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Redoing the Den: Value Boosts and Final Tally Redoing the Den: Value Boosts and Final Tally From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-109

Melanie and Dave’s small-budget project proved to have big results. By spending their money in the appropriate places they were just $5 over their $5,000 price limit, and they still made a whopping $4,995 in equity! Now the Glenn’s have a family room worthy of some real quality time.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Sweat Equity’s Adding Family Room Value Tips:

• An outdated space in an otherwise modern house can single-handedly bring the value of a home down (figure A). By removing their wood paneling, installing trim, updating their wet bar and sandblasting their moss rock, the Glenn’s give their family room a consistent look that complements the rest of the house and instantly increases the equity.

• In a dark room like this family room, more light and open space is better. The Glenn’s removed faux beams, installed more can lighting and demolished a hall divider giving the room more flow to the rest of the house and giving the impression of higher ceilings (figure B).

• Neutral paint is always a good choice, especially if you plan on moving in the next couple years. The Glenn’s chose a warm earth tone, a soothing color palette for a place where they spend a lot of time (figure C).

• Melanie and Dave found they could stick to their budget by sandblasting the fireplace instead of replacing it entirely, dry walling over the existing drywall, removing the trim pieces in the wet bar and installing granite tile instead of granite countertops (figure D). Solutions like this are great money savings ideas without the extra cost and time of demolition, renovation and supplies.

Final Tally:

Sandblaster - $400
Electrician - $480
Drywall Crew - $1,300
Paint - $300
Cabinet - $750
Tile and Install - $280
Sink - $175
Trim - $200
Carpet and Install - $880
Misc. Expenses = $240

TOTAL = $5,005

REALTOR’S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $10,000

TOTAL COST OF MATERIAL = $5,005

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $4,995

RESOURCES :

Handyman Matters
Website: www.handymanmatters.com

kitchen cabinets
Home Clearance Center
Website: www.buynewkitchen.homestead.com

GUESTS :

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