The allure of having a custom built home is not hard to understand. You can be as demanding or unique as you would like to be. Everything from the floor plan to the cabinets and from the ceilings to the floors is completely up to you. Colors, textures and quality are left entirely up to the owner. This creates a home that truly reflects your tastes and personality. In recent times, however, the norm and many of the available and affordable housing options are in the form of what is called “track housing.” This consists of a few floor plans that have similar (and also relatively low-end) appliances. Condominiums are generally built in the same way. The idea is that appliances can either attract or appease the average person. This means that most of the time beige is the norm. Anyone can imagine their own tastes and color schemes in tan carpeting, white walls, and light oak cabinets.
The blandness that is consistent with the idea of track housing is part of what drives potential homeowners to build a custom home, which is great if you have the means to do so. But what about those looking to buy a condo? For the most part, condos are “runway homes”; They come equipped with the basic low-end appliances. But that doesn’t mean they have to stay that way. Unlike apartments, condos are not rented, but owned. This means that the owner is free to make any type of remodel/update/change to the interior of the condo that he wishes (and that the condominium association allows). It’s good to know if you’re the buyer (what can I do once I move in to make this condo my own?) or if you’re the seller (what can I do with the condo to make it more attractive to potential buyers?) Regardless of whether you are the buyer or the seller, one thing is certain: upgrades will add value to your condo. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your condo for a personal touch or trying to sell your unit, this article will cover how to get the most out of your upgrades and maybe even make some money back in the process.
When looking to upgrade your condo there are a number of places you can look. The kitchen is perhaps the first and most important room to improve, as it is often the selling point of the home. The research found that the updates that are the most noticeable make the biggest difference. Think cabinets and countertops. These are two of the most expensive upgrades you could make, but they are also the first things you notice in a kitchen and will likely pay for themselves in a sales situation. The installation of better quality cabinets or granite countertops is notable and desirable. However, you should keep in mind not to go too far. Although there may be a few who would notice that the granite was imported from a small town in Italy, you will probably end up losing money on that. Appliance upgrades can also make a big difference. The functionality is also something to update. Adding a larger pantry or getting rid of a bulky island in a small kitchen can be really appealing. The last upgrades you should consider are the luxuries. Sure, adding a wine cooler, trash compactor, and sub-zero refrigerator will add value to the home and probably please you or the new homeowners, but these upgrades can sometimes be more expensive than they’re actually worth. After the kitchen is up to par, the bathroom is the next place to add value to your condo. New tile, tubs, and sinks can be expensive, but studies show that homeowners get their money back on a sale. General upgrades throughout an entire condo will help tie the whole deal together. Replacing carpets, installing hardwood floors, retexturing or painting walls are some of the ways to go about it. (Painting and retexturing are also some of the cheapest ways to upgrade if you’re on a really tight budget.)
