1985 Called, They Want Their Kitchen Back.
When did our houses become just investments? Don’t we still live in them? Raise families, entertain friends and call them our homes?
I ask this because every article I read about whether or not to remodel in “the new economy” says not to do it because you’ll never get your money back. It’s a terrible investment.
The one thing these “experts” seem to miss is the personal investment we make in our homes. First you have to consider rather or not you plan to stay in your home or if you plan to move soon.
If you are planning to move it may be more advisable to simply spruce up your kitchen and bathroom with a new paint job or some new counter tops just to make it more appealing for the sale.
On the other hand if you are planning to stay, even for just five years, the emotional return on the investment of a major kitchen or bathroom remodel will be far more than the financial. If you get depressed just looking at your kitchen and try to avoid having guests in the room than a remodel will definitely pay you back.
In the end it’s up to what you want to do with your own home. Don’t let the “experts” or me for that matter tell you what to do. It’s your home. Do what makes you happy.
Herb Coulter, The Remodeling Company LLC
Great point Herb! There are a bunch of projects that make houses into “homes.” What is making your home more enjoyable to live in worth over the course of a year? It might not be considered when calculating ROI but it is usually worth it to the family living in the home.