In stagnant housing markets, it’s not enough to funnel money into renovations for properties that might never sell. The key is making smart investments based off your property’s weak points. Check these quick tips for making sure you’re getting the greatest possible market value for your upgrade dollars.
Was your house built before the 60’s? Pre-60’s properties typically need help in three general areas: power infrastructures, plumbing, and outdated flooring. The average house built before the 60’s were set up with electrical systems ranging from 60 to 90 amps. Basically this means that trying to run modern day toasters, laptops, and hair curlers all at once could crisp your old house as it bursts into something resembling an over-juiced Christmas tree. If you have any doubts about the ability of your older place to handle the heavy draw of newer equipment you can expect new inhabitants to be carrying in, upgrading your electrical system to the modern average of about 200 amps would definitely represent a sound investment.
As far as plumbing goes, find out exactly what you’re working with. If you find you have a system of galvanized pipes, you could be in for trouble, since galvanized pipes corrode over time. Finally, size up your flooring situation. Carpets from the pre-60’s eras are notoriously heinous, but you might be in for a stroke of luck if your inexcusable shags are concealing solid hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are quite popular currently, and ripping up your retro rugs could serve as a quick fix for flooring.
70’s era home? The bad news is that the era’s rampant poor taste in colors probably infiltrated everything from the banisters to the bathtubs, but the good news is that color schemes are easily fixed with some fresh and sensible coats of paint. Exterior brick and sidings can equally benefit from new outlooks, especially when the roofing materials are replaced in order to match.
80’s crash pad? One of the most ubiquitous mistakes of this time period was tacky wallpaper. Wall paper in general has suffered a general decline in desirability and you’d probably do best to tear it all down. Solid, tasteful colors in accordance with the intended function of each room will likely be appreciated in wallpaper’s stead. Try soothing ocean or sky blues in rooms slated for relaxation, or empowering bold citrus colors for rooms where people will be active and productive.
90’s? Focus on replacing outdated appliances. Even good brands can begin wearing out after 10 to 15 years. More importantly, there is an entire new generation of energy efficient appliances that can not only save you money but even earn you tax breaks! When looking to give your 90’s home a facelift before putting it back on the market, don’t forget the ovens, heaters, boilers, and circulation systems. Contrary to common sense, 90’s homes often require more work than houses dating much farther back simply because it can be tedious or costly (or too easily overlooked) to make sure all appliances are up to snuff.
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