As you survey the homestead and consider the different areas to tackle in a renovation project, it may seem like there are an infinite number of options. This may be true, depending on how vigilant you've been about keeping your home in tip-top shape. Home renovation is not only a great way to improve your quality of life, it makes your home more valuable at every step.
First, look around the house and try to assess your biggest needs. Do you have energy-draining appliances that could be upgraded? Replacing them should be your top priority, as you will drastically improve your quality of life while saving money in the short and long run. Once you have your old heaters and refrigerators replaced, you should check on how replacing windows can also keep your energy costs down. Like any project, it's a good idea to handle the big ticket items early.
Next, consider tackling the two big rooms: the kitchen and the bathroom. When real estate agents begin to market a house, they automatically look to these rooms as target areas. Leaving the bathroom for another day, it's essential to keep your kitchen updated if you want any chance of selling your home at a fair price in this housing market. The good news is: most renovations don't trade dollar for dollar on the real estate market; they are actually multiplied. In other words, what you spend $3,000 on could mean an added $10,000 in your home's sale price. The difference comes through marketability and the amount of work you've put into the job. It's like a buyer is paying you to avoid the headache.
Looking around the kitchen, it's easy to target some areas of concern. Assuming you have the refrigerator and oven/stove to your satisfaction, you should get started with the countertops. When researching homes for sale, you'll see the same phrases repeated: "granite countertops," "stainless steel appliances" and "fully renovated." It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what you should research, too. Cabinets can come later, but scratched or worn counters top the list.
Regardless of whether you're selling or staying, replacing your countertops is the way to transform your kitchen from drab and dated into sparkling and modern. When choosing granite, you probably won't have to think about the idea of countertop replacement for as long as you live, which is one of the reasons it has become so popular. You will need to have it sealed properly to enjoy its maximum benefits, but that is the case with any home improvement project: the details should always be taken seriously. Simple steps lead to giant benefits, so in the course of your shopping experience, ask a lot of questions. If you're in the right store, the salesperson will probably give you more information that you can handle.
