October 9, 10 & 11, 2008
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Washtenaw Remodelers
Council Directory
Featuring Remodelers, Services,
and Trade Contractors.
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Virtues of Remodeling
Having trouble squeezing your growing family into your home? Has the baby’s playpen become a permanent fixture in the dining room? Or maybe an in-law has moved in and your kids are grudgingly sharing a bedroom. If you’re thinking about buying a bigger house but you really love your current neighborhood and feel at home in spite of the tight quarters, remodeling might just be the solution to your space problems.
The decision to move or improve is an emotional, as well as financial, one. A change in residence, schools or churches can cause stress, according to the “Life Change Scale” developed by psychologists. Consider the costs associated with moving. If you sell your house you’ll have to pay a percentage to a broker, and you’ll also have to pay a percentage of your new home’s price in closing costs. With what you’ll pay in moving costs you might be able to turn your current home into your dream home—for less money.
Vast improvements can be made to an older home to increase its livability. Rooms like kitchens and baths can be updated. New rooms can be added to increase living space. Homes built back in the 1960s and 70s are noticeably smaller than those built now. People remodel for many reasons; yet most homeowners cite needing more space or wanting to add amenities as the top reasons. Remodeling allows homeowners to tailor their homes to meet their current needs and desires.
Both moving and remodeling are an upheaval. Location, current family circumstances and finances are influential factors in either moving or remodeling. Before making the decision whether to move or improve, carefully examine your needs.
Improving Your Home
Is your home conveniently located near your job and other important activities?
- Neighbors can be wonderful, lifelong friends. Are you happy in your neighborhood? Consider schools, church and friends.
- Is the value of other homes in your neighborhood rising?
- Does your home offer most of what you want in a house? Could a few changes make a world of difference? What are your needs and can they be met with some improvements to your existing home?
- Do local building codes allow you to build an addition either out or up?
- Is the kitchen or bath one of the first places you want to make changes?
- Is lack of space a major complaint about your current home?
- How much would improvements cost?
- What’s the possible return on investment for improvements? Of course, improvements may increase the value of your home for buyers in the future. But don’t just consider the monetary return. Will improvements increase the quality of time you spend at home?
- What would your monthly housing costs be after improvements?
Moving to a New Home
- Compare the location of your present home with areas you’re considering.
- Try to imagine your present home after it’s been remodeled. How does it compare with a new home?
- Determine the value of amenities such as landscaping or window coverings that you’ll have to replace if you move.
- Determine the cost of new furniture or appliances for a new home.
- What is the cost of selling your present home?
- Have long have other houses in your neighborhood stayed on the market?
- Would you have to sell your current home before closing on another one?
- What might settlement costs be for a new home?
- What would your monthly housing costs be after moving to a new home?
In many cases, homeowners may decide their existing home offers most of what they want. Expert remodeling work, done by a professional Remodeler, can add comfort, space, and ultimately enhance the financial value of a home.
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