Sound Off: What remodeling projects or improvements add the most value to a home?

Q: “What remodeling projects or improvements add the most value to a home?“

A: There are two ways to look at this question. Is the remodeling for yourself and your enjoyment or for resale? Of course, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and a beautiful kitchen remodel will always stand out to buyers.

We recently saw a home in Walnut Creek that was almost eighty years old attract seventeen offers, because it had a beautiful, spacious and contemporary kitchen with all the bells and whistles. If you are going to put that extra pizazz into something, the kitchen is the place to do so.

If you are remodeling strictly for resale, spreading your remodeling dollars among the kitchen and bathrooms would be ideal. What you don’t want to do is install that dream putting green in the backyard and leave the kitchen andbaths in their original condition.

It’s funny, but even if people don’t cook, they love those gleaming stainless steel appliances.

Dave Smith, Dudum Real Estate Group, 415-298-7851, davesmith@dudum.com.

A: Tastes have shifted during the pandemic and more buyers want a home in near-perfect condition. Buyers will pay top dollar for a home that they can just move into, without looming repairs, so comprehensive inspection reports are imperative. If repairs are needed, such as a new roof or a substandard electrical panel, then they should be made right.

Painting and floor refinishing are the cheapest and most obvious improvements. If the floors have already been freshly carpeted, at least provide the buyers with a quote for installing hardwood.

A complete kitchen renovation is too expensive. New quartz stone counters, sinks, faucets and light fixtures will transform the kitchen, the most significant room in the...