My Real Estate Blog

August 7th, 2010 6:47 AM
1)  If you're planning to stay in the home for five years, remodel it how you like. I always say, remember there's a balance. If you remodel and create something that is so unusual, you may run the risk of it not appealing to the masses and therefore you will have to find the few that are searching for that particular look. That doesn't mean you shouldn't design and decorate based on your likes, it's just a matter of considering how the remodel will impact you when it comes time to sell the home and then choosing the best option for you for both short and long term.

2)  Write it down. Just like your goals in life are more likely to come to fruition when first penciled out on paper, your ideas for your remodeling project also need to be clearly spelled out. When you do this you are able to clearly see which projects you want to tackle first, how much money you can afford/want to spend on the remodeling projects, and if your goals conflict with your ultimate objectives. You'll find clarity by writing down what you hope to accomplish. This step alone can turn the project into a success from the start.

3)  Slow down. Don't rush into a project. If you just purchased a home, some experts recommend living in it a year before you start to knock out walls. Your taste and needs might change. Get to know your surroundings and then thoughtfully consult with design-build companies to help ensure the project's success. 

4)  Let there be light. Light and bright is a commonly used term when listing a home. It's popular because it's appealing to buyers. If you're in the design phase of your remodel, especially for a bathroom--but other areas too, be sure to make sure that you will end up with enough light. When it comes to adding creature comforts, your first thoughts might be multiple shower heads and radiant-heat floors. But few items make a bathroom more satisfying than lighting designed for everyday grooming.

5)  Keep it clean. One of my pet peeves is yucky bathroom air. Poor ventilation creates enormous problems in the future. Homes that were designed without bathroom windows that open can quickly develop mold, mildew, and stale air if there isn't a very good ventilation system installed. High-quality bathroom fans help. These are often not thought of because they're not obvious "fun toys" like heated floors, but bathroom ventilation systems that exhaust to the outside are vital.

Before beginning any remodel, talk to lots of experts, get all your ideas out on paper, and prioritize wants and needs. Taking the time and steps to create a plan with your hired experts will ensure your needs and desires are met in a timely fashion.

Posted by Jim McCowan on August 7th, 2010 6:47 AMPost a Comment (0)
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