Home remodeling and benefits when selling your home

1. Valuable information for buyers and sellers.
According to Remodeling magazine’s 2011-2012 “Cost vs.
Value Report,” replacement projects perform better in resale
value than other types of remodeling projects. In fact, seven
out of the top 10 projects were siding-, window- and door-
replacement projects.
The good news for cost-conscious homeowners is that
investing in your home in a way that pays off at resale
doesn’t have to cost a lot. The high value of most replacements can be
contributed to the relatively low cost of these projects. What’s more, the majority
of replacement projects immediately improve curb appeal, making the home
more attractive to buyers.
Based on interviews with real estate professionals throughout the country, the
Remodeling report found that the top project is fiber-cement siding, which
typically recoups 78 percent of costs. Fiber-cement siding has been in the No.1
spot for six of the seven years since it was added to the report.
Moving up two spots in the rankings is the minor kitchen remodel, now coming in
at fourth place at 72 percent. Considered an “interior replacement” project, this is
the least expensive way to give an existing kitchen a complete facelift. It is
typically done by adding new cabinet door and drawer fronts and hardware, new
countertops and new appliances.
The right remodeling project, when done well, also has the potential to make for
a quicker sale and reduce negotiations with buyers over perceived shortcomings.
Click here to access the “Cost vs. Value” website, where you can download data
for all regions of the country.