How to Avoid the 5 Most Common NJ Real Estate Remodeling Mistakes

What not to do when renovating your NJ real estate home

Any homeowner prepared to undertake a major home improvement project has the goal of wanting his or her home to look and function better as well as yield a reasonable return on investment. However, NJ real estate home renovations are packed with so much stress and emotion that it is very easy for something to go wrong.

Read on to learn how to avoid making the most common mistakes in home remodeling.

Doing It Yourself

In reality, most homeowners can probably pull off a simple home renovation themselves without having to hire a professional contractor. But keep in mind that contractors do what they do for a reason and have the experience, knowledge, and skills that you lack when it comes to NJ real estate home improvement. Your best bet is to let professionals handle it.

Remodeling According to the Trends

The more up-to-the-minute your project is today, the more out-of-date it will seem in the next 5 or 10 years. Skip trends such as glass tiles, wire-hung track lighting, and vessel sinks that are so popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Instead, opt for classic choices that complement the original style of your home.

Skimping On Design

The return you will receive on a home improvement project will be nonexistent if the project is not planned and executed properly. This means that if you are building an addition or knocking down walls, it is well worth the money to hire an architect with knowledge and experience to draw up a plan prior to any work being started in your NJ real estate home.

Over-Improving the Kitchen

Although it is true that a great kitchen can sell your home, it is important to remember that there is a limit as to how much of a return you can actually get for stainless appliances and granite counters when you decide to put your home on the NJ real estate market. The kitchen typically represents 5% to 15% of a home's value, so it is best to limit your kitchen renovation budget to that range.

Believing You Will Receive a Big Payback for Going Green

When considering an NJ real estate home improvement project promising greater energy efficiency, be aware that you may be spending more than you will actually recoup. Windows are a good example of this. Window companies may tell you that replacing old ones will reduce your energy bills by 50%. However, windows account for only approximately 15% of a home's heat loss, so in essence you would only be saving about $50 to $175 a year. This is important to keep in mind before making such a major home improvement decision.

 

The real estate market is changing rapidly and expanding into new avenues almost daily. Sometimes it can be very difficult to find the answers you need on a specific topic or issue. In times like these, you need a real estate professional who will provide valuable information and trustworthy advice. For more information on NJ real estate, call us today or click here to be connected with one of our top real estate specialists.