What Rooms Should I Remodel?
Many people take advantage of home remodeling to increase their home value. They often sell their property quicker and at a higher price thanks to their home remodeling achievements. Many times you can earn $2-3 on every $1 you spend. That means remodeling your home can actually earn you money. The problem is most people aren't sure where to start with their home remodeling project. The two most popular areas to increase home value via remodeling are kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
The wonderful thing about these two areas of home remodeling is they aren't very large in nature. Unlike opening a den where you need to remove walls, a bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling project is done on a smaller scale. As a result, you don't have to spend nearly as much money on your home remodeling project to make your house look fresh and new.
1. Kitchen Remodeling
If you're considering remodeling your kitchen, a good place to start is with the cabinets. That's because they're one of the first focal points you notice when entering any kitchen. A fresh coat of paint on any exposed walls also helps. Not only will the room smell fresher, it will look new as well. Other items on your to-do list can include:
Ø New Appliances
Ø Stainless Steel Sinks
Ø New Counter Tops
Ø New Tiles or Backsplashes
Ø Hardwood or Laminate Flooring
Kitchen remodeling can also include new furniture such as breakfast nook tables and chairs, island carts, or barstools. You don't need to spend a small fortune on your kitchen remodeling project. It just needs to appear visually appealing to potential buyers.
Remember, the newer your home appears, the sooner you'll sell it at a price you want. Remodeling your kitchen is a cost-effective way of doing just that.
2. Bathroom Remodeling
Much like kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling also increases your home value. Better yet, the bathroom is even smaller in size than the kitchen...at least in most homes. So if you've considered remodeling your bathroom to earn more on a home sale, don't forget the following areas to update:
Ø Cabinets
Ø Counter Tops and Vanities
Ø Sinks
Ø Flooring and Tile
Ø Tubs and Showers
3. Home Remodeling Cuts Taxes
Another fact that many people don't realize is there can be an additional benefit to home remodeling when tax time comes.
When you earn money on the sale of a home, you're charged a capital gains tax. What that means is any money you make over the value of a home can be taxed. However, according to the IRS's Publication 523, Selling Your Home, you can declare certain improvements you made to a home, like a kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling. This can also include items such as:
Ø Additions such as bedrooms, bathrooms, decks, garages, porches or patios.
Ø New plumbing or wiring.
Ø Any new heating and/or air conditioning units.
Ø Interior upgrades such as built-in appliances and wall-to-wall carpeting.
Ø Exterior upgrades like paving the driveway.
Any tax-acceptable improvements are those that add value to your home and prolong your home's useful life according to the IRS, not you. So check with your accountant who knows IRS tax law to make sure any home remodeling you does will be covered. In addition, be sure you save receipts so you have proof of cost.
Where to Look For Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Products & Services
If you're not a do-it-yourselfer, it's probably best to get quotes from home improvement contractors to help you with your remodeling project. Most of the products needed for your project can be found in various retail outlets or home improvement stores. However, you can likely save the most money by buying discount home remodeling products direct from the manufacturer.
Remember, not only will remodeling your home make it more livable and enjoyable for you, but any renovations you make to your home will increase its sale price...and maybe save you money come tax time too.