| Remodeling is emotionally taxing. Anything | | | | is in the details. Or perhaps he just lurks |
| involving the expenditure of that much cash | | | | the aisles at Home Depot. For somewhere along |
| makes me want to weep from the very first | | | | the lines there will be a raging debate on |
| down payment. But, there are other issues as | | | | the acceptable quality of low flow toilets |
| well. I have seen couples argue bitterly | | | | and whether or not that fiberglass tub truly |
| about a choice of tile or overly festive | | | | must leave. |
| paint color. Then there is the stress of | | | | |
| choosing a contractor and making sure the | | | | The experts will tell you that you will |
| project goes as planned. Many remodeling jobs | | | | recoup the most market value out of a kitchen |
| can spiral out of control once a wall is | | | | or bath remodel. I will tell you that |
| opened or the wiring is really scrutinized. | | | | flooring is key and oversized tile is a |
| | | | worthwhile investment. Your realtor may tell |
| One would think it's easier when a remodel is | | | | you that smooth ceilings are an absolute must |
| planned for the purposes of resale. | | | | have. And the guy living below you will beg |
| Theoretically, this kind of update takes the | | | | you to replace the potentially leaky hot |
| personal choices out of the equation and | | | | water heater. And unfortunately, you will |
| leads to less debate. But, I have never seen | | | | have your own personal preferences and ideas |
| it happen that way. Designing for "the | | | | that could lead you straight to remodeling |
| market" means designing for an unidentified | | | | hell. |
| subjective consumer. This unidentified | | | | |
| purchaser will not voice their opinions about | | | | So what's a remodeler to do? Remember that |
| whether they prefer a tile shower surround or | | | | you will not be living there. View the |
| tub, they will not tell you if slab granite | | | | property as a renter or temporary guest. |
| counters are worth the money over tile and | | | | Remember that the average showing time is |
| they will not ask you to carpet the bedrooms. | | | | less than 20 minutes per property. The |
| Until it is too late. | | | | potential buyer will get an overall sense of |
| | | | construction quality but, will not be |
| Once the work is done every prospective buyer | | | | assessing every detail. So be sure the focal |
| shown the property will have an opinion. | | | | point of each room is of good quality but, do |
| Particularly about the price. | | | | not stress on every item. If the tile |
| | | | surround the tub is awe inspiring then no one |
| Whether a seller is flipping a property, | | | | will notice that you replaced the towel bars |
| updating a rental, or upgrading a unit they | | | | with a three-pack set from Wal-mart. |
| have equity in the price of the remodel is | | | | |
| going to be the base of this balancing act. | | | | I would also advise anyone preparing to |
| Spend too much and the profits are lost or | | | | remodel for the market to get in to the |
| worse you have priced your property out of | | | | market. Have your realtor take you to |
| the market and will have to sit on it for a | | | | properties similar to yours before you begin |
| long period of time. Spend too little and | | | | your remodel. Not only will it give you great |
| your cheap materials will offend buyers who | | | | design ideas but, will give you a better |
| will only replace your replacements with | | | | understand of your competition. These are the |
| better products. | | | | properties a buyer will be comparing you |
| | | | against. Be sure you measure up in quality |
| Every remodeler understands this when they | | | | but, do not inappropriately exceed in price. |
| put together their budget but, then the devil | | | | |