Remodeling That Pays

Upgrading your home is always appealing, but which enhancements really get you a good return for your money when it’s time to sell? A 2002 survey by Remodeling Magazine and REALTOR® Magazine has the answer. To see the complete article, visit http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.nsf/pages/costvaluedec02

Project

Amount You Recoup at Sale

Average Cost

Bathroom remodeling

91 percent

$22,639

Basement remodeling

79 percent

$33,911

Master suite addition

77 percent

$131,471

Bathroom addition

81 percent

$37,639

Family room addition

79 percent

$41,514

Roof replacement

67 percent

$7,644

Siding replacement

79 percent

$5,622

Window replacement

77 percent

$15,502

 

Twelve Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

  1. Get at least three written estimates
  2. Get references and call to check on the work. If possible, go by and visit earlier jobs.
  3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.
  4. Be sure that the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.
  5. Make as small a downpayment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.
  6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
  7. Be sure that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
  8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will do parts.
  9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.
  10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.
  11. Guarantee that materials used meet your specifications.
  12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright / All rights reserved.

Click here for printer-friendly format

Contact Annisha

If you are a buyer, please submit your "wish list" of must-haves. We will calendar an intake call.

If you are a seller, your address is sufficient for me to pull closed sale comps. We will calendar a walk-through of the property.

If you are a renter and NOT working with an agent, please complete the form below for a list of properties. PLEASE ENTER A BUDGET. NO PRICE RANGE = NO IDEA WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. 

 

If you are a Housing Choice or subsidized housing participant, please enter your expected move in date, your Housing Authority, your voucher size, the voucher expiration date, TTP or S8/Rent Burden figures. I will then send you a list of available rental properties, photos and qualifications. Upon receipt of your selections, I will coordinate showing dates/times.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the overwhelming demand for rentals, we can not hold a home without a refundable good faith deposit. I am a Realtor® not a scam artist. I will not lose my license over your refundable good faith deposit. Once you are approved, I bring the deposit to your move-in and perform a walk-through with the owner/agent. If you are denied, we can apply your deposit to your next choice OR holding Broker will refund it. If you do not want to secure your deal, I can not help you. No one is holding homes in this HOT marketplace with just your voucher. Trust me. Not happening. I am getting several offers overnight on listings.

* Required