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 Cost
VS. Value: Best Investments in Remodeling
When
it comes to remodeling, how can you be sure that your
investment will pay off?
An annual report that compares construction costs
with resale value shows that in the Central region of
the United States, kitchens and baths are the rooms that
offer the best payoff.
A
survey of more than 2,100 members of the National
Association of Realtors reinforces that money spent on
updating kitchens and baths is money well spent.
In fact, Money Magazine even goes as far to say
that mid-range kitchen and bath modernizations add from
90% to 102% of their costs to the home’s value.
Carrie
Norris of Grand Homes and Renovations is a member of the
Remodelor’s Council of Greater Des Moines and feels
that functionality, aesthetics and affordability are
three important considerations in designing your new
kitchen. “When
remodeling your kitchen, please remember it not only
increases the value of your home, but the quality of
your life. Whether
entertaining with family or friends, helping children
with their homework, or relaxing with a newspaper, our
families find comfort in their new kitchens.”
“Kitchens
and baths are the most popular rooms to remodel because
they have fixtures and appliances that have a shorter
life cycle than things such as trim and drywall,” says
Devan Kaufman, owner of Kaufman Construction.
“So it only makes sense that these rooms would
need remodeling more often and future homebuyers would
place more value on the rejuvenated space.
In addition, these rooms are exposed to much more
wear and tear from repetitive motion and destructive
elements such as water, grease, heat and chemicals.”
Not
all Des Moines area remodelors agree with the
recommendations of the annual cost vs. value concept.
Rollie Clarkson, owner of Remodeling Contractors
says “The cost vs. value ratio can be determined many
ways, not always by a balance sheet.
A more useful project, such as more room for the
kids to play in (accomplished with a basement finish) may
not yield the best financial return, but it may be the
right project for your family.”
Siding
replacement, window replacement and two-story additions
also ranked in the top five as good investments in the
cost-to-construction figures,  which included a study of
25 projects. These
results were findings of the Northwest and Central
regions of the United States.
To get your remodeling project off to a great
start, be sure to start with members of the
Remodelor’s Council of the Greater Des Moines
Homebuilders Association.
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