Home Remodels Worth Their Value

Many homeowners think that a renovation will automatically increase their house’s value if they decide to sell it in the future. But that’s not always the case. Personalized projects that are specific to the family or improvements that will require significant maintenance often end up discouraging potential buyers. Sure, you might think an inground swimming pool or a built-in aquarium might be a great idea, but the next owner of your home may not agree. So what are the best-renovating projects to reap high resale rewards?

Energy Efficiency Windows 

Homeowners who are old, young, first-time, seasoned, empty-nesters, or with young families all love a home that’s warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and easier on the wallet. According to the recent Cost Versus Value Report published by Remodeling Magazine, vinyl and wood window replacement nabbed 66% of their resale value in Hartford County. Windows are a fantastic investment and not only for their heating and cooling abilities. Replacement windows are easy to clean and they are excellent at reducing noise pollution. 

Kitchen Remodels

As the busiest and most used room in the house, kitchens tend to be a huge selling point in the real estate market, which makes an outdated kitchen a big no-no for a potential buyer. According to the same Cost Versus Value Report, a kitchen remodel is likely to get a seller more than 60% of their investment. What’s key is to stick to very neutral tones and a layout that suits cooking, eating, and gathering. Most people love an island that can be used for food prep as well as a casual eating space. Lots of storage will hit the mark too. 

Garage Doors

This may surprise you, but the highest-ranking home upgrade on the 2022 Cost Versus Value Report was a Garage Door Replacement which was valued at 98% of its cost here in the Hartford area. This means that most homeowners recouped nearly every dollar spent on the project when they sold their homes. Garages are an important feature in any house as every buyer wants to maximize their storage space. Plus, with more homeowners looking for additional living areas for home offices, giving the garage a little facelift isn’t a bad idea. 

Stone Veneer

Another big winner this year was adding stone veneer to the outside of a home, a project that recouped nearly 90% of its cost upon resale. For many potential buyers, a simple cosmetic upgrade that’s both timeless and upscale can really improve the curb appeal of a property. 

The “No Go”

With plenty of lucrative projects for the savvy homeowner, there is one area that generally takes a hit and that’s a bathroom. Adding a bathroom to a home can be expensive and the costs recouped is generally less than 40%. If you need an extra bathroom for your family and it makes sense for you, go for it. Just don’t expect the project to pay big when the “for sale” sign hits the lawn down the road.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Mold on Siding, Not Just Unsightly

Here in this part of Connecticut and in most of New England, vinyl siding is a popular cladding option for many homeowners. Starting in the 1950s, it became a favorite aluminum replacement due to its low maintenance and high durability. With a wide variety of colors and textures, it continues to be a fantastic option, offering personalized style without having to worry about sanding, painting, or major maintenance. 

While vinyl siding is beneficial in so many ways, one complaint is the potential for mold growth, often on the north side of a home. To be clear, mold can grow anywhere, but the north side is the area that’s most susceptible because it gets the least amount of sun exposure. Constant shade, high vegetation, or anything that stops a house from getting regular sunlight is an invitation for mold to grow in that area, whether it’s clad in vinyl or not.

In addition to lack of sunlight, excess moisture is another mold inhibitor. The cause could be as simple as trapped rainwater that’s unable to drain properly. Another possible issue could be a faulty drain pipe or a gutter that’s dripping on the siding, causing constant dampness. Either way, a moisture problem is something you’ll definitely want to deal with as the water will continue to feed the mold, which will then spread. 

Another reason for mold growth on siding is a build-up of dirt, which is actually a food source for all different types of fungus. Something as simple as a dryer vent can cause dirt and dander to stick to the siding. Tree sap is also common and can be tough to remove. Homes on high-traffic roads tend to get dirty more easily as well. Any of this debris will quite literally make a meal for spores to feast on. 

So what can you do to keep mold at bay and ensure your vinyl siding looks great for years to come? Assessing your sunlight and moisture exposure is key, but what if you don’t want to cut down a tree or you happen to live in an area where moisture is a problem? A professional will be able to inspect your siding and treat the mold using a cleaner and blocker that removes spores and keeps them from coming back. It’s important to use a specially designed cleaner that is strong enough to tackle mold but not too harsh that it will damage the house. You also want to be careful not to use bleach-containing materials to not harm the vegetation surrounding your home. 

Once your house is cleaned, maintain your vinyl siding by assessing your home for moisture, treating leaks promptly, and keeping your gutters clear and free of debris. An annual inspection will help to ensure that any problems are dealt with promptly so they don’t get out of control. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Refinish a Basement for a Warm Winter Retreat

If you’ve ever considered a basement remodel, now is one of the best times. Creating a versatile space for your family to enjoy can both increase your square footage and add value to your home. Plus, it makes a fun escape from the winter weather and you can shop after holiday sales for some good deals on supplies. 

To transform an unfinished basement into a liveable space can range anywhere from $6,500 to $18,500 on average, according to an analysis by Home Advisor. What are the major factors that drive the price differential? Setting up plumbing for a new bathroom or kitchen can be expensive as well as any mold removal, leaks, or general structural issues that need to be taken care of. 

Mold and moisture are common basement problems that you’ll need to look into if remodeling is in your future. Most professional finishing specialists can advise on waterproofing to ensure that your space isn’t going to have any unexpected issues. Many basements are generally underinsulated and have leaky windows so if you’re going to improve the space, these basic updates are well worth the cost. Plus they’ll help the energy efficiency throughout your entire house. 

Once the basics have been considered, you’ll need to think through what you’re using the space for. Do you envision a home theatre or a mancave for Sunday football? Would a playroom for the kids be the perfect addition or is a teen hangout more your speed? No matter what you decide to do, think long-term. Little kids grow quickly and teenagers will soon be out of the house, so design for flexibility and change.

Whatever you decide to use your space for, one of the most important considerations will be low ceilings and light. Recessed lighting is a great option as it gives the illusion of height and it’s easy to install, especially if you’re working with a drop ceiling. Speaking of drop ceilings, you won’t believe how many stylish options there are to make those squares pop. From clean modern lines to pressed metal, basement ceilings can actually be a lot of fun to design. There are even acoustic absorption solutions to help control noise from televisions and home theatre systems. 

Next, consider your storage needs. Most people use their basements to keep clutter out of sight, but once the space is remodeled, where will all that stuff go? I am a big fan of creating zones in the basement that can be used for different people with different needs. I always recommend keeping at least one section available for those old clothes, holiday decorations, and air conditioning units as storage space is a valuable commodity in every family home. The key is to keep the clutter to a minimum. 

With all the basics considered, it’s time to have fun designing your space. A basement is a great place to experiment with an aesthetic that’s more daring than the rest of the house but the key is to keep it comfortable and transitional. Lastly, if a real estate transaction is in your 10-year plan, think about the next family that might be making memories in the home. A basement remodel can add serious dollars to your list price if it’s done appropriately.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visithttp://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.