When we undertake home improvement projects, the goal is usually to increase things like comfort, aesthetics, and home value. But even if you aren’t planning to move any time soon, you don’t want to devalue your home with a renovation misstep. Check out these five things that can devalue your home and how you can avoid them.
Carpet is often seen as a great option all around the house; it’s inexpensive and feels cozy in the winter. But even if it’s new, too much carpet can turn off a potential buyer due to allergies, being tough to maintain, or simply because of the aesthetics. If it’s time to replace your carpet, you may want to consider a more modern option like luxury vinyl tile. It’s hard-wearing enough to be used in just about any room, comes in a wide range of styles, and can even mimic the look and texture of hardwood without the high price tag. However, installing hardwood is still likely to get you the best return on investment. According to the National Association of Realtors, you could see a return of up to 106% on installing hardwood floors when it’s time to sell.
If the paint on your brick or wood siding is fading and cracking, it can be a real eyesore. Your siding is one of the first things that people see when they approach the house. So, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced exterior painter to improve your home’s exterior. However, if you have vinyl siding, you shouldn’t try and paint over it. If your vinyl is fading or cracking, the best plan is to replace it. Luckily, there are many different vinyl siding options in a range of colors, from traditional white and cream to standout blue and red. With so many different aesthetics to choose from, new vinyl siding is one of the best ways to add curb appeal to your home.
Many great bathroom designs feature walk-in showers with luxurious tile surrounds. And while a recently remodeled bathroom is usually appealing to homebuyers, removing all of the tubs around your house can be a sticking point. If they have children or simply enjoy relaxing in the tub, buyers know that they will need to install a tub themselves. When it’s time to remodel your bathrooms, consider keeping one tub in the hall bath or installing a modern freestanding tub in your master bathroom.
Putting aside the fact that DIY electrical work can be incredibly unsafe, every state and county has its own building codes for electrical wiring. If you do electrical work on your own, it probably won’t be up to code when you want to sell your house or do a more extensive remodel, so the contractor and electrician will have to do extra work. And this extra work will likely cost you far more than the original project would have. Whenever you need work done for electrical wiring in your home, consult with a residential electrician.
While a new roof isn’t necessarily a selling point for buyers as it is considered more of a home maintenance point than a remodeling project, an old roof can be a significant deterrent. If a roof is over 15 years old, a savvy buyer knows they may need to replace it within five years. Plus, while you’re replacing your roof, you could see a great return on upgrading your insulation. According to the National Association of Realtors, you could recover up to 84% of the project cost of an insulation upgrade when it’s time to sell, not to mention the potential energy savings while you’re still living in the home.
While these points are valid for most homes, every house is unique. At the end of the day, you’re the one living in your home, and it should be a place that you and your family loves. That might mean that you decide to take out all the bathtubs during bathroom remodels or install plush, comfortable carpeting in every bedroom, and that is perfectly fine! The above are simply remodeling suggestions if you are concerned about resale value after you’ve enjoyed your home for many years.
And the best way to know that you’re getting the most out of your home remodeling project is by working with a trusted partner. With over 35 years of experience helping Maryland residents improve their homes, Brothers is ready to help you create your dream space with our knowledgeable consultants, professional designers, and master tradespeople who will help you every step along the way. If you’re ready to start your next home improvement project, schedule a consultation now.