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