1. Spruce Up The Exterior.  Planting flowers and doing some landscaping might seem like good projects to add curb appeal but they don't add value.  Replacing a worn roof, leaking windows, drafty doors and rotting siding are good, but a simple, clean paint job gives the best bang for the buck - up to a 100% Return On Investment (ROI).
2. Make It Energy Efficient.  Replacing an old (over 10 years) central A/C system will make a dramatic difference to your energy bill.  So will upgrading ceiling insulation and replacing an old water heater or clothes dryer. 
3. Kitchens and Bathrooms.  Not only are these the most remodeled rooms in a house, they are usually the first rooms perspective buyers get excited over, or turned off by, when visiting a house.  Remember that if two houses are virtually identical but one has a new kitchen or updated bath and the other one does not, the remodeled house will sell first.  Kitchens typically have a 75% ROI and bathrooms have a 65% ROI.

Before jumping into any remodeling project, ask yourself why you're remodeling.  Are you selling?  Addressing changing family and lifestyle needs?  Wanting more efficient appliances and lighting?  Your reasons for remodeling can impact your decisions.  For example, if you're selling, your choices may be more about buyer appeal than personal taste.  On the other hand, if you're building your dream kitchen, you may not want to compromise on certain features.  Evaluate your project in light of your property value and return on investment and look for options that meet your overall needs.

Make a wish list/scrapbook. Use the Internet to peruse pictures and articles.  Get brochures, color samples, and fabric swatches, and cut out or print pictures that show features or details of work that you like.  Take pictures of other homes, and keep a scrapbook of ideas.  These ideas can help your home-improvement specialist achieve the look you want.

Research products.  Research your options for features like countertops and flooring.  Manufacturers' Websites are a great place to start, and most companies have an 800 number for product questions.  Evaluate the pros and cons for each product type to determine which options suit your budget, lifestyle, and taste the best.

Some up-front planning and research can make your remodeling project go a lot smoother and help ensure that you're satisfied with the end results.  Above all else - remember to have fun!

For more information on how we can help you improve your home, please call us at 561-795-2551. 

So long as you are going to remodel your house, you may as well make smart decisions that are more logic based than emotional.  Consider the following:

Match Materials to the Neighborhood.  Using low-end remodeling finishes in a high-end neighborhood diminishes your home's value, and putting high-end finishes in a lower-priced neighborhood won't push your home's sale price much above the last sale price.

If you can't do professional quality remodeling work, hire someone who can.  Nobody pays top dollar for amateur workmanship.

If you over-improve, you'll get less at resale.  Would you pay full price for a mansion located in a trailer park?

Today's trendy remodeling finish choices are tomorrow's dated decor.  Even a beautifully executed remodeling project fades in value over time. Brass bathroom fixtures, anyone?

A remodel that turns storage or little used areas (think covered patio or garage) into useable space trumps adding completely new rooms.  In general, it's less expensive to finish existing spaces than add new ones.

Make Sure Additions Aren't Really Subtractions

A third bedroom transformed into a walk-in closet might bring you bliss, but it eliminates a bedroom and will lower your home value at resale.