provided by: 
Americans spend billions of dollars a year remodeling their homes. But real estate agents caution that not all projects deliver the same resale payback. So which of the trendy ideas showcased in glossy decorating magazines are the most likely to create an envy-inspiring dream home? The following tips can help you sort through the hype and make the best remodeling choices.
Contact a real estate agent
If you’re thinking about selling your home, do your homework first. A real estate agent can tell you what home buyers in your community desire most. For instance, while gourmet kitchens may be highly coveted, a hot-tub room may not. As a rule of thumb, consider renovations that keep your home current with -- but not exceeding -- the features of competing properties.
Create a budget
Start by estimating your remodeling costs and the percentage you can expect to recoup on resale. In order to reap the greatest reward, it’s important not to go overboard on price. Home improvements that can go a long way in enhancing the appearance of your home (and generally recover most of their costs) include mid-range kitchen or bathroom renovations and exterior home improvements like new siding and landscaping. Durable hardwood flooring also continues to dominate home buyer wish lists and typically achieves full return at resale.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge in your own dream home upgrades, especially if you plan to stay put for a while. If you crave a movie screening room or a customized hobby station, go for it! Just remember that your tastes may not align with those of potential home buyers.
Focus on what’s hot:
1. Contemporary kitchens
There’s no other room that has the potential to dazzle potential buyers more than the kitchen. It’s not surprising. After all, no matter how beautifully you decorate your living room, dining room or bedroom, savvy buyers will realize that when you move out these rooms will be nothing more than empty boxes. The kitchen, however, is most likely to remain looking pretty much the same. You’re not going to be taking the built-in cabinets, sinks and countertops with you. And, in most cases, the kitchen appliances are also going to be thrown into the deal.
Prospective buyers who see a gleaming new kitchen are bound to be impressed. So if your kitchen is looking a little tired, consider upgrading it with new flooring and appliances or refacing the cabinets with new doors and drawers. While stainless steel appliances remain big sellers, it’s popular to conceal new counter-depth appliances behind homey wood paneling. Design experts recommend light, blond or honey-colored woods that create warmth and will outlast some of today’s fickle trends.
Slab countertops without seams or grout lines, in granite, concrete, marble or soapstone continue to be hot -- a top choice over tile or laminate. Quartz countertops are also becoming increasingly popular and, available in a wide range of colors, can easily complement any style from homey to ultra-modern.
To move your kitchen further up-market, choose gourmet, commercial-style stoves and hoods or exaggerated sinks with professional taps and hoses. Stylish appliance options include pull-out refrigerator drawers, oven warming drawers to keep prepared food hot and wine fridges, often hidden below customized islands, eating stations or coffee bars. Current kitchen trends favor sleek, artistic lines, computerized modern appliances in retro styles and colors and Italian cooking accessories like espresso machines.
2. Beautiful bathrooms
After kitchens, the next rooms most likely to create the “wow” factor are bathrooms. Sprucing up your main bathroom, or adding a second or master bath, is bound to add sure-fire appeal. Installing quality light fixtures and updated sink basins and toilets can make a dramatic difference. For added pizzazz, install elegant mirrors and glass shower enclosures with the latest rain showerheads. His and her vanities with personal drawers for beauty and grooming products are also popular.
Create the illusion of a personal spa by installing a soaking tub or trendy new infinity tub that provides water overflow channels. Two person steam showers, heated floors, towel bars and mood lighting are also in vogue, as are low-voltage accent lights, mirrored cabinets and pedestal sinks
3. Finishing touches
You can refresh the rest of your home for added appeal with trendy, low-cost decorating tricks. Add crown molding, cornice and window trim, booster baseboards (at least double the height of the old classic), plantation style window shutters and upgraded door handles. Recessed lighting or new fixtures in streamlined contemporary styles make a big difference in any room, as can enlarging existing windows to draw in more natural light. For extra luxury, add a fireplace or a customized designer walk-in closet large enough for a celebrity-size wardrobe.
The end result will be a home you can enjoy and one potential future buyers are bound to admire.
Published on February 22, 2007Read full article at realestate.com