DIY Network

Room to Grow: Value Boosts and Final Tally Room to Grow: Value Boosts and Final Tally From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-110

Kim Karsh and her three kids finally have the extra bathroom they need and two new bedrooms for the girls. By updating her retro orange carpet and dark wood paneling and by adding bedrooms and a full bath, Kim was able to attain a great boost in home value. By performing most of the renovation herself she was able to stay under her $15,000 budget and keep nearly $20,000 in equity!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Sweat Equity's Adding Basement Value Tips:

• By removing the outdated wood paneling and orange carpet (figure A), Kim restructured her basement to the style of the rest of the house. An outdated room can bring the value of the house down all by itself, even more so than an unfinished space!

• Kim made a substantial decision to add two bedrooms and a full bathroom to her basement (figure B). Creating more livable space is an equity booster and a full bath will always bring a higher return than a half- or quarter-bath.

• Neutral paint colors tend to show better when selling, but in Emerson and Lily’s case, their color choices reflect their fun personalities (figure C). Fun, bright colors can add some flavor and personality to basement spaces.

Final Tally:

Framing = $1,400
Electrical =$1,500
Plumbing = $650
Drywall = $4,000
Bathroom = $1,650
Carpet = $2,000
Paint = $375
Misc. = $1,426

TOTAL = $13,001

REALTOR’S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $32,000

TOTAL COST OF MATERIAL = $13,001

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $18,999

RESOURCES :

Handyman Matters
Website: www.handymanmatters.com

GUESTS :

Adam Berlin
General Contractor
Maverick Home Remodeling Inc.
Website: www.RenewTheHome.com

Dave Hauser
Elite Drains and Plumbing Inc.
Phone: 720-296-2255