Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
The so-called “water rooms” routinely return triple digits in markets as varied as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Minneapolis, Chicago, San Diego, Atlanta and San Francisco. These are the most expensive upgrades, leveling out in the range of $15,000 to $20,000, but they return every penny.
Forget about the tub; go for the huge walk-in shower, especially a floor-to-ceiling steam shower. If you have the money, go for the traditional bath in the second bathroom area. Kitchen ROI goes up with granite countertops, butler pantries and second cook stations.
Home Maintenance
If your gutters get clogged and your roof leaks, the money that you spend on your kitchens and bathrooms will go unnoticed. People like to assume the basic things in the house work, so make them work. Replace the drainage pipes and upgrade the metal to copper or a stronger alloy. Make sure the roof shingles are not cracked and the HVAC system is not blowing dusty air into your newly remodeled kitchens and bathrooms.
Curb Appeal
Your buyers will never get to your HVAC or your kitchen if they do not get past your curb. Before you spend any money on home maintenance or your kitchens, make sure that your siding, porch and landscaping are immaculate. These upgrades are relatively low-cost and serve as a loss leader to get the buyer interested in your more expensive upgrades. Read more Home Tips on Blog here.