subject: Home Remodeling Is Still an Excellent Investment [print this page] Home Remodeling Is Still an Excellent Investment
Today's current economic situation has made the American people a bit wary of many expenses that were previously status quo such as home remodeling. However, recent studies show refurbishing or remodeling a house still provides a wonderful return on the investment. Whether a bathroom remodel, a kitchen remodel, new carpet, or wrought iron rails on the outside of the home, home remodeling is still one of the more lucrative investments and is aesthetically pleasing.
One of the easiest and cheapest home remodeling projects is painting the house inside. Whether the homeowner wishes to improve the appearance of the house or is thinking of selling, painting is probably the first step to be considered. However, if there are other home improvements that are deemed necessary such as removal of walls the painting should be delayed until they are completed. Ceilings are often a forgotten area of a home, guests in a home often notice these neglected areas to which the residents have become accustomed. Some wall and ceiling treatments are considered dated: textured ceilings, most paneling, and wallpaper will detract from the value of a house. Painting over these, removing, or resurfacing will make the home's value increase and make each room appear fresh and new. As always, a neutral color will be best if resale of the home is intended.
Remodeling the kitchen will give close to a 100% return on the investment if the homeowner is thinking of selling the home. A house with old cabinets may have new carpet and paint, but the dated kitchen will prevent it from selling. Kitchen remodeling is not cheap but will improve the functionality of the home immensely and adding to resale value. If the cabinets are structurally sound, it is sometimes possible to add new doors and hardware to offset the cost of new cabinets. Appliances and counter tops should not be the cheapest available, if the homeowner intends to sell the house, there is no reason to use granite counter tops and top of the line appliances. Nevertheless, if the homeowner plans to live in the house without selling it for a few years, the more expensive choices may be more cost-effective. The same rules that apply to kitchen remodeling also apply to remodeling the bathrooms.
New carpeting or flooring is the next step in increasing a home's value while making it more livable. What held true for the kitchen remodel and the paint holds true for new flooring. The cheapest materials or shoddy workmanship should never be used. If the homeowner wishes to sell the home however, it is best to use medium priced flooring materials in a neutral shade. Tan is best or a beige for carpet color choices. More expensive products can be used once again if the homeowner is going to live in the home for a period of time or the home decor calls for these products.
The outside of a home is often forgotten when thinking of remodeling but is vital to the atmosphere of the house. Almost every room probably has a window that looks to the outside; many more people see the exterior of a house rather than the interior. Landscaping can sometimes be done relatively cheaply by perusing discount sales of perennials and exterior decor. Wrought iron rails may be used to give a Mediterranean feeling to an entryway, or even used inside the home for a Spanish touch.
If the homeowner is thinking of remodeling it is the wisest course of action to follow the rules that are stated above. Whether putting new flooring in the kitchen, doing a total kitchen remodel, or simply replacing the railing with wrought iron rails, remodeling can sill be an excellent investment.
