Downloadable PDF Brochure from The Appraisal Institute
Remodeling & Rehabbing: Some Valuable Hints for Homeowners
Whether you're thinking about modernizing a room in
your home or rehabbing an entire house, you'll want to make sure the money you invest in the project has a positive effect
on your home's value. Before you start tearing up tile, ripping out old plaster or buying that "handyman's special" you've
had your eye on, you should consult a professional real estate appraiser about the economics of your proposed project. You
may receive good advice on questions such as:
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Will the improvement add to or detract from the value of your home? |
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Is the improvement feasible and marketable? |
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Are neighborhood trends pointing to an upward cycle? |
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How to go about it |
Keep the Next Buyer in Mind When
it comes to improving your home, don't count on a dollar-for-dollar return on every improvement. For example, real estate
appraisers have found that remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or adding a room may bring the greatest return on a homeowner's
investment. Some custom installations can actually detract from value, which appraisers call over improvements. Focus on projects
that will appeal to the majority of homebuyers—more buyers will appreciate an extra bedroom than a custom greenhouse.
Here
are some additional hints to help you plan the home improvement projects.
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Make sure essential repairs are completed before you start improving—a
posh sauna won't make up for a leaky roof. In fact, simple and relatively inexpensive repairs such as plastering and painting
could earn a better return on your investment than some major improvement projects. |
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When deciding what to improve first, take a look around and find out
what other homebuyers want. That way, you'll select those improvements for which the market is willing to pay. Beware of over-improving. |
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If you do it yourself, do it right. Keep your improvements consistent
with the quality of your home and the character of the neighborhood. If you decide that you can't do the job yourself, be
sure to contact a reputable contractor. |
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Pay a fair price for improvements, not an inflated price. |
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Consider energy-efficient improvements. While they may not save you a
great deal of money now, as energy costs increase, so will your savings. |
The key to all major home improvement projects is sound advice. Calling
a professional real estate appraiser, specifically a designated member of the Appraisal Institute, can start you off on the
right foot.
Based on their experience and proven ability in the analysis and valuation of real property, they can advise
you if your remodeling investment may pay off in the long run.
Is Rehab Feasible? If
you've been bitten by the rehab "bug," you'd better get help or the "disease" could be financially terminal. You need to know
if the property is worth rehabbing, if the neighborhood is on an upward swing, how much the rehab will cost and what its "after-rehab"
value will be. What you need are the services of a real estate appraiser to conduct a feasibility study. While many people
may think of real estate appraisers only in terms of estimating property value for a mortgage loan, professional appraisers
perform a wide range of additional services.
A feasibility study is much more than adding the cost of renovation to
the cost of the property for an indication of final value. Renovation studies are based on certain economic principles, including
those of contribution, increasing and decreasing returns, conformity, and highest and best use. The appraiser
explores the alternatives, estimates the cost and potential income/value benefits and, guided by the results of a comparison
of the data, develops an estimate of value before and after rehabilitation. If the property is in sufficiently sound condition,
if neighborhood trends point to an upward cycle and if the prospective income or value improvement is substantial, a comprehensive
renovation program may be feasible.
First, the appraiser gathers information about the neighborhood, city and region
and examines economic trends such as population growth or decline, purchasing power, price levels and the employment base
in the area. Other factors to be analyzed include:
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PHYSICAL: Street patterns, convenience to public transportation,
and available stores and service establishments; |
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ECONOMIC: Degree of home ownership, rent and income
levels; and |
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GOVERNMENTAL: Zoning and building codes and other regulations
restricting design and use |
A cost estimate to rehabilitate the property itself is obviously part
of a feasibility study. Architects and contractors are experts who could also be called in at this stage of the study. An
assessment is needed of the character, quality and condition of construction details, including:
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Foundation |
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Frame |
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Exterior walls |
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Floors |
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Roof |
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Interior construction |
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Heating system* |
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Plumbing* |
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Gas supply and piping* |
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Electric service* |
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Miscellaneous items such as kitchen and bathroom equipment* |
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Land improvements such as water system, sewage disposal system, walks,
fences |
(*These must all comply or be corrected to comply
with building codes) |
After an assessment of work to be done is completed, cost estimates are
prepared. Rehab estimates may be based on actual recent costs for the same or equivalent work performed in similar structures.
To the basic "cost new" amount is added any additional cost for performing the work in an existing structure. Because rehab
conditions are not conducive to the degree of efficiency that is attained on new construction, the cost of rehab work, item
by item, is usually higher than for similar new construction. The quality of material may be the same as for new work, but
more labor is involved and the conditions are different.
A before-and-after feasibility analysis performed by a professional
appraiser can enable you to make a reasonable decision about that potential rehab property. You want to do it; be sure to
do it "smart."
Other needs for an appraisal and/or market analysis related to a rehab property include:
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To judge insurance needs |
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To estimate real estate taxes after rehabilitation |
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To estimate value for a preservation easement donation |
Members of the Appraisal Institute:Your Key to
Home Improvement Value A key to major home improvement and rehab projects is your call to a designated
member of the Appraisal Institute in your area for a professional appraisal of your property. Members holding the MAI, SRPA
or SRA designations of the Appraisal Institute form a network of highly qualified professionals throughout the United States
and abroad. They are identified by their experience in and knowledge of real estate valuation and by their commitment to adhere
to a strictly enforced Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. With the help of an MAI,
SRPA or SRA, you'll know what you're getting into and what to expect before you start!
How
to Find a Member of the Appraisal Institute It's easy to find a member of the Appraisal Institute. Simply
go to www.appraisalinstitute.org and look for the "Find an Appraiser" option. You can search for designated members through the United States as well as abroad
by name, city, county, state or metropolitan statistical area (MSA). You can also obtain the Appraisal Institute's Directory
of Members on CD-ROM by calling 312-335-4100 or e-mailing directory@appraisalinstitute.org. The Directory disk is available at no charge.
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