Updating: "Where Do I Start?"

Sometimes it is difficult to know what parts of your home need updating. When you live in a home, you see the same cabinets, counter tops and appliances each day, and don’t always recognize they are growing older. At some point though, you will think to yourself, “It is time for an update.” Next, you will find yourself asking, “Where do I start?”

The kitchen and master bathroom are two main areas in the house that generally make the biggest difference. The kitchen is the center of the home where people gather, and a focal point of any home. The master bathroom is an area that is dedicated to the owner of the home and represents a touch of luxury.

The kitchen has several components that are important to update. The counter tops are one of the most important items to update. Granite has become cheaper and more readily available. This is good, but it also means the market expects it more often. The cabinets are important as they make up a large portion of the kitchen. Golden oak cabinets, though a high-quality product that will last forever, are now seen as dated and as such require updating. The trend lately has been painted cabinets in whites, grays or creams, but a white washed wood is also a good choice. Stainless steel appliances go a long way towards making a kitchen feel updated as well. It is important to note that the impact of the updates is also dependent on the value of the home and the comparable homes being sold. If for instance you spend $80k on a kitchen remodel for a $300k home, you will not get as much return as if you did the same remodel on an $800k home.

Similar updates to the master bathroom are also effective. The counter tops and cabinets will go a long way to update the feel of the bathroom. New tile work on the floor and on the tub/shower surround will vastly improve the appeal of the bathroom. An updated faucet is a cheap and easy update. It is worth restating that the value of your home will help indicate how much updating the market will accept and pay for. If you have a very high-end home, it may be worth creating a walk-in shower and adding a freestanding tub; but if your home is more modest, repainting the cabinets, installing granite counter tops a new faucet and shower fixtures may be enough.

Other areas that may bring a good return on investment include finishing your basement, adding or enlarging your garage (anything past 3 cars usually has diminishing return), updating door hardware or painting. These updates help your home to be more visually appealing and increase usable space.

Be cautious when updating landscaping, as you will get very little return on anything more extravagant than a basic yard. Things that prospective buyers have a hard time seeing will also have less of a return. For instance, adding insulation is great, but the benefits may not be fully recognized. Items that are personalized or specific to your taste will likely not bring as great of a return either. This could include stained glass windows, or a mural wall.

It is usually a good idea to stick with the basics and do a good job with them. Avoid extremes and try to work within a budget that matches the home’s value. It is important to note that you should feel comfortable in your own home, so any update of upgrade that would bring you enjoyment is worth considering. Good luck with your updating!