by Starla Ross

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 14, 2009

When remodeling, wise choices can quickly increase the value of your home. Not only will you receive added value in the equity of your home, but in beauty and style as well.

In the decision to choose where to add extra value to your property, consider these options:

CURB APPEAL

What you have inside your home won't really matter, if potential buyers, appraisers, or your friends are turned off by the exterior of your home.

Replacing old aluminum siding and weathered windows will not only increase the attractiveness of your home, but add energy efficiency as well for families wanting to control energy costs.

The addition of landscaping or flower beds helps the home look more attractive and softens the look of the yard.

"GREEN" MATERIALS

More and more, families are becoming concerned about their "ecological footprint" or the amount of energy and "stuff" they are using from their environment.

Updating your home so that it's better able to conserve energy or water, as well as heating and cooling costs, makes a big impact on your monthly energy usage and therefore your energy bill. Money spent on energy conservation will benefit your family now and another family that may purchase your house in the future.

The use of "green" or enviromentally-friendly materials has also become important. When remodeling your home, consider items that have been constructed of recycled items or items that have little impact on the environment.

KITCHEN

The kitchen is often the heartbeat of the home, where many family members and guests gather for food or conversation. Money spent on improving your kitchen will almost surely result in an increase in home value.

Home improvement projects in this area don't need to be expensive. Painting cabinetry and trim, replacing drawer pulls/knobs, and updating counter tops can make a huge improvement. Changing an out-dated light fixture with a new fixture takes just a few minutes and can make a dramatic difference. If you have more money in your budget, replacing a vinyl floor with ceramic tile, cork, or laminate flooring can also make for huge improvements.

BATHROOMS

Bathrooms boasting fixtures/tile of harvest gold, olive green, pink, and turquoise will always increase in value with an update to a more neutral color. If the bathtub and sink are already white and in good condition, updating the bath cabinets, sink tops, and light fixtures will provide continuity and value.

If you have the space (and plumbing nearby), increasing the number of bathrooms within a home can automatically increase a home's value by as much as $15,000 or more. This is particularly true with homes that only have one bathroom. Adding a second bathroom greatly increases the worth to potential new homeowners.

FLOORING

The trend now tends to be toward hard wood and laminate flooring, versus carpeting. A change from carpeting to hard woods, especially in areas such as living/family rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, will add value to any home.

Remodeling your home doesn't need to be expensive. Remember to keep the value of your neighborhood in mind when taking on the next home improvement project. You'll want to keep the value of your home in line with the values in your neighborhood and not "overbuild" for the area.

If a home improvement project seems overwhelming, don't hesitate to use the services of remodeling professionals and contractors which can often be found through the use of a remodeling and home improvement social network, either in your local newspaper or online. Your home will look more professionally-finished, and you'll reap the benefits through higher home value.

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