Home Upgrades To Reconsider

In my column last week, I talked about some of the renovation projects that will pay off if a homeowner decides to put their house up for sale. In other words, investing in home improvements such as new garage doors, vinyl siding, replacement windows, and stone veneer will end up coming close to paying for themselves when your house goes on the market. But what about the projects that don’t recoup their costs? According to the 2022 Remodeling Magazine Cost Versus Value Report, there are quite a few. Let’s take a look at the data. 

Upscale Master Suite Addition

If you’re thinking about upgrading your bedroom to a grand suite, make sure you’re going to enjoy it. According to the data, master bedroom additions in the greater Hartford area only recoup about 38% of their cost. Lavish bedrooms are very personal and a lot of people don’t spend much time in them, so if you’re about to go big with custom closets, extensive storage, and a grand master bath, know that the cost will be a lot more than the value.

Grand Entrance

Sure guests might be impressed with a gorgeous first impression of your home, but people are a lot more focused on useful spaces these days, so a fancy entryway might not go over so well in the real estate market. Here in the greater Hartford area, revamped entrances only recouped about 40% of their cost. 

Bathroom Additions

An extra bathroom might be a must for your family but it’s not guaranteed to pay for itself when you sell your home. In fact, a bathroom addition only recoups about 40% of its cost upon the resale of your home. Bathroom remodels do a bit better, netting about 50% of their cost in value. So if you’re thinking about how to maximize your bathroom potential, you’re better off renovating what you currently have instead of adding another.

Room Modifications

With people spending more time at home over the past few years, lots of homeowners have made modifications to make their homes more comfortable and accommodating. While I understand making adjustments such as a dining room conversion to a home office, these changes should be considered temporary. Permanent alterations of a standard room could be costly when it comes time to sell. 

We all want our homes to be a reflection of our unique style and a place that suits the way we live, but dramatic changes can be costly once you decide to move on. Keep that in mind when you’re taking on a renovation project and you’ll be sure to reap the benefits when you eventually sell. 

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.

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.