Helena Talbot's blog ? Remodeling? Lifestyle Trumps Profit | Helena ...

While many remodeling projects add important value to a home, the No. 1 reason to renovate is to improve your daily living environment.

According to a survey conducted by Houzz, an online platform for home design and remodeling, among homeowners planning to build, remodel or decorate in the next two years, 86 percent cited ?improving the look and feel of the space? as an important driver for remodeling projects, while only 47 percent cited ?increasing home value.? The gap between these priorities was consistent across all income levels and demographic groups.

Homeowners say they are more likely to cut back in other areas, such as vacations and other big-ticket purchases, than to delay or decrease the budget for their home improvement plans.

Seventy percent of respondents said they would rather cut back elsewhere or do some of the work themselves than take out a loan to finance their home improvement. Even upscale homeowners are taking a hands-on approach to building, remodeling and decorating projects. The survey found that while 45 percent of homeowners at upper income levels ($150,000+) are choosing to hire an architect, interior designer, general contractor or another remodeling or decorating professional to complete a project in its entirety, an equal number of them are combining professional help and DIY efforts, a proportion only slightly smaller than the 49 percent taking this combination approach in lower income brackets.

According to the survey, kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular remodeling projects, with 48 percent of respondents planning a bathroom remodel, and 45 percent redoing a kitchen in the next two years. An added bonus, these two projects always add value to your home, allowing you to recoup costs if and when you sell.

Other interesting findings from the survey include:

• In the next two years, 72 percent of homeowners surveyed plan to decorate or redecorate, 40 percent plan to remodel or construct an addition, while 10 percent are planning to build a custom home.
• 57 percent of homeowners planning to complete a project in the next two years will hire a general contractor, 35 percent a kitchen or bath professional and 32 percent will hire a carpet or flooring professional. Thirty percent are planning to hire an architect, 26 percent an interior designer and 24 percent a landscape architect or designer.
• About half?52 percent?say they will save money by completing some projects themselves.
• The largest projects in terms of average spend in the last five years were custom home builds ($577,000), complete home remodels ($193,000), pool additions or replacements ($34,000) and kitchen remodels ($25,000).

Feel free to reach out if you would like to find out if and how your remodeling project will affect the value of your home, or if you would like recommendations on credible professionals to work with.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.? As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.? If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.? I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.? I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.? For information on the short sale process, please visit? www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

My past awards and designations include ? 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,? Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.? I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.? I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.? My son in law is my business partner in real estate.? I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions ? Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William? Counties.? Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.??????????????????????? Cell 703.727.9885??? Office 703.574.3800?? www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect? www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn? www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Source: http://helenatalbot.com/blog/helena-talbots-blog-remodeling-lifestyle-trumps-profit/

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