, for example, which are costly and will not necessarily be a priority for anyone else.

Creating Visual Appeal

Your home is your castle, but sometimes that castle may need a facelift.

In many cases, the reason your home may feel inadequate is that the average American house was built in the 1960’s and is now pushing forty or fifty. In a sense, your home is in the throes of a mid-life crisis, and it’s up to you to address the situation with some remodeling. Let’s face it, the harvest gold kitchen, green shag carpeting, or the cracked bathroom tiles have got to go. And, with interest rates at historic lows, there’s no better time to take advantage of home equity financing to fund your project. Remodeling is a great way to create a home environment that can meet your family’s changing needs and tastes without you having to spend a lot of money. If you’re having trouble getting started, there’s help.  The remodeling section of the National Association of Builders website is www.nahb.org/remodel.  This section offers valuable hints on how to set priorities, remodel within a budget, understand a contract, and apply for permits.

Whatever project you are thinking of tackling this year, make sure it passes as a best value.  Is your remodel improving your home, making it more livable through added space, marketability or visual appeal?  If you like your house and your neighborhood, there are many things you can do to improve its everyday functionality and your own enjoyment.  The best way to decide what projects yield the greatest personal return is to assess what your home needs. Its value will increase in the long run. Remember, your home is personal and while it is smart to spend your money on the best financial return, make sure this investment will also provide you and your family with the home you really want.

Bobby Sanders is owner of Sanders Design Build and is a Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (CGR) with an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation.

The CGR designation requires that graduates meet prescribed standards of business practice, possess a minimum of five years remodeling industry experience, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete a comprehensive education curriculum and pledge to uphold the program’s code of ethics.

For more remodeling information call us at 806.457.8599.