Debunking Renovation Advice

Debunking Renovation Advice

By Bridget Lynch-White REALTOR

First all owners should have an exit plan for property.?If you are doing high end remodeling you should be doing it for your taste.?However, if you are remodeling for the purpose of resale then, it can be done tastefully for the masses and inexpensively, so be aware of the differences when reading about what you should and shouldn’t do.?

An article by Serena O’Sullivan via Komando.com and her article “12 home renovations that will decrease the value of your home” has some merit if you are remodeling for resale but does not necessarily hold true in every situation or even every state.?I felt I needed to clarify some of her fear mongering.?Keep in mind most writers are basing their information on a small and very specific market and their actual costs are based on figures from high end renovations.?I renovate and have renovated homes on a large scale and can keep most renovations under $60K, so stating a kitchen renovation is on average $360K is ridiculous even with a contractor.?In fact, if your kitchen renovation costs more than a maximum of 15K your paying way too much – and I would hope it would include a complete overhaul and an additional property to boot.?

Here are the facts and what returns to actually expect.

Wallpaper: “It’s an acquired taste” is very true, however with technology in the new version of peel and stick and if you keep it to a focus wall rather than an entire room it can be much more of an enhancement rather than a determent.?Keep it tasteful and with moderation regardless of permanent home or intent to resell.

Constructing a high-end master suite: Most homes have a Master Suite or what they are now referring to as the Principle bedroom, but for the average home a decent well thought out space can make a decent return.?Keep the suite clean, organized closet space is thought of as better than a basic blank slate but it doesn’t have to be expensive just well planned. ?

Major kitchen remodels: Unless you have the money to burn, no one should put in custom anything because the author was right – there is no resell for it, but in cabinetry unless you are building it yourself, don’t bother.?I do suggest a good quartz countertop over laminate, even in rentals because laminate is a 5-7-year max product, but a good quartz counter or even butcher block can last a long time.?

Combining bedrooms: The only time to remove a bedroom is if you plan to place it somewhere else.?Houses sell because of bedrooms and bathrooms and a bedroom can add $10K to a properties value. If you were to take a 3 bedroom and change it to a 2 bedroom, that is a bad idea, however if you have a 4 or 5 bedroom house and you add a bathroom, while loosing a bedroom then you may win, because bathrooms add value over bedrooms and you still have a lot of bedrooms.?Also keep in mind of adding closets to smaller rooms because a room without a closet is just a room and can’t be counted as a bedroom – it makes a difference.

Tile patterns: Most Buyers will change something – the article indicated that custom tile can turn buyers off, but even if that is the case it may be something they are willing to accept – it doesn’t reduce the price of the home over all as a well thought out décor will add to any home – but it does have to be tasteful.?Just stay away from garish or gaudy and you’ll be fine.

Wall-to-wall carpeting: Carpeting has its place, the article claims a buyer sees expense when seeing carpets, and it is true that carpets when replacing every few years for a rental can be an expense but so is putting in any flooring.?Be mindful, carpet is best for 2nd and third floors because it reduces noise.?A good laminate plank or hard woods through out a main level can make the space appear larger.

Bold paint colors: I do agree, using bright bold colors can detour a buyer, but again if you plan to sell a home you should always repaint to a basic Agreeable Grey or Mushroom Taupe as a standard pallet.?I caution anyone from painting their ceiling as it’s a pain to correct and unless you plan to stay in the home for the next 30-years don’t paint murals either.?Just be mindful with color and now your exit plan – if you plan to live in the home for at least 10 years paint whatever color you like if you plan to sell sooner rather than later paint neutral.

Mismatched architecture styles: No one should ever mix and match architectural styles, so I agree with this comment. ?But if you need to replace your windows to match the architectural style make sure you consult with your local historical society to choose the correct replacement.

Sunken den: This particular home style is not common and was popular in the 1970’s Frank Lloyd Wright ranch style home.?If you have a sunken den you can correct the issue by filling it in, or you can keep the style and make it a feature of the home.?New home style for 2022 do not typically encourage this style so the buyer who buys this architectural treasure is doing so for the nostalgia and it may be best to leave it be.

Swimming pools: Pools are an expense – period.?Unless you are in a Beach or Sun Soaked Community it’s not worth the upkeep or the install.

Lowered ceilings: Low ceilings are usually an indicator of an issue mostly found in basement rec spaces or unfinished basements.?If you put them in – take them out and try to expand them or improve upon the space as a whole.?The author is right they are unattractive.?Although, this issue is usually an older home issue – there are ways to raise ceiling heights rather than put in ugly low ceiling tiles.

Fancy textures on the walls or ceilings: Texture for me is always out, however per decor enthusiasts’ texture at least for 2022 is in.?With that said, keep it to the same idea as above with wall paper or tile, everything in moderation.?And for ceilings – just don’t mess with them they are difficult to fix and maintain if you do decide to make a change like adding texture or even a color to a ceiling. ?Keep the ceiling neutral and clean.

I keep all remodel and repairs toa simple rule using K.I.S.S. as most people who have a sales as a back ground. Keep It Simple Stupid, and Happy Remodeling!