The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of their 
house is by remodeling existing rooms or adding on to its 
current plan.

Some choose to build recreation rooms and studies while others 
add new appliances, fixtures and cabinets to enliven rooms and 
make their home more attractive to future buyers.

But, when should you decide to stop sinking money into a home 
and buy a bigger place?  And how much rehab is too much when it 
comes time to recovering remodeling costs through a home sale.

For instance, if you’ve just spent $1,000 remodeling your 
living room and didn’t expand your small bathroom, the chances 
of increasing the number of interested buyers are slim.

With these concerns in mind, I  offer a few tips for those 
struggling to add value to their home. 

First, always protect the character of your home. Nothing 
sticks out more than a new addition that is in a completely 
different architectural style.  Be consistent.  Recognize 
your home’s character and stay within its framework.

The most financially rewarding areas to remodel are usually the 
kitchen and bath.  Newly re-done cooking spaces and cabinets 
can attract more buyers and may command a slightly higher price 
for the home than a comparable one on the market.  Simple 
repairs that are made to last will bring you the biggest 
returns upon sale.

Enlarged bathrooms are the most popular attraction for new home 
buyers, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. 
Today, the most popular additions for younger buyers are sunken 
whirlpool baths and showers. But be sure to install modest, 
solid amenities.  It’s easy to quickly over-spend on bathroom 
fixtures.

Buyers are, by convention, more interested in above-ground 
living space – not basements, yards and walkways.  Swimming 
pools can be a poor investment if installed for the sole 
purpose of increasing a home’s value; it’s rare that a pool’s 
cost will be recovered in a home sale.  It can also be a 
negative feature for potential buyers with very young 
children.

Replacing worn carpeting, tiles and wood floors can give your 
home an immediate advantage over similar properties in the area. 
Updating paint colors in all areas of your home can also prove 
beneficial.

However, it’s recommended that you use neutral colors, such 
as gray, beige and off-white when adding new floor and wall 
coverings.  Fewer buyers will then turn away because of 
differing tastes. 

Stay simple with your remodeling and look at your home as 
though you were the buyer.  Chances are that if you find the 
upstairs bedroom could be brightened by a larger window, 
potential buyers will probably feel the same.

Don’t go overboard.  Concentrate on improving two or three 
deficiencies in your home.  More than likely, the time and 
money you spend adding quality to your home will be rewarded 
with greater profit at selling time.