Denton County Living Well Magazine May/June 2017 | Page 24

From page 21
window placements can break up a monotonous front profile .
2 ) Minor kitchen remodels Replacing major appliances and installing new flooring is a difficult , timeconsuming , and expensive task . Being without a kitchen for weeks on end can be a nightmare , and the number of professionals needed to install new lighting and other features is mindboggling . The national average for spending here is $ 59,000 , and the ROI for major kitchen remodeling isn ’ t great , at about 70 %.
Minor kitchen upgrades , like new cabinets , counter-tops , and energy-efficient cook-tops , are comparatively inexpensive . The average spend here is just under $ 20,000 with an estimated return on investment at an impressive 81 %. Just like with the front door , the changes are mostly aesthetic . People perceive a more modern-looking kitchen as being a better fit than a more “ retro ” look .
This is also a chance to customize a place where you spend a great amount of time . Think of the kitchen as the “ heart of the home .” Having a kitchen laid out just the way you like it can make it easier and more enjoyable to cook . This will encourage you to eat more meals in , and energy-efficient appliances can lower your electric bills for the life of the home .
3 ) Wooden decks An outdoor living area is one of the hallmarks of the current iteration of the
American dream . Where else can a family sit and relax and spend quality family time ? Watch the kids play in the yard while tending the grill on a beautiful wooden deck ! Wooden deck additions were unpopular for years , as consumers see them as luxuries . During a recession , remodeling dollars tend to focus on needs , like kitchen and bedroom updates . Now that the economy is improving , more people are looking at decks as valuable extensions for their living space .
The average cost , based upon a 16-foot by 20-foot wooden deck , is just under $ 10,000 . The average return on investment is about 75 %. This is because of the perception of expanded living space at a reasonable price . Adding a deck costs about $ 35 per square foot , while a square foot of inside space costs an average of $ 88 ! Decks are a great way to increase the play space for a modest cost . In this part of the country , a deck is an improvement that can be utilized for much of the year . 4 ) Convert an attic space into a bedroom For most houses , the attic is an afterthought . It ’ s a place where unused craft projects and abandoned hobbies go to die . Consider turning that dead space into living space with a remodeling project .
Turning an existing attic space into a spare bedroom or office , complete with its own bathroom , can be done for a slightly steeper price . Nationally , the average cost is just over $ 50,000 . That includes constructing a room , extending utilities to it , and adjusting the exterior of the house to accommodate the new space .
This remodel provides a 77 % return on investment in resale value , with the potential for more . If you have adult children or relatives visiting from out of town , an attic room can be a wonderful guest room . You could also rent it out for additional income .
If you ’ re considering these or any improvement to your home , DATCU would love to assist you . We offer all types of home loans including new home purchases , refinances , home equity loans ( for any need ), and home equity lines of credit . With over eleven ( 11 ) branch locations , it would be our pleasure to serve you .
Glen McKenzie , President / CEO of DATCU Credit Union , may be reached at 866-387-8585 .
22 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2017