Your home is much more than four walls. It’s a reflection of who you are. For most people, it is the largest investment they will ever make.
Blood, sweat and tears are the usual collateral, however making a wise decision regarding where to invest your well-earned dollars can sometimes feel troubling to homeowners.
Striking a balance between cosmetic pleasantries and necessities are often challenging. What do you do first? When do you draw the line and prevent yourself from over improving?
First and foremost, the structural integrity is the most important. Do all of your systems work properly? Has your roof exceeded its designed life expectancy? Replacing a roof can be a significant repair. Proactive decisions can be the smartest course of action, saving you money in the long run.
Do you professionally maintain your heating system? This small cost can extend the life of your heating system and can generate thousands of dollars saved in heating efficiency.
Maybe this isn’t your first home. You have the experience and knowledge and feel confident in your purchase.
You desire to make a few renovations, but you are questioning where you should begin.
This is easy! Start with the kitchen. This is the hub of the house and best improvement you could make to reinvest in your home. For best results, you will want your space to be open, light and bright with good functionality. Natural woods, earth tone stone and stainless steel appliances are always a safe bet.
Adding square footage can also be a good choice if the benefit outweighs the cost. Turning a three-season porch into heated living space would be more beneficial then finishing a basement that is below grade and won’t be factored into overall above grade square footage.
Finally, your home is treasured and valued by far more than what the current market trend says. Pride of ownership is essential in maintaining a happy home and healthy investment. Love your home and allow it to love you back in return.
(April Dunn is a real estate agent with Verani Realty and can be reached at april.dunn@verani.com.)