I love all the Recycled, Green countertops, flooring and sinks. But as my friends remind me, I must consider what I am doing with this condo, because quite honestly, boring (neutral) sells. Everybody wants granite countertops, everybody wants hardwood, travertine, tile floors and just go to Home Depot. It seems that to sell your house, you have to do boring, boring, blah brown or shades of brown, which means, ivory, creme, beige, tan, ecru, light brown, need I go on? So the question arises, do I redo in fun, great, unusual colors materials and concepts, or do I stick with the usual products that are at Home Depot?
That said, after embarking on a countertop search, barring the fact, I cant’ re-use any of the cabinets I find, all my friends started making comments on what sells. They are right, my taste runs run to vivid colors, I have art and furniture from around the world plus a smattering of antiques. I love the rubber floors,(soft and warm, but the colors!) I love the enviroglas countertops,(too wild) I’m considering concrete flooring (too cold, my friends say), recycled tile for the bathroom (too expensive) and then the jokes about the dual flush toilets. Just do Granite (why do I have to follow the crowd?)
OK, I don’t want to be the Home Depot, Loews Crowd. There is something that just bothers me to have to go there and buy the same product that everybody else has. Am I being a rebel with an expensive cause? It would be the easiest way to go definitely, but sometimes easiest is not always best.
So listed below are my Top 7 Things to Consider on Remodeling.
1.) Why are you doing this remodel?
2.) Are you going to live there?
3.) Rental or resale?: Therein lies the problem. If it is for rental, go with strong, durable and easily cleanable products, because you know the tenants will not take care of it. If it is for resale, you have to appeal to the masses. No offense to anyone.
4.) Trends in housing and design: What will make the house sell in 2 years? You should always consider, as what you do should be adding value. Current trends (and these will not change) Water usage, Energy usage, Low VOC paints, Organic anything and Indoor -Outdoor Living.
5.) Space: how to best utilize it. This is especially true when having small spaces. Adding storage when remodeling is crucial. The illusion of bigger is always better.
6.) Neighborhood: Homeowners if you have, over pricing in the neighborhood.
7.) Budget: The #1 Consideration of Course. I know if I put $50, 000 into this remodel in my neighborhood, I will recoup only $50,000. If I put in $50,000 into another property, I would recoup $100,000. How much are you really willing to spend? No matter what you do, you have to add 20% on to the contractor price. In addition, you don’t want to put cheap appliances and fixtures in place. They will break and the ROI (return on investment) is awful.