Jay Lagana is a regular contributor at www.diyhomerenovation.com, a site devoted to DIY Home Renovation advice .
One of the most nerve-wracking aspects about remodeling to increase the value of your home is this:Should you spend all this money on home improvement or just sell your house as it is and start over? Before you embark on any extensive improvement project,it's a good idea to determine whether remodeling is the best option for you,or whether it makes more sense to buy another house that will better fit your needs.
The following questionnaire will help steer you in the right direction.Answer each question and record the number of points associated with that answer.
1.How far "off" is your present house from the one you would like to live in?
A little (5)
Somewhat (3)
A lot (1) Score: ______
2.What are the property values doing in your neighborhood?
Increasing (5)
Staying the same (3)
Decreasing (1)Score: ______
3.What are property conditions doing in your neighborhood?
Getting better (5)
Staying the same (3)
Declining (1) Score: ______
4.How long will you get useful life out of any potential remodeling?
10+ Years (5)
3-10 Years (3)
Less than 3 Years (1)Score: ______
5.In relation to your house, the other homes in the neighborhood are:
Larger (5 )
Similar (3)
Smaller (1)Score: ______
TOTAL: ______
If you scored under 10 points,moving might be your best option because you know you're not going to own your current home for long and you might live in a neighborhood where the property values are actually decreasing.
If your total is between 10 to 17 points,either option (moving or remodeling) might work for you.You need to take other factors such as your budget and your job stability into consideration. Any score of 18 or above indicates that remodeling might indeed be a good idea,especially if you are committed to your neighborhood and the property values where you live are stable or increasing. Even ifyouíve already decided that it makes sense for you to remodel, don't call the lumberyard just yet.Next you have to look at whether you need to repair before you remodel.Even if you've decided to sell without remodeling,hold off a bit before you call a real estate agent.While repairs might not increase the value of your home,maintenance left undone can take dollars out of your pocket at resale.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Home Remodeling, Remodeling Versus Selling
- Home Renovations - Helping to Sell your Home
- Take clear steps when remodeling your home
- Austin Remodeling
- Buying a New Home or Renovating the Old One
- When improving your home, always think 'resale'
- Remodeling Projects That Add Value
- Guide To Sell Your Home In 2008
5 Steps to Making Free Electricity Using a Magnetic Power Generator
By: Elijiah Rampart | 29/12/2009So, you have had it with the rising costs of electricity and you have decided to generate your own free electricity at home. If you are like me, you looked into just how to do this. After much research on solar, wind, and other popular methods I found that magnetic power generation for home use was my best over all choice.
Possibly GREEN...Guidance to Help You Go Green
By: Avery Mann | 29/12/2009Clear insight and accurate tips to help you go green. Going green with renewable energy, car conversion, zero chemicals,organic food garden, and household advice. Join the Environmental Revolution.
Solar Water Heater with a Tankless Water Heater?
By: William Lund | 28/12/2009I was asked by a potential customer a few days ago about using a solar water heater in conjunction with a tankless water heater. I think using a solar water heater to feed a tankless water heater is a great idea and a green idea at that.
Build Your Own Solar Power System
By: Keyi Cansa | 28/12/2009Do you want to learn how you can begin building your own solar power system today? You can dramatically reduce your electric bill today to nearly nothing like many people have. The power of the sun is the best thing we have, it's literally the most powerful thing in our solar system - obviously, that's why it's called the solar system, why don't we finally take advantage of all the energy that it's giving us!
Residential Solar Power Systems - Create DIY Solar Electricity
By: Keyi Cansa | 28/12/2009Solar energy solutions: Solar electricity, Renewable energy, going green is becoming very popular with do it yourself enthusiast to use an alternative energy than using fossil fuel power.
Building my own Solar Panel
By: Keyi Cansa | 28/12/2009Do it yourself solar power has now become a common project. All over the pages of the Internet courses are coming up teaching do it yourself solar power methods and the benefits you can obtain from creating your own solar panels, but the question needs to be asked: Can you really make your own solar cells?
Passive Solar Home Design
By: Keyi Cansa | 28/12/2009Passive Solar Design consists of architectural elements such as windows and building layouts that seek to take advantage of sunlight in order to heat or power a building. Collection, storage, and use of the sun's heat reduces energy bills and carbon emissions from more traditional energy sources.
Solar Panels from Wholesale Solar Renewable Energy
By: Keyi Cansa | 28/12/2009When you open your electric bill, are you afraid to see how much it is? You see the balance and get a sick feeling deep inside. Well, you can put an end to that Now. You can create your own power by making alternative energy for your home.