Mistakes to Avoid When Changing up Your Alaskan Home Design – Part 2
In our last article we started sharing some tips about mistakes to avoid when changing up your Alaskan home design. If you end up having to sell your home making the wrong choices when it comes to renovations could affect potential buyer offers. Removing a bathtub, carpeting the wrong areas, signing a contract for a design move (such as solar), adding a hot tub or pool, or installing built-ins are 5 of the design moves we warned against already. Here are a few more to avoid.
Mistake #6 – Closing up your floor plan
Even though we sometimes would like more privacy, especially when forced to be around people for an extended period, closing a floor plan can deter buyer offers. Families often want to keep an eye on small children while cooking or spending time in another room. It’s also important to allow natural light to spread easily throughout the space.
Mistake #7 – Choosing the wrong flooring
Flooring is expensive, so it’s important to make a choice that will appeal to buyers. If you choose a flooring that is unusual it might be difficult to find a buyer that likes it as much as you. Neutral tiles and hardwood floors are the best way to go. If you choose something that you really want that others may not, you may find yourself replacing it for the buyer.
Mistake #8 – Taking down the wrong walls
Comps are an important classification when it comes to homes. If your house doesn’t have the right number of bathrooms or bedrooms in the square footage it could reduce your buyer market. When trying to change up your floor plan, it’s not a great idea to remove bedrooms or bathrooms in the process. Bedrooms are sacred and increase the value of the home. Not everyone prefers a huge room over an extra room. Closets should be protected as well if you’d like to keep prospective buyers.
Mistake #9 – Buying the wrong kitchen appliances
Don’t go overboard when creating the kitchen of your dreams. If you purchase a luxury brand that is above a buyer’s comfort level, they may be intimidated. Appliances that aren’t easily recognized or used by the prospective buyer can steer them away. Purchase appliances that match the economic level of your neighborhood.
Mistake #10 – DIY instead of quality work
We aren’t all an expert at everything. We get it, renovations are costly, but taking on a project that you don’t have the money to do right, or the skill can hurt your home value. Hiring a cheap contractor isn’t going to help either if the work is done poorly. Take the time to get it done right and avoid the obvious DIY job fail. It’s not saving money if you have to do it twice!
These are just a few of many renovation mistakes that you can avoid on your Alaskan home. Before making any changes take a step back and think long-term how it could affect your home value and potential sale, because life happens. If you’re looking to sell your home in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and the Mat-Su Valley, we are happy to help!
