Things to Consider Before Doing a Remodel

Because contractors continue to have difficulty finding work in many parts of the country, many home owners are enjoying home-remodeling bargains.

Before signing a contract, here are some things Tara-Nicholle Nelson, author of "The Savvy Woman's Homebuying Handbook" urges people to consider:

· When the market is flooded with properties, buyers are frequently unwilling to pay for upgrades, although an upgraded home may sell more quickly than a dated one.
· Sellers concerned about guaranteeing a remodeling return on investment should focus on preserving the value and the likelihood of resale instead of on aesthetics.
· Don’t overbuild. McMansions have fallen out of fashion.

Source: Boston Globe, Tara-Nicholle Nelson (12/06/2010)