Given the (relative) high cost, time consumption and considerable disruption, dust and debris associated with home remodeling (and this can apply to even the simplest of bathroom or kitchen renovations), why would anyone want to take on that kind of extra time, effort and expense? Contained within this serial blog are eight excellent reasons why so many Bay Area residents are opting to remodel their homes, and why they are so happy with their outcomes. Here is reason number 2. Come back next week for reason number 3!
2. To Improve Your Home’s Value
Given the high cost of living in the Bay Area – especially the “$1 million and up” price tags of even the most modest single-family residence – the purchase of your home was most assuredly a major investment of your time, money and effort. You likely did a good deal of shopping and spent added time educating yourself on what was available and what you could afford. Given this considerable effort and expense, it only makes sense to ensure that your home continues to retain its value and to do what you can to enhance that value as you may well have intentions to sell this home in the foreseeable future.
With the right renovations, you can add considerably to both your home’s ease of marketability, as well as its future selling price. As previously mentioned, remodeling plans that will add light and space, can also add to your home’s investment value. Adding more natural light (with bigger, more energy-efficient windows, modern skylights or by installing French doors that lead out to your picturesque patio as in the image below) cannot just make your home more visually appealing upon entry, but it can make it appear more spacious and inviting. Remember, that a dark or cramped room does nothing for your real estate values!
Given the high cost of living in the Bay Area – especially the “$1 million and up” price tags of even the most modest single-family residence – the purchase of your home was most assuredly a major investment of your time, money and effort. You likely did a good deal of shopping and spent added time educating yourself on what was available and what you could afford. Given this considerable effort and expense, it only makes sense to ensure that your home continues to retain its value and to do what you can to enhance that value as you may well have intentions to sell this home in the foreseeable future.
With the right renovations, you can add considerably to both your home’s ease of marketability, as well as its future selling price. As previously mentioned, remodeling plans that will add light and space, can also add to your home’s investment value. Adding more natural light (with bigger, more energy-efficient windows, modern skylights or by installing French doors that lead out to your picturesque patio as in the image below) cannot just make your home more visually appealing upon entry, but it can make it appear more spacious and inviting. Remember, that a dark or cramped room does nothing for your real estate values!
This is the perfect time to think about opening up your floor plan to create more of a flow that can take advantage of natural light. Give some consideration to knocking down walls to open your space up (I can advise you on what walls are load bearing). Open floor plans tend to make a home feel far larger and are much better for those that enjoy entertaining. It’s not uncommon for my clients to advise me that they’ve been thinking about doing this for years, but were worried about the cost. Now’s the time to address that question - how much does it cost to create a more open flow, perhaps taking out a wall or re-purposing an infrequently used closet or hallway?
Another idea to consider, is that of a vaulted ceiling – it can help to create the illusion of more space. There are numerous options in varying price ranges when it comes to brightening up your home with natural light. Why not explore them?
Of particular consideration when it comes to adding value to your home, is the remodeling plan that delivers a more modern and functional kitchen, adds another bedroom and adjoining bathroom, or that features a larger master bedroom with room for a walk-in closet together with a master bath that delivers that spa-like appeal so many of my clients are choosing these days.
Another idea to consider, is that of a vaulted ceiling – it can help to create the illusion of more space. There are numerous options in varying price ranges when it comes to brightening up your home with natural light. Why not explore them?
Of particular consideration when it comes to adding value to your home, is the remodeling plan that delivers a more modern and functional kitchen, adds another bedroom and adjoining bathroom, or that features a larger master bedroom with room for a walk-in closet together with a master bath that delivers that spa-like appeal so many of my clients are choosing these days.
While we’re talking bathrooms, why not consider a tankless water heater (see one to the left). This is a serious value add for any home, with a convenience factor that is through the roof. Provided that you get the proper size unit (which I can help you to determine by factoring in the total number of people living at your home and their typical water usage), you can get an unlimited supply of hot water, even with more than one person showering at a time. What really excites many homeowners is the energy saving component. Rather than having a huge tank of water constantly heated and awaiting use (as is the case with traditional hot water tanks) the water is heated as it passes through the unit, which, over time, saves energy/money. A tankless water heater is something I’m always happy to factor into any remodel given its significant impact to the homeowner’s comfort as well as to the home’s value and day-to-day living expense.
This is how many homeowners begin – with dreams and ideas of what “could be” if they become willing to consider remodeling a few key rooms, or if they’re willing to approach a whole house renovation project. A trusted contractor will work with you to advise you on the remodeling options and renovations that will add the most value to your home. I’m always happy to sit down with my clients to discuss with them the various options and their associated costs, factoring in what would likely add the most to their home’s future selling price.
For families that have grown larger and don’t want to leave their chosen neighborhood (or their preferred school district), the addition of a room (i.e. added bedrooms, bathrooms, family room, office or home theater) or second story is often a worthwhile consideration, provided the size of your lot and the building department in your city can accept (or will approve) such an addition.
For families that have grown larger and don’t want to leave their chosen neighborhood (or their preferred school district), the addition of a room (i.e. added bedrooms, bathrooms, family room, office or home theater) or second story is often a worthwhile consideration, provided the size of your lot and the building department in your city can accept (or will approve) such an addition.
In recent years, a number of my clients have made significant changes to their homes to create an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU; also known as a secondary living unit or SLU, as viewed at right, completed only recently for a client). While some are utilizing this space to accommodate an aging parent (as was the case in the photo, where custom cabinets are featured), others are using their ADUs/SLUs as a way to generate rental income for themselves in their retirement years.
An ADU/SLU can utilize existing living space (though it requires its own electrical panel, heating and cooling system, and its own hot water heating unit), or it can be constructed as an entirely separate unit (sometimes referred to as an in-law cottage). Homes that can offer these types of living spaces that can generate additional income for the homeowner, are proving especially attractive to prospective buyers.
Regardless of how it begins, once the remodeling seed is planted, you may find yourself exploring various design ideas and making wish lists for this, as well as future renovations that would better serve you at the varying stages of your life that will add significant value as well as ease and comfort.
Of course, it’s of particular importance when talking about enhancing a home’s value, to give extra consideration to your home’s curb appeal, given its impact upon final selling price. The first impression of a home is derived from the look of the exterior. Realtors have advised me that a good “first impression” can add 5% - 7% to its value. Naturally, you’ll want to ensure that your front door, exterior paint, siding and window trim are attractive and properly maintained. If you have a porch or decking, make certain that it is well-maintained and offers features that ensure greater safety and security, such a sound railing and properly spaced and easy to scale stairs. Which leads me to excellent reason number three - to add greater safety and security to your home. But you'll need to wait until next week for that blog!
An ADU/SLU can utilize existing living space (though it requires its own electrical panel, heating and cooling system, and its own hot water heating unit), or it can be constructed as an entirely separate unit (sometimes referred to as an in-law cottage). Homes that can offer these types of living spaces that can generate additional income for the homeowner, are proving especially attractive to prospective buyers.
Regardless of how it begins, once the remodeling seed is planted, you may find yourself exploring various design ideas and making wish lists for this, as well as future renovations that would better serve you at the varying stages of your life that will add significant value as well as ease and comfort.
Of course, it’s of particular importance when talking about enhancing a home’s value, to give extra consideration to your home’s curb appeal, given its impact upon final selling price. The first impression of a home is derived from the look of the exterior. Realtors have advised me that a good “first impression” can add 5% - 7% to its value. Naturally, you’ll want to ensure that your front door, exterior paint, siding and window trim are attractive and properly maintained. If you have a porch or decking, make certain that it is well-maintained and offers features that ensure greater safety and security, such a sound railing and properly spaced and easy to scale stairs. Which leads me to excellent reason number three - to add greater safety and security to your home. But you'll need to wait until next week for that blog!
In the meantime, if you have a question about this blog or are interested in a free estimate for your home remodeling or repair project, please text or call me at 408-368-7162, or send me an email me at [email protected]!
Warmest Regards,
Ed
Ed Neir Construction
License # 928715
Warmest Regards,
Ed
Ed Neir Construction
License # 928715
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