Improvements that will get you the most return

[Trace]

I have a debate with the wife over what to do with the house. She would love a deck. I want to redo the kitchen. I have tried to explain that redoing the kitchen will pay for 90% of it's cost at resale. A deck is not nearly as desireable and will not have near the return.

I have done some research and thought I would past it along. Here is an article on the subject.

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/money/features/home_improve_value.html

http://homebuying.about.com/od/buildingahome/a/home_updates.htm

[PantherPaul]

Hard to figure a woman wouldn't see the benefits of a nicer kitchen. I have read that kitchens are key in the sale of new homes. The deck is it above ground or a slab?

[DaveW]

didnt read the article yet but ive read hardwood flooring can add about 20% to the value of your house.

[Trace]

Hard to figure a woman wouldn't see the benefits of a nicer kitchen. I have read that kitchens are key in the sale of new homes. The deck is it above ground or a slab?

Above ground, wood.

[PantherPaul]

Above ground, wood.

My wife is after me to build on a two story deck that would have an enterance from the second floor as well. That would cost a minimum of 20k I bet. I really need to change out the deck of our existing one as it's wood and splintering badly (8-9 years old). I have been pricing the new composit planks and think that's the way I'll go

[Trace]

(8-9 years old).

That is my problem with wood decks. They are high maintainence and will eventually need to be replaced. that faux wood is pretty good but looks more and more like plastic as it gets older.

[HardHarry]

Kitchen > Deck on resale. It's not close. IMO, the kitchen is the #1 selling point in house.

Having said that, a well designed & constructed deck is a thing of beauty. But you'll never get the money you put into it back on resale. That's one of those personal happiness investments -> the only way you'll see a return.

[Trace]

Kitchen > Deck on resale. It's not close. IMO, the kitchen is the #1 selling point in house.

Having said that, a well designed & constructed deck is a thing of beauty. But you'll never get the money you put into it back on resale. That's one of those personal happiness investments -> the only way you'll see a return.

Bathrooms are a close second.

[Redsnapper]

I am in real estate, mortgages, and have asked appraisers this very question, the 1 item that increases the value of the house more than any others, is a new kitchen, 2ndly would be remodelling bathrooms, those are the 2 main things one can do, on a subnote, landscaping, hardwoods, skylights, etc...I'd suggest splurging, get the granite countertops, under cabinet track lighting, stainless steel appliances, etc., then refinance your mortgage or start a 2nd mortgage, and with the equity you've just developed with the new kitchen, use that to build the deck. Do as much of the demo as you can yourself, and if you're handy, do some of the work. I am currently remodeling my home, and about to refi my 2nd mortgage, play money, new kitchen and deck here I come. HTH.

[y2b]

decks get about 50% return on investment, a screen rooms about 70% return...

new kitchens are expensive, and the cost could exceed the max you could get for your home anyway...even still, we want to redo ours

IMO, the most return on your investment with a home is landscaping

[allrightnow]

For decks, take look at a raised concrete on steel decking for a deck/porch. We did that and it is a great addition and the foundation for a screened porch or sunroom. Costs more, but the benefits are better than wood.

[builder]

IMO, the most return on your investment with a home is landscaping
Landscaping the patio and throwing in the furniture and accessories is the reason my condo sold for what it did. If she had bought a new one without the landscaping, she would have paid the same price as mine with the upgrades. It was a nobrainer. The kitchen and baths were already brand new. Hardwoods too, except upstairs where my agent (grain of salt) told me that berber would be a better selling point than hardwoods.