| Maximizing the function and style of your home, | | | | A common mistake homeowner's make is assuming |
| could be very challenging. Before you buy, you should | | | | that when they sell they will getback the money |
| know the pros and cons of home remodeling. There | | | | they invest in remodeling their home. How much you |
| are several directions you can take when planning to | | | | can get backdepends on local real estate market |
| remodel your home. | | | | conditions, the type of remodel project, and |
| Homeowners, do-it-yourself projects are a fact of | | | | thelength of time between the project completion |
| life. The amount of planning andtime you spend | | | | and the sale of the property. |
| before you start a project can have a direct result | | | | It doesn't make sense to take on a major renovation |
| on the endproduct. Hiring a contractor or doing it | | | | if you plan to sell in the nearfuture. If this will be a |
| yourself, this guide can help. | | | | long-term home for you, then it may be worthwhile |
| You may have settled into your new home and | | | | to investin a major overhaul. But, keep in mind that |
| discovered that it doesn't work foryou the way that | | | | design tastes change over time. |
| you thought it would. perhaps you've grown tired of | | | | Talk to your local real estate agent to find out |
| searching fora new home. So, you're thinking about | | | | whether your remodel plans are likelyto meet with |
| remodeling instead of moving. | | | | market approval. The point of remodeling is to make |
| Try to hire a design professional who will charge on | | | | your home bettersuit your lifestyle. But, it's also |
| an hourly basis. Most architectswould develop a full | | | | important to consider the resale potential of |
| set of architectural plans for you right away. This can | | | | yourimprovements. |
| costthousands of dollars, which you don't want to | | | | The value of a remodel project will vary from one |
| spend unless you're definitely goingahead with the | | | | place to the next. Your agent canhelp you determine |
| project. | | | | if you will be over-improving your home for your |
| Find out if your home can be modified to create the | | | | neighborhood. |
| kind of space you need. Youalso need to talk with | | | | Keep in mind that most remodel projects end up |
| the local building department to find out if there are | | | | costing more than budget. Factorthis in to your cost |
| anyrestrictions that would prevent you from starting | | | | analysis. |
| your project. | | | | |