Remodeling with Payback in Mind

     Thinking about remodeling your home in 2011?  Consider projects that will bring the best return on your dollar.  The results are in from the latest "Cost vs Value" report by Remodeling magazine.

     One surprising - but fairly easy - change is to replace your garage door, which on average costs $1,300.  According to the report, more than 80% of the cost is recouped at time of resale.

Classic

     I have a thing for kitchens as they tend to be the "heart" of the house.  It's where all family and guests gravitate and gather.  When considering the minor kitchen remodel, be sure to investigate upscale appliances and cabinet trends.  You should study current magazines to collect ideas and photos for use during your selection process.  Engage a kitchen designer or ask a friendly real estate agent for tips about what is hot in your area.  For resale it is best to keep the major components neutral and the look timeless.

Creamy white cabinets and hardwood or travertine type tiles on the floor will keep the classic look although the decor choices for kitchens are endless.

 A minor kitchen remodel can bring a 75% return.

     According to the survey results, other renovations and remodels worth their price tag include a steel entry door replacement (102.1% cost recouped) and window replacement.  Both of these improvements will also save you money on energy bills.  The replacement of wood siding for fiber cement siding is a renovation you will like because it will recoup 70-80% of the cost on resale and it is a very low maintenance product.

     The data from this report over the past seven years shows a downward trend in the overall cost-to-value ratio, which began with eroding home prices and a rise in construction costs, but is now largely due to a drop in resale values.  The report suggests that the most profitable area to spend your remodeling dollar is on exterior updates.  Where you spend your dollar is your choice.  Make sure you choose the styles and finishes that will make your living experience fun.


All photos from Southern Living, Elle Decor or personal file photos.

To Paint or Not To Paint

People often want my opinion about painting, paint colors, etc.  My first thought when asked, “Should I paint?”  is - if you are asking then most likely the answer is, “Yes!”.

There are several reasons to paint the rooms in your house.  The most obvious being those little hand prints, while cute, just must go.  No one else finds them as charming as you do.  Those nicks, scuffs, and gouges don’t help the look either.  A house should shine and nothing helps out more than fresh paint.

Now, moving on to the tougher topic of colors.  My, who hasn’t goofed where wall color is concerned?  I have learned to love the neural pallet as it truly is the easiest when it’s time for decorating.  My husband will tell you we live in the ‘house of taupe’.  I love it, but if you are less enamored with neutrals then I suggest you think “transition”.  Walk around your house and see how the colors flow.  It is jarring to walk from the neutral room into the red, hot pink, or some other bright choice without a transition or relationship to a scheme.

By scheme, I mean if you want to try out color go for a pallet and stick with it.  Recently I was showing a house that my client and I named the “Spa” house because the color scheme was so soothing.  The owner had used primarily slate blue and blue green on the walls with accents of brown and gray.  It was a great look and each room flowed in a very inviting way. We were both taken with the superb use of non-neutral color.

Let’s don’t forget outside painting, too.  Front doors seem to be either “used & abused” or completely neglected.  Neither is appealing. Making a great first impression starts at your door!

Lastly, the kid’s rooms; here is where the hot pink and “Carolina” blue jumps out and shocks you every time.  It’s a struggle to pull these strong colors off with grace.  They work better as accent colors on window treatments, bedding, and wall hangings.

While I’m on the subject of children, I’d like to put in a plug for the Children’s Theatre fund raiser, Santa’s Bag, which is for children under the age of 12.  They are given the opportunity to shop for gifts for the family while escorted by little “elves”.  It is so cute.  December 1-4 at the theatre; mornings 9:30-noon and afternoons 4:30-7.  Don’t miss it and please send photos of the little ones.  I’d love to see them.  Enjoy!


Photo credits: Image #1 via Domino Magazine; Image #2 & 3 via Elle Decor.