Home improvement 'rules of thumb?'
 

Alright braintrust, home improvement question for you. I want to do some upgrades, but I'm unsure of just how far to take things. Basically, I don't want to sink money going the extra little bit if I will over-do it.

What I'm asking is basically, is there a guideline for this type? Like don't put granite counters in a house unless it's worth $XYZ, don't splurge for hardwoods or laminate is ok if the house is worth $XYZ?

This is my first house so it's new territory.

What kind of upgrades?
How much do you want to spend?
Do you need permits?

Mostly flooring (laminate vs. engineered vs. hardwood) and counter tops right now. No permits; budget varies by room and is decently flexible.

be SURE it is not the nicest house on the block

Some times it depends on how long you plan to live in the house.
and your ROI.

No worries; live in a planned development and mine is the smallest. My house, a 2bed/1bath, sold for $185k. Bigger houses down the street, say 3 or 4 bedroom, are currently on market for around $260k.

4+ years. Don't need a super impressive ROI, just not trying to LOSE money.

A rule of thumb I have heard about renovating kitchens and bathrooms. Don' t expect more than 50 cents on the $ when you come to sell your home with the amount you have spent on renovation.

Funnily enough we still have original kitchen counter. My wife does not like the upheaval and mess from a kitchen reno. On the other hand our two car garage has cracked cement in the foundation and driveway but the garage door opens and closes still. After a while I just feel like we have to spend $$$ in some areas because
1. it looks better and is more pleasurable to be in.
2. better resale.

I have a better question for you and only YOU can answer it. Did you buy this house for yourself of did you buy it for someone else so they can enjoy all your hard work? If you like a real wood floor, get the wood floor instead of kicking every time you come home and see the p-lam flooring.

Some people hate granite, and others love it. Are you OK with P-lam counter tops? You know, the kind you see in the Brady Brunch house. Plastic, they are great, for a dinner.

You put the supercharger in that little 944 for yourself, right, not for the next owner?

I have to disagree, I make sure to by the worst house on the block, and sell it as the nicest on the block.

Every year Remodeling Magazine (a trade pub) lists the ROI on about everything you can do. The info might be published online somewhere, but don't just take anyone's word. RM did it region by region. For instance, a pool is not a good investment but you can get maybe 10% of your money back in a sale if it's in SoCal or Tejas. Otherwise just burn your money, its cheaper.

I'd think about functionality first, then materials.

Is there a 32" door where there should be a 36"?
Lack of a path between the front door and drive?
Too small of a kitchen/bath window?
Needs more light or outlets or an outside spigot there?
Kitchen is difficult to cook in?
Open up a cramped room?
Needs a bigger deck or a small garden?
Basically: How comfortably could a small family with pets live there?

A 2/1 is a small space, but simple fixes such as light or mirrors or smaller fixtures can create a more open feeling.

Look around the place and see what stands out as being the worst thing about the place (then after that the next worst thing etc). Then ask yourself can I buy a used ** and fit it up myself. Or if it's minor buy a new one. Paths, use second hand pavers. Always buy new carpet. I've fitted up a number of second hand but look like new kitchens. Planting and landscaping is more labour than dollars and ups the value plus makes the place a lot nicer.