RENOVATIONS PART 10: Know which investments pay off most

The home market may be slow right now, but some people in the business of improving homes say they are busier than ever.

Kevin Ball, who owns High Country Construction Enterprises in Monument, says that he's done many home renovations recently for clients who have responded to a declining economy by deciding to stay put in their homes and invest in improvements.

"We're turning to a period of practicality," Ball said. "People are saying, ‘We're staying. We'll take the savings and buy food.'"

But not everyone is staying put, says Susan Cuddeback, a real estate agent with the Platinum Group. "For me personally, (business) is steady," she said.

However, Cuddeback says, because buyers want to purchase flawless homes that are ready for them to move into, "I caution my sellers not to put their house on the market until it's absolutely 100 percent ready."

Dori Curtis, owner of Interior Staging and Design, is a certified redesign and staging specialist who works as a "home stager" with people selling their homes to best present a home's attributes in a highly competitive market.

Whether they want to sell tomorrow or 10 years from now, Curtis says people can greatly increase a home's value without investing a lot of money.

If your home has started to feel stale and outdated, you can achieve a fresh feeling and add to your bottom line at the same time, Curtis says.

Experts recommend the following steps that they say will give you the most bang for your buck, whether you're planning to sell now or down the line.

1. Clean and de-clutter: The home improvement that will best boost a home's bottom line is actually the least costly, experts say.

"Less is always more," Curtis said.

Get rid of unnecessary stuff and you'll automatically make your home a more valuable space as well as a more pleasant place to live.

2. Paint: A fresh coat on the walls is worth much more than the $25 cost of a gallon of paint, Curtis says.

"Give the appearance of a large, bright space," Cuddeback said, by covering your walls with a neutral color (but never stark white).

Don't stop inside - spiff up the exterior with new paint. Look to model homes or the examples given by paint stores for the right combination of colors for the walls, trim and front door, recommends Cuddeback.

3. Update: "Keeping (your home) current will pay off big in your sale price," Curtis said.

Take up ugly, stained linoleum or '70s shag and put in new neutral-color carpet, or - if your budget and potential price allows - hardwood floors.

Achieve the appearance of a new home by replacing old light fixtures, cabinet hardware, doorknobs, casement hinges and stair spindles, say Curtis and Cuddeback.

Also, finish the small repairs that experts say owners tend to forget after living with them every day. Fix leaky faucets and squeaky doors, and repair or replace torn screens or baseboards, Curtis says.

4. Seal your space tightly: Make a home cheaper to heat and cool.

Ball recommends that owners increase a home's energy efficiency by guaranteeing that it's well-sealed: Start by replacing or nailing up loose siding, caulking holes in its exterior and adding insulation to the attic.

If you can spend at least $20,000, new siding or stucco can be a wise investment for the future.

5. Spruce up and landscape outside: Underestimating the importance of curb appeal is a common and costly mistake, experts say.

"You've got to set the tone for the rest of the property," Curtis said. "People won't go inside the house if it doesn't appeal on the outside."

A clean, manicured lawn and a front entry graced by seasonal flowers and a new doormat "says this home sparkles," Cuddeback said. "Even a small water feature in a small backyard can add that special touch that makes the difference for some buyers."

6. Upgrade appliances and fixtures: New appliances are pretty and practical for now and the future.

By saving water and conserving energy, new appliances can pay for themselves in a short time by lowering your monthly utility bills. Buyers will appreciate this benefit.

The same is true for fixtures such as "low flow" water-conserving faucets, which start at $10.

7.Change out windows and doors: "Old, outdated windows scare buyers off," Cuddeback said, "because of the added cost of replacement," along with fear of the higher heating and cooling costs caused by drafty windows and doors.

Ball recommends choosing vinyl windows if you'll be living in your home for only a few more years. However, buying and installing custom millwork windows and doors can be worth the high cost if you're in your home for the long run, he says.

"And new or old, make sure your windows sparkle inside and out," Cuddeback said.

8. Renovate the kitchen and bathroom: Experts say that you're guaranteed to see a return on investments in these rooms.

"Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses," Cuddeback said. "And you'll get 100 percent of your money back on even a minor remodel."

9. Add storage space: Buyers like to see storage systems, Ball said, and they give the impression of more space.

Maximize square footage with custom-built cedar closet systems or store-bought shelves and organizing systems, which start at $20.

10.Reuse and recycle for reduced cost: If you're willing to shop around, you can save significantly on materials for your home improvement.

Find anything from free lumber to used appliances online at www.craigslist.org, in The Thrifty Nickel (www.thenickel.com), and at The Gazette's www.springsclassified.com.

Or visit Habitat for Humanity's nonprofit Restore, 411 S. Wahsatch Ave., for a constantly changing selection of low-priced home materials.