BUFFALO, N.Y. — Watch enough HGTV and you'll want to demolish your house entirely and start over. The lure of a open concept floor plan or beautiful tile backsplash in the kitchen can be very powerful. But if you're not planning to stay in it forever, you may want to put down the sledgehammer.
Remodeling magazine recently published its list of top home renovation projects along with a cost vs. value analysis. Nine of the top ten projects fall into the "curb appeal" category.
Get the most bang for your buck
The report says investing in manufactured stone veneer for the exterior of your home will give you the greatest return. It's not cheap, but the experts say you'll make up nearly all the money spent when you sell your house.
Other top upgrades include a new garage door, brand new windows, a roof replacement, and a brand new deck (perfect for those precious few warm summer nights in Buffalo).
Home improvements
Now for the projects that could bust your budget and hurt your home's value overall. The experts at NerdWallet say the top two big ticket items are the kitchen and the bathroom.
They say small upgrades to both are beneficial, like granite countertops instead of marble, but you likely won't recoup most of the money you spend on an upscale chef-style kitchen or expanded master suite when you go to sell your home. That's especially true if you have a small, older home.
When it comes to paint, if you plan to do-it-yourself, be sure to prep everything ahead of time to avoid streaks and chips. According to data from Opendoor, a low-quality paint job can knock $1,700 off a home’s sale price. If you're not willing to do the preparations necessary, it may be worth hiring a professional.
Just say "no" to wall-to-wall carpeting. The thought of what's lurking in the carpet can be a huge turn off for buyers, even if it's brand new. If it's the primary flooring in your home, it can drop the value by as much as $3,900 according to Opendoor. You're better off refinishing or replacing your hard wood floors.
Finally, one of the worst things you can do if you plan to sell your house is putting in a pool. That's especially true in Western New York where pool-season is limited. Most buyers say they don't want to deal with the maintenance or insurance, and experts say you'll most likely never recoup that cost.
Do whatever makes you happy
If you love your house and plan to stay forever, add whatever you want. It's your home and you deserve to be happy. These are simply some things to consider what it might cost you down the line if you end up changing your mind.