A. Certain home improvements are useful to almost everyone and have proven to add value or shorten the time on market. These include adding central air conditioning; building a deck or patio; finishing the basement; doing some kitchen or bathroom remodeling (updating colors on cabinets, countertops, appliances, panels, etc.); and adding new flooring. On the other hand, improvements that return less than what they cost are generally ones that appeal to individual personal tastes that not everyone may share. These can include adding fireplaces, wet bars and swimming pools, or converting the garage into an extra room. The challenge that comes with any home improvement designed to help sell your house is recouping your investment. There’s always the risk of over-improving your house — that is, putting more money into it than neighborhood prices will support. It’s always best to chat with your Realtor to help you determine what improvements to make.
