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

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR FRONT DOOR

When it comes right down to it, a house is only as good as its front door. Over the last two months I have had five clients ask me to consult with them on the best things they can do to increase the value of their home. The first thing I do is lead them to the curb, because that's where it all starts. Aside from sprucing up the landscaping, trimming trees and shrubs, and making sure the roof and exterior paint are in good condition, I immediately have them analyze their front door. It gives a clear message to the outside world of who you are and what you stand for. The design, state of repair and the color are vitally important.



Always make sure your door fits the era and architectural style of your home


The front door color is one of the first things people notice when they walk by your home and it is definitely noticed by a prospective buyer! The color choice or combination of colors produces a final effect that in many ways is the first thing people judge about a house. A poor color choice for your front door could sink the visual appeal before anyone even steps foot inside.



According to feng shui, a front door is vitally important. A welcoming and attractive front door with the appropriate feng shui color will ease the flow of energy, people, money and opportunities into your life. This is because the front door is considered to be the "mouth of chi";  where vital energy enters and exits your home. Fading or peeling paint is an indication of depleted chi, so if your front door looks a bit sad, give it a fresh coat of paint. Above all, ensure that dirt, traffic grime, spider webs and bird droppings are constantly kept in check.





According to feng shui, you should have a solid brass knocker so that you literally get a grip with where you are heading in life. Brass fixtures and fittings should always be kept polished to deflect negative chi from entering the home.

Make sure that your front door opens easily and fully. Doors that jar or stick on an interior mat could tell a prospective buyer that there could be other things in the house that need to be repaired. Cleaning up or replacing your front door will make your house look like it's in better condition; creating a more prosperous image for you and your home.



Install bright lights on either side of the doorway to lift the energy of the entrance



For ultimate Feng Shui, a north facing door should be painted black, blue or white



An east facing door should be painted green, blue, or turquiose

 

A south facing door should be painted red, pink, or purple

A west facing door should be painted yellow, white, gold magenta or silver

When selecting a new wood front door, This Old House recommends: "Look for careful detailing. As a rule, the more intricate the carvings and moldings, and the thicker and wider the stiles and rails, the better the door."



Here are some links that you may find helpful:

Exterior Door Colors

Front Door Colors

What is the best Feng shui front door color

Frank's Door Store

Keystone Windows and Doors

If you have any questions about what you should do with your front door, or any other home improvement project, give me a call. No question is too small. The tiniest details can make the biggest difference! The front door is a great example. Some people might think it's just a way to get into the house. But really, it's the gateway into your abode.

Liz Suver

Residential Real Estate Specialist

206.660.7200

lizsuver@windermere.com