Are you thinking about renovating your home, but not sure where to begin? Despite so many television programs making the home renovation process appear hassle-free, there are many things to consider before making improvements to your property. We spoke with Mariella Massa from Appraisal MC to determine which home upgrades are worth the investment.

1. What isn’t worth the money when upgrading a home?

When upgrading your home, you must first make sure that you’re not over-improving your property for the market area. To check what’s available in your market area and make comparisons on upgrades, visit sellbuyhouston.com. Features such as swimming pools, decks, outdoor kitchens, and other costly upgrades generally do not yield a return on investment.

2. What do buyers want most in a home?

The kitchen and master suite are usually the major focal points for home buyers. More specifically, buyers are looking for move in ready homes with features such as remodeled kitchens and baths, as well as updated flooring.

3. Which home renovations yield the most return?

The number one thing to consider when making renovations is what buyers are willing to pay for those extra items. While more intensive renovations such as bathroom or kitchen makeovers tend to yield the highest return, cosmetic upgrades like hardwood flooring and stainless steel appliances can also yield a profit if they are consistent throughout the property.

4. Will putting in a swimming pool and/or hot tub add value to a home?
Although swimming pools may sound appealing to some, many people consider it a liability rather than a luxury. Safety-conscious parents are often wary of pools, which could mean an increased risk of not selling your home. Additionally, pools can be extremely expensive to install and maintain. The average cost to install and equip a pool starts at around $30,000 and can go up to as high as $100,000 with all the bells and whistles included. What’s more, this doesn’t include the cost of regular filtration and upkeep. A pool might make more financial sense if you live in a higher-end neighborhood or in a warm climate. Lastly, you should consider the fact that you won’t always get dollar for dollar value. The return on investment for a pool is relatively low, so it’s important to remember that you will likely get back only a fraction of the money you put in.

5. What steps should I take to perform a major home upgrade project?
If you’re looking to do a major upgrade, you should first go to sellbuyhouston.com to see if your home is comparable to others in your market area. You can also contact a local realtor to get suggestions on upgrades. If you do decide to take on a home upgrade project, it’s important to prepare a bid and have a local appraiser do a “Subject To” appraisal on your property so you can know if the proposed improvements will actually add value to your home.

6. Is it more beneficial in the long run to put your money into cosmetic upgrades or more basic home maintenance?
In order to preserve the value of your home, it is absolutely essential to invest money in routine home maintenance, such as inspecting the siding or replacing an old roof. When considering cosmetic upgrades, it’s important to assess what will go well with the home and market area. While adding certain features can do a lot in the eyes of buyers, it won’t necessarily yield a lot on the appraised value.