Midrange Trends

 
Homeowners are looking for ways to get more use out of the space that they have, so it's not surprising that the attic bedroom addition made the biggest jump in the midrange category, increasing nearly 10% in cost recouped since 2008.
 
Other upgrades that saw year-to-year increases were:
 
- The basement remodel.
- Roofing replacement.
- Adding a backup generator.
 
(The fiberglass and steel entry door replacement categories show as increases because they are new categories with no previous data.)
 
Bathroom remodels and major kitchen remodels dropped nearly 4% each, but still recouped 71% and 72.1%, respectively.
 
 
Upscale Trends

 
While all projects in the upscale category showed declines in percent recouped, core structural improvements fared better than more aesthetic upgrades.  For example, roofing replacement dropped just 2.5% in 2009, whereas bathroom and kitchen remodels experienced drops in the 5% to 7% range.
 
(The grand entrance projects shows as an increase because it is a new category.)
 

 

National Trends
 
Average cost recouped has been declining since it peaked out at 86.7% in 2005, averaging 63.8% in 2009.  This is a result of increased construction costs and declining home values.  According to REMODELING® magazine, costs have increased 40.4% in the last five years, while composite average resale value has increased only 11.3%.
 
 
Notable Omission:  The Media Room!
 
With sales of wide-screen televisions on the rise and a cost-conscious public finding ways to stay entertained at home, a media room addition is well worth considering when it comes to both functionality and future resale value.

 
A Word of Caution
 
Local home buyer preferences don't always match up with the data, even when they are broken down by region.  If you're curious about your own upcoming remodel project, please consult with me before making decisions based on the Cost vs. Remodel statistics!  I'll be happy to provide advice that can save you time and money by helping you choose the right projects and materials to begin with.
 
 
 
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Remodel Mistakes to Avoid
 
Getting things right before you get started is the name of the game when it comes to ending up with a remodel project you're happy with.  With that in mind, here are a few common mistakes to know about beforehand:
 
 
Not Matching Material Quality
 
This may seem like a simple concept, but in the course of planning and financing a remodel it's sometimes easy to lose perspective when coordinating materials.  The result can leave viewers with a 'What's wrong with this picture?' feeling; for example, when flooring is elegant tile but countertops are a significantly lower grade material. 
 
It's usually always worth paying a little more or going to some extra effort to end up with a finished product that people appreciate without a second thought.
 
 
Choosing Colors with the Wrong Undertones
 
It's not at all uncommon to see homeowners who meant to paint walls a soft earth tone paint color end up with a slightly pinkish room instead.
 
Paint and carpet colors can have green, blue, red, or true earth tone undertones, and these make a huge difference in the feel and look of a room.  Earth tones are warm, most blues are cool, and some colors with green undertones do not reflect light well.
 
The best way to compare undertones is to look at paint chips and samples side by side.  Lay carpet samples down next to painted areas or paint chips to make sure that the color tones do not clash.
 
Important:  Carpet tends to look lighter when it is actually installed in large areas.  This is especially crucial to know when the carpet is flecked, since the flecks will still look dark but the background color will appear lighter, making the contrast more apparent. 
 
 
Losing a Trade-Off
 
Will the beautifully expanded kitchen encroach so much into another room's space that it becomes significantly less usable?  Does turning the small full bath into a luxurious three-quarter bath leave you without a full bathroom in the home?

 

If your remodel results in you essentially losing space that carries resale value, such as a formal dining room or a living room, think twice before moving forward.  By the same token, be aware that if your future resale market includes families with small children, most of them will want a bathroom that has a tub.
 
While you might end up going ahead with those remodel choices anyway, the key is to know the trade-offs and their consequences before you begin.  This can save untold amounts of money and stress, so please call me for advice before the contractor gets started!