What remodeling projects pay off

As a real estate agent, I am asked all the time: What home projects are the smartest to tackle to get the biggest chunk of my money back? Most of us would like to be able to update everything, but if you have to choose where best to spend; here is some advice based on statistical data specifically for the Pacific Northwest.

#1 FRONT DOOR REPLACEMENT - 128% Return

The top return on investment might surpise you: simply installing a new front door! You'll reap a whopping 128%  back on your investment with that one simple change. I don't know about you, but I love this fact. (Refer to my first blog on the importance of your front door for more information) http://bit.ly/9nnWDB

#2 MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL - 94.8% Return

A minor kitchen remodel will return an average of 94.8% on investment as compared to a major kitchen remodel which will return an average of 84.5%.



Upgrading to a solid surface counter-top will
dramatically improve the look of your kitchen







Cabinet refacing is an excellent way to give your kitchen
a dramatic face-lift without doing a full kitchen remodel








Updating appliances will give your kitchen a new look
Make sure that your appliances match in color and finish



#3 SIDING REPLACEMENT - 92.1% Return

If the siding on your home is in good condition, consider yourself lucky. But if you have vinyl, aluminum or asbestos siding, you may want to consider replacing it prior to putting your home on the market. These products typically have a negative stigma with prospective buyers. If you have wood siding, I would recommend making sure you don't have any rotting boards and that you have a good coat of paint on your home, especially on the south (weather) side. If you have a brick house, make sure that your "tuck-pointing" is in good shape (the mortar between the bricks). This can be handled by a good mason.



Wood or cement based products are both good options for residing



#4 BASEMENT REMODEL- 91.6% Return

A basement remodel will give you a 91.6% return on your investment in our area, which is higher than the national average of 75.4%. Because of our weather, we tend to spend more time indoors than many other places in the country. We also do not have as many ranch style or new construction homes in our in-city neighborhoods. Because of this, basements typically add valuable square footage to our living spaces.



Basement "media rooms" are growing in popularity and
are a huge hit with prospective buyers



#5 ADDITION OF A DECK OR PATIO - 91.5% Return

The recreational value of a deck is obvious, but it will also add to the value of your home at resale time in the amount of 91.5% of your investment. For the greatest financial return, I would suggest that the deck be designed as an extension of the living space which makes entertaining and every day living even easier and more enjoyable while giving you the illusion of more square footage.

Outdoor rooms are an extension of your home...where everything is possible - cooking, entertaining, lounging, dining, even napping. In the Pacific Northwest, outdoor living spaces are replacing the living room as preferred areas for relaxation during our mild seasons.

You might be wondering where I got these figures. They are from the Remodeling Magazine's 22nd annual Cost vs. Value Report. This report rates the 33 most popular major home improvement projects based on cost vs. resale value. Basically, how much they'll each add to the dollar value of your home. Click on the link below to see the full report.

http://bit.ly/5Fc8X

I hope you find this information of value. If you need help finding vendors to tackle any of your home improvement projects, just let me know. I have a fabulous list of tried and true professionals. When it comes to your real estate needs, I'm here to help!

Liz Suver

Residential Specialist

Windermere Real Estate

206.660.7200

lizsuver@windermere.com