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Will the Addition of a Room or Kitchen Remodel Increase Value of Home?

Date:January 4, 2011 | Author:Diane Tuman | Category:Real Estate Advice

A user named bikbik from the North Park neighborhood of San Diego asks in Zillow Advice:

Will the addition of a room or kitchen remodel increase value of my home?

Several real estate agents and other real estate pros chimed in with a wide variety of responses. One suggested painting your front door to increase value and another cited the effect of Prop 13. One active Zillow community member, wetdawgs, wisely responded, “Is your goal to add liveability for you and your family, or is your goal to increase house cost? Neither kitchen nor room addition will add a dollar for dollar increase in the home costs. ”

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Responses (8)

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MH for Movoto 11:31 AM - Jan 4,2011

I’ve definitely heard that if you can only do one thing, paint the front door.
Shoreview Homes 10:52 AM - Jan 6,2011

Ahhh…the coveted question in real estate! Some of the “most bang” upgrades are updating your entrance or front door, updating light fixtures, outlets and wall switches. Also, have the carpets professionally cleaned. Cheap and easy…
Houses for Sale MN 10:54 AM - Jan 6,2011

This question is so difficult to answer because you don’t have a control property in which to compare your “upgraded” selling price versus an “non-updated” selling price. Most homes are not identical, unless you are in a condo or townhome development.
homeloversfranchise 1:02 AM - Jan 7,2011

Certainly it will increase the value of the home, but the question would be if the amount of money you have used for remodeling will be lesser and if you really can acquire bigger profits than your expenses, there are lot ways to remodel a room in a lesser cost.
Cynthia Tilleman 4:52 PM - Jan 7,2011

That question depends on many factors: Are home prices depressed, or are prices stable. If they are stable or rising usually you can increase the price by remodeling or adding a room.
Is the home overbuilt for the neighborhood already?
Then you don’t want to add anything else to the house.
Rebecca Williamson 10:22 AM - Jan 9,2011

I agree with Cynthia. You need to look at the house in its current condition compared to the rest of the neighborhood as well as the condition of the home in its present condition. Also, are you making upgrades to sell the property, or do you plan to be there a while? Generally kitchens and bathrooms do improve your value, but it really depends on the neighborhood whether or not you will get your money out of it.
T. Vance 10:03 PM - Jan 23,2011

I agree with both Cynthia and Rebecca. An addition will certainly add value to your home, but what is your motiviation for building the addition? Remodeling Magazine recently released its latest Cost Vs. Value report. Take a look- it will help you get an idea of how much of an increase value you can expect with various projects. http://www.remodeling.hw.net/facts-and-figures/cost-vs-value-report/