Considerations for upgrading a home

Everyone enjoys a new look in their home, and in today’s market, keeping your home updated and fresh is imperative to retain or increase the resale value. Whether you are looking to upgrade for increased sales value or simply because you want an original look in your home, there are guidelines you can follow to create a new look.

“We find that often customers consider their kitchen or master bathroom redo the same way they consider a luxury car purchase or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. They measure their return on investment in something other than pure dollars,” said Mary Ann Elston, owner of Kitchen and Bath Cottage in Shreveport. “We find that our clients place a high value on their lifestyle and personal enjoyment as opposed to a dollar for dollar return on investment.”

Design professionals can help you develop a master plan and keep a cohesive remodel you will be happy with for years to come. Kori Shurley and April Sharlow, interior designers for the team at Kitchen and Bath Cottage, said there are certain aspects of design that need to be taken into consideration when remodeling or upgrading. “First, your choices need to fit in with the style of the home,” Shurley said. “The trend in kitchen and bath design has moved toward designs that are both functional and comfortable, as well as beautiful. It’s best to keep a similar quality throughout the home.”

Shurley also suggests being mindful of choices. “A poor addition or remodel can hurt a home’s value,” she said. “Customers recognize that cutting corners can hurt their resale value as well as diminish their enjoyment of their new space.”

One final piece to consider is growth.

“Expanding the footprint can add value because generally neighborhoods are valued on a square foot price range,” Shurley said.

Adding value to your home is an investment of time as well as money, and Sharlow suggests clients be selective with decisions. “People don’t think anything about paying $50,000 or more on a vehicle they are going to drive for maybe five years, so our clients tend to think about their homes that way,” she said. “If they are planning on staying in their home for a longer period of time, they really want to invest in quality materials and workmanship.”

In addition, it’s imperative to build a successful and trustworthy team around you. “It’s so important to work with reputable professionals – contractors, suppliers, etc. – that will stand behind their work and fix any issues that crop up,” Sharlow said. “Ask about warranties, longevity of company, experience with remodeling projects. And also keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best choice for a remodeling/ building project. What are you sacrificing when you go with the lowest price? Quality? Service? Experience?” If a client is planning to sell their home in the future, they should pay attention to what would appeal to future buyers. Perhaps your style leans more toward the bright and boisterous, but that may not allure your potential buyer. “A neutral color scheme is desirable to most people, as well as using quality materials that will stand the test of time. A potential buyer doesn’t want to see a cheaply done remodel as they realize they will have to spend more money fixing the mistakes of the previous homeowner,” Sharlow said.

Not sure where to start with a remodeling project? A small change can make a big difference in the look and value of your home. Even a coat of paint, door hardware upgrades or new window treatments can change the look of your residence and increase the value. If you’re looking to take it up a notch, choose a room to work on and make a solid plan. “Typically, we see people remodeling their kitchen first,” Sharlow said. “Mostly what we will see is an appliance and/or a countertop upgrade. Many clients may have built their home on a very tight budget and used Formica as their countertops at that initial construction. What they usually choose to do is an upgrade to a granite countertop or something similar.”

When upgrading your home, Elston urges to remember the piece your residence plays in your life. “Clients consider the family memories that will be made in their new space, as well as the personal comfort and enjoyment they will receive over the years,” she said.

Contact Kitchen and Bath Cottage at www.kbcottage.com or 868-9696.

– Mandy Byrd