Adding home value...or just taking up space?

8 years ago

Hello, first time posting and coming to you all for advice.

Our home is a 1965 single family owned home--4 bed, 2 bath single-level, approx 2000 sq ft, with an unfinished basement and garage running the entire length of the home. When we purchased, it hadn't been touched in years! After some very basic, cosmetic changes--removal of floral wallpaper and floral carpet, painting every wall, and refinishing hardwoods in the home--we are finally ready to start tackling the bigger project of renovating the "living" area of the home.

Currently, the formal living, formal dining, kitchen, breakfast nook, and family room are all located on one side of the home; the 4 beds and 2 bathrooms are located on the other side of the home; a laundry space is located in the basement. We have a lot of room to work with reconfiguring the "living" side of the home and are prepared to remove walls (load bearing included) and combine spaces--we are just trying to decide what we absolutely need and don't need to consider when planning the space.

My questions to you all are:

1. If space allows, what would you rather have: a powder room, a laundry room, both?

2. Which would be more valuable?

3. How much value will be added by adding a powder room to the "living" side of the home? Is this a perk OR is it expected in a home this size with divided living and sleeping areas?

4. How much value will be added by relocating the laundry room upstairs and out of the basement? Are current home buyers expecting the convenience of a laundry room on the same floor as the living?

5. Do we need a breakfast nook, dining room and an island that would accommodate additional seating?

LOTS of questions, but any insight you all could provide is greatly appreciated!

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Comments (4)

auntthelma
8 years ago
I honestly think you should build the house for your family, not for 'value.'

For value, I like a powder room, but a family bathroom in a one story house can serve that need.

I like a laundry room on the main floor, but if the basement is clean - it's not horrible to have the laundry in the basement.

The big question is, are you spending money you will never see again? Or are you making your home a home in which your family is comfortable and happy?
jck910
8 years ago
1. both

2. probably depends on your location but I would powder room more valuable

3. I would say a lot of value as guests will not have to go to the private areas of the home

4. In a one level home I would say up out of basement is better

5. No. Choose 2: nook & DR or DR & Island
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apple_pie_order
8 years ago
Most improvements lose money. Put in what you want for your family. Talk to your real estate agent if you are concerned about over-improving for your area.
kariyava
8 years ago
I agree that the focus should be on what works for your family, with resell a secondary consideration. That being said, I think a powder room in the living area is very convenient and valuable. Whether it is a requirement or a perk likely depends on how expensive your home is and what the norm is for the area. I would prefer laundry on the same level as the bedrooms, but I think of that as more of a perk and less of a requirement, so if I had to choose one I would choose the powder room.

With respect to dining, I don't think you need all three, though it would be nice. I think you need a space for a larger dining table -- whether that is a separate dining room or a large nook. If you have a separate dining space, you should have somewhere to eat "in" the kitchen, whether that be seating at an island or right off the kitchen in a nook.