Recently a Portland, Oregon homeowner had the following home appraisal-related question. The question is edited for clarity.
“We are moving into a new house and I am curious about suggestions on how to fix the place up and find value. My husband tells me that I am trying to make the house something that it is not. He says that the styles and designs that I have selected ‘do not fit the house.’ I do not agree. Should I worry about overdoing it? We have a small renovation budget and our projects will all be DIY stuff like upgrading fixtures, etc. Do you have any advice?”
The following is my best answer without viewing the house or studying market data specific to the property.
Whenever I am counseling anyone on a renovation, the top concern is always not to do too much. The key to maximizing value for most homeowners is to bring the property just up to the level of the majority of the homes around it. It is generally not considered a good idea to improve the property to a higher level than most of the other homes in the area, unless the neighborhood is going thru a major change like gentrification.
With that said, style and design also need to, as your husband says, “fit the house.” However, from a value standpoint, a design that fits the house is not necessarily one that is of your or your husband’s taste, rather one that matches the desire of the typical buyer. When in doubt, I always default to my wife’s taste, for a happy wife is more important than home value.
Joking aside, the idea is that if you appeal to as many buyers as possible, you are more likely to receive maximum value for your house. Avoid selecting styles that make bold statements, unless the design of the house itself makes a bold statement. A good place to find styles that appeal to buyers is to look at speculation (spec) homes being built in your area. Spec home builders are always looking for styles that maximize appeal and increase the profitability of new construction. Here is a link to a past blog that explains more about the relationship between cost and value of changes to your home.
If you have a home that you are thinking of remodeling, I am happy to consult with you. My answer might be surprising and could save you thousands of dollars. Call or email me anytime.
Did I leave anything out or do you want to join in the conversation? Let me know in the comments below.
If you find this information interesting or useful, please subscribe to this blog and like A Quality Appraisal, LLC on Facebook. Also, please support us by making Portland real estate appraisal related comments on our blogs and YouTube videos. If you need Portland, Oregon area residential real estate appraisal services for any reason, please request appraisal fee quote or book us to speak at your next event. We will do everything possible to assist you.
Thanks for reading,