HOM E I M PROV E M EN T & R E A L E STAT E
Making the Most of Your Home Improvement
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s a homeowner, trying to determine the best return on upgrades to your property is sometimes more complex than just finding the time and money to do it. From flower beds to full remodels for added comfort or sale preparation, experts suggest the first step is to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Simply put, it is important to consider the reasons for the change; e.g., being unhappy with current surroundings, renovating an older home for safety and efficiency, or planning a move. Not all changes are about being paid back in a sale, and we asked Kelly Hamilton of Comfort Realty (see ad on pg. 13) for ways, however large or small, to improve your home’s appearance and livability. As a local licensed real estate service provider, she is well-appointed to advise homeowners about optimum projects and timing.
MAKING A CHANGE When putting together a timeline for updates and upgrades, Kelly suggests establishing the new look with the most costly elements; e.g., countertops and appliances. Large items and those attached to the house are not like throw pillows that can be changed out easily. The appliance color may depend on the color of the new countertop, and so on to the lesser expense items. Kelly adds, "Be cautious about making things so trendy or personal that future buyers may not feel they can put their stamp on it. I also tell clients to live in the home for at least one year before making major changes. This allows time to determine where they want to start. Some clients realize that they can wait for the kitchen update because they don't cook as much but the space and flow in the primary bathroom and closet is causing them to bump into each other often."
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A P R I L 2022 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
by Ann Marie Kennon
INSIDE Kelly suggests it is not necessary to replace carpets unless they are essentially destroyed. Homes with very little carpet seem to be the ones buyers like. She says, "Feedback indicate those homes feel “cleaner” and less work. For anyone building a wish list for upgrades, Kelly recommends: Granite is timeless, while not as popular with today’s trends, plan to replace it as the budget allows and when the maintenance becomes a burden. For a simple kitchen upgrade, consider replacing the backsplash. It is easier on the budget, will make a difference in the aesthetic, will may buy a few more years with the granite. Unfortunately, appliances are not lasting as they did 10 + years ago. Replacing them has become less expensive and complicated to replace than repair. Give appliances a five year window to consider replacement based on mechanical issues.
OUTSIDE Kelly says roofs typically last 20-30 years but it is best to have an expert evaluation if there have been multiple hail and wind storms. She adds, "Letting roofs go past their prime cold lead to more costly damage, such as leaks and rot." Windows are a substantial expense and replacements are more likely as the home ages but, if defective, they should be replaced for a sale. "Inspectors will note deficits and 'under contract' is an inopportune time to
