Remodeling? Experts say some projects add to home value more than others

While spring may be the season for cleaning up around the house in the Beehive State, summer is the unofficial remodeling season for many Utah homeowners. Making the decision to invest in home improvements can be especially important.

Shutterstock

Enlarge photo

SALT LAKE CITY While spring may be the season for cleaning up around the house in Utah, summer is the unofficial remodeling season for many Utah homeowners.

Whether it's adding a room or upgrading an already existing space, making the decision to invest in home improvements can be especially important, particularly as it relates to home values.

Experts advise homeowners to compare the construction costs of individual projects to estimates of their resale value. In Utah, the top projects include upgrading a bathroom, adding a new deck or a garage addition.

Some other improvements are popular, but seldom yield high resale value, according to Angie Nelden, president of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.

Adding new high efficient windows can help save money on energy conservation, but dont offer homeowners the same kind of return on investment that a kitchen or bathroom renovation would, she said.

For a minor kitchen remodel, the (homeowner) gets 82.7 percent recouped, Nelden said. However, window replacement recoups about 65 percent. And basement remodels also very common recoup about 78 percent, she noted.

Homeowners, she said, should put the most money into the areas that will get them the most return if they decide to sell. Taking that approach is usually money well spent.

More:
Remodeling? Experts say some projects add to home value more than others