Do’s and Don’ts to Make a Home Addition Pay Off

$$$ HI FOLKS $$$ FYI ALONG WITH ANOTHER FYI FOR REAL ESTATE HELP AT 909.910.2481 $$$ ..... When your home improvement projects include an addition, it should suit both your needs and taste, but stick with this simple guideline to help it pay off for you in the long run. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow if you’re looking to add to your home while also adding value to your house. 1. Do Increase the Size of Your Kitchen It’s said that any kitchen improvement project will add to the value of your home. When considering a kitchen addition, make sure that what you’re doing is functional for your current needs and the potential needs of future buyers. Keep your own taste and wants in mind to create your dream kitchen, but if you plan on selling anytime in the near future, remember to keep it functional and neutral. Chef’s kitchens are a huge selling point and stone countertops with upgraded appliances are always a plus. 2. Don’t Overbuild for the Size of Your Lot Adding square footage to your home will almost always pay off, unless it’s at the expense of your lot size. Enlarging a kitchen, adding a sunroom, additional bedrooms or bathrooms will increase the value of your home, but remember that you, and potential buyers, will want outdoor living space as well. If you build to the edge of your property lines you’re eliminating the opportunity for landscaping, patio space and kid’s play areas. You also may upset neighbors. Your homeowner’s association, or city, may have regulations as to how far you can build on your lot, so be sure to check that and pull all the proper permits before any addition. 3. Do Add Additional Bathrooms Just like a kitchen addition, adding one or more bathrooms to your house will likely add value to your home now, and when you are ready to sell. Whether you’re adding a powder room to the main floor, or increasing the number of bathrooms that accommodate the bedrooms, you almost can’t go wrong. You may want to consult with a professional to be sure that both the location and functionality of the additional bathroom makes sense with your home’s layout. 4. Don’t Overdo Specialized Customization If your intention is to stay in this home for decades after your addition, go ahead and do whatever you want. If you have plans of selling, either eventually or quickly, try to consider that your taste may not be universal. Going for neutral in flooring, tiling and appliances is always a plus. You may fall in love with intricate, expensive custom cabinetry that is everything you’ve dreamed of, but a potential buyer may not share your enthusiasm. The bottom line when it comes to home additions is to follow your heart and create the home of your dreams, but if you’re looking to cash in on those dreams at some point, these simple do’s and don’ts provide a guideline to additions that will pay off in the long run.