Build it for YOU!

A Kitchen or bathroom remodel is a great way to improve your home’s value, but make sure you build it for you. Very often I work with clients who spend their time selecting fixtures, cabinets, tile, and paint colors that are ‘neutral’. Some people will actually try to remodel around what they think a prospective buyer would like. The number one reason I hear for this is to insure they get a good return on their investment. The second reason is because their realtor said they wouldn’t be able to sell the house….IT’S A MYTH! Houses that have character, flavor, and are unique sell. Besides, why are you remodeling for someone else? Build it to serve you and your family and there’s a good chance it will serve someone else should that day come. Going to be in your home longer than five to ten years? Then it really doesn’t matter as many buyers will consider a kitchen or bath that age to be in need of a remodel anyway.

The truly unfortunate fact is that when these ‘neutral’ projects are complete, the client usually gets exactly what they wanted…Neutral and boring. Typically the client is not nearly as happy with the project leaving them with a large expenditure they aren’t thrilled with and that’s adds less value to the home. The reality is that when you build a space that’s neutral for resale, you’ve simply added more of the same boring junk to the market resulting in less of a return on your ‘investment’, and slower sale.

The take home…build it they way you want it. Not just the finishes and style, but the core of the renovation. If you don’t use your garden tub, don’t remodel your master suite to incorporate one. If you don’t need or want a double vanity you don’t have to put a double back in. The truth is, a well built original space will satisfy more people than a neutral one. More importantly it will satisfy you a lot more too.

by Matthew Ray, CR
President - CCR Design-Build-Remodel
mray@ccrohio.com