“Is it worth it?”
This is a question we hear a lot from clients considering making updates to their homes. Often it’s rhetorical, and it’s a question they ultimately have to answer for themselves. What they usually mean is, if they sell their home in the future, how much value will the project they’re pondering today add to their future asking price. I tend to think, unless you’re in the business of house flipping, that this question shouldn’t be at the center of any home improvement project for a house you are living in and plan to stay in. But at the same time, I always understand our clients’ desire to understand the external value of the improvement they’re considering investing in.
Now, I’m not a realtor. I don’t even play one on tv. And I certainly don’t have a crystal ball. But in my experience as a guy who has repaired, replaced and renovated lots of things in lots of homes over the years, I encourage all of our clients to tackle any deferred maintenance before investing in improvements. Here’s why. Peeling exterior paint, for instance, isn’t just an eyesore. It’s also leaving your house vulnerable to water damage and rot. Dripping faucets aren’t just raising your water bill, they’re also pointing to a small problem that could grow. Cracked masonry steps don’t just look unsightly, they’re a trip hazard. These kinds of things are emergency repairs that just haven’t happened yet, and they can often be easily and inexpensively remedied, especially when compared with the cost of letting them continue. So, if you have list of things you need to get to, don’t let it it get too long. At MacMackin & Son Heritage Home Repairs, we can help you identify and tackle minor home maintenance issues before they turn into bigger problems . Feel free to give us a call for an estimate on any home repair work you may need in Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Radford, Roanoke or Salem. We are always happy to help.
In terms of return on home improvement investment, garage door replacement, exterior paint updates and minor kitchen and bath updates tend to return a high percentage of their investment. These are also the sorts of changes that can make a big impact in how our clients feel about their houses as well. if you have a room you’d like to make the most out of, we’d be delighted to give you an estimate.