What is the most valuable home improvement one can make?

Question

My wife and I are debating between new windows, a finished basement and an updated kitchen. Which of these will most enhance the value of our home for resell. Any cost estimates would be greatly appreciated as well.

Answer 1

Its depends on how old your house is, if it's a bit newer, windows or a newer kitchen may not help increase the value,
If you have a Brady Bunch kitchen that's where your best value will be gained, but also one of the biggest expenses to update.
Paint most of the time is the easiest and cheapest do-it-yourself updates.

Answer 2

Since you mentioned those 3 areas, I guess they stand out to you, so I'd recommend doing whatever is ugliest first. But I'd also do a little improvement in all 3 areas you mentioned rather than overdoing any one of those.
Remember #1 improvement is fresh coat of paint. Don't assume everybody is going to like your tan walls, just paint it white unless you have some nice pastel colors on some walls.
I'd say if the windows in the front are bad, get a nice new front window with a combo picture window and some sliders or casement crank outs with screens. In the basement, don't bother choosing carpet, crown moldings or paneling. Just either paint the brick/blocks with BIN 123 or put up sheetrock and possibly a ceiling, but definitely have a half bath, a bath, or at least a bar with a sink down there if you can afford that.
In the kitchen, if anything in the kitchen is super tacky, like cheesy looking countertops, see if you can get a good price on granite or quartz, and go for stainless steel appliances and brushed metal fixtures if they need replacing. If that all costs too much, just pick a couple of the ugliest parts of the kitchen and fix that. Otherwise, don't go halfazzed in the kitchen cabinets or countrertops. Just clean it up really well if it looks decent. If you have reallly old and ugly bathroom faucets, you might want to replace those with something more modern.
I got five replacement windows, nice, double paned hurricane grade from Sears. It cost about $6,000.
Make sure the roof doesn't leak. and if you have bug problems, get those exterminated, preferably with a warranty, so the buyers can call them if bugs return. (This can avoid a lawsuit later if they see termite damage 6 months after they move in and you had told them there were no bug problems.)

Answer 3

I, too, need new windows and an updated kitchen for my home. I also need new flooring. We just bought a new metal roof because our old roof was leaking and when we have the money saved up, we're going to do the windows.
We're doing the windows next for a few reasons. First because windows are less expensive than the other projects and we can get it done and paid for in a timely manner then move on. Second because as soon as you get new windows, you save money on energy costs. Why put that off? And the third reason is because we plan to stay in our house for many years if not forever and we have the time to wait for the new kitchen.
Our current kitchen functions fine, but it is quite outdated. I want to do it last because I want to be able to know that the other "little" but expensive projects have been taken care of.
If you plan to sell soon, however, and want the biggest bang for your buck, go w/ the kitchen. A good rule of thumb is that kitchens and baths provide the most return for your money.
Best wishes!!!

Answer 4

Kitchens usually return about 80% in re-sale value. Bathrooms about 65%. A finished basement, however, will add livable square footage to your home which could increase its value from $75 to $125+ per square foot. That can add up quickly. New windows are nice and more energy efficient, but you won't get dollar for dollar back like you would on a kitchen remodel.

Answer 5

Kitchen will add the most value. Replacing windows is considered maintenance and a finished basement adds no value.
Bathrooms are the next improvement that adds the most value after kitchens. Fireplaces are next.
New roof, like new windows and siding will help sell a house faster.

Answer 6

Great question,
Without actually seeing your home I would offer the following for review: When someone buys a house they expect that the windows and roof are in serviceable condition. If your current windows are ok and you elect to replace them you should not expect to get a return on that investment other than possibly saving on your heating & cooling expenses. With regard to finishing off you basement, this is an area where you could have potentially a greater return if it increases the sqft and living space in your home. The additional space is welcomed by many as playrooms or family rooms especially if you can walk out of the basement to the back yard comfortably. It could also bump your house up to another category of larger homes. As far as the Kitchen remodel is concerned, without question this area historically provides a better return on your investment as most of us spend allot of time there. If you are doing it for resale I would be careful with your design selections. (Quality cabinetry with a good layout and functionality) as well as (neutral colors) will appeal to the largest market. If your current kitchen is in good serviceable condition I would probably opt for finishing the basement thereby adding more livable space to the home.


You can go online and post your project for free with a few different services. Service Magic is one and BidClerk is another.
Best of luck with your decisions.

Answer 7

Its really what your priorities are. I did my windows first since that would save money for heating and cooling. Since I did it myself it was just the cost of the windows.

Then I did the kitchen. Total cost was about 20,000$. I did some of the work myself so if you are not that handy expect to spend a lot more.

I don't have a basement but if you would use it a lot it may be more important than the kitchen. My kitchen was 35 years old and the appliances were on their last legs.

Answer 8

As far as resale updated kitchens return far more than the investment hands down. Not just a guess, every home improvement show on TV recommends upgrading the kitchens and bathrooms for the greatest total value added.

Answer 9

Kitchens are the most valuable, then windows, then basements.
Kitchens vary in cost from modest at $5000.00 and very nice about 15 to 20,000.00. It can go higher depending on whats involved.
Windows average about $250.00 each depending on size
Basements can be tricky because it depends on what is there to begin with, like a roughed in bathroom. I've priced them as low as $12000.00 and as high as $45000.00. beware of moisture in a basement. it can and will add to the cost
Estimates are subject to individual contractors and market cost of material. Get at least three bids, make sure you contractors are licensed, bonded,and insured. And get as many referrals as you can from the contractor, for the project you want. If he cannot provide these, walk away, and do not pay for an estimate.

Answer 10

Probably a finished basement if water and electrical services are included. Next kitchen upgrade. Next bath upgrade. This can also depend on area. Check w/ 2 or more different realty offices in your area.

Cost estimates are difficult to make when amount of work for each upgrade is unknown. You'll need to decide how much work is to be done then get estimates.