Home improvement can be daunting when it’s time to decide where to start.
If you plan on living in your home for a long time, your own comfort and enjoyment should be tops (along with basic maintenance, like replacing those curling roof shingles before water damage leads to a bigger job and expense).
On the other hand, if you hope to move in a few years, consider how your renovations affect the resale value of your home. Analyze the neighborhood and your type of house, and decide on your market.
For example, turning a modest three-bedroom home into a more luxurious two-bedroom might appeal to both young couples who haven’t yet had children, and “empty nesters” who no longer need a big house. An elaborate garden might attract some retirees, while young families may be put off by the time and expense of maintaining it.
Of course, this isn’t science, but experts have identified some areas most likely to give you a good return on your investment.
In best to worst order, here are a few:
New bathroom – Kitchen remodelling – Fireplace – Interior decorating – Master bedroom remodelling – Bathroom remodelling – Deck – Insulation – Window replacement – Swimming pool
But don’t rush out and build a new bathroom if you won’t appreciate it yourself in the meantime. Since the return you get often won’t exceed the time and money you put into it, concentrate on those areas that will give you immediate rewards without breaking the bank… even if you are planning on moving before long.