Buying or selling a home involves a lot of things, it also raises questions. In this column ‘Ask Bob’, real estate expert/broker Bob Bartikoski of RE/MAX Paradise Homes Bonaire answers a real estate question from a reader. This time:
Question: My home is an older home and I am thinking about making some improvements to it on the inside. What interior improvements are best for increasing the value of my home?
That’s a good question. Most of the older homes on Bonaire are very well built, but a new owner might think that they need updating. The best updates for increasing the value of your home are:
• Updating bathrooms – This usually the least expensive of the updates I am suggesting, while also being the most cost effective. If you are updating your bathrooms, expect to replace all of the plumbing fixtures, sink, vanity cabinet and shower enclosure. Most people will also remove/replace the wall tiles in the bathroom. Replacing the floor tiles in the bathroom may or may not be practical.
• Updating your kitchen – This is usually a more expensive project, while also being a cost effective investment in your house and your life style. If you are updating you’re your kitchen bathrooms, expect to replace all of the plumbing fixtures, sink, cabinets, lighting and counter tops. You might also want to consider updating the electrical service in the kitchen at the same time as most older kitchens do not have as many outlets as are required by all of our modern appliances. Most people will also remove/replace the wall tiles and backsplash in the kitchen. Replacing the floor tiles in the kitchen may or may not be practical depending on your floor plan.
• Updating doors and windows – In an older home the exterior doors and windows might be 20 or 30 years old. Installing newer double pane windows or louvers can help keep your house cooler and they often improve security as well.
Please email me directly if you need more information on a specific property at [email protected]. Bonaire: +599-717-7362. Call for free from the US: 1-866-611-7362. See all our listings here.