Hi Bob,

The short answer is yes. If you can finish the space with the same level of care and craftsmanship as the upper level, you would definitely see a good return on your investment. But I hope that you are doing it, first and foremost, so that you and your family can enjoy the finished space. When it comes time to sell, if you are priced just a little higher than the homes with unfinished basements you are likely to be the one getting the offer. Be sure to make the space as versatile as possible and use products that are timeless, and fit well with the rest of the decor.

- Beth Smith (Coldwell Banker)

It depends on what you do or dont do. If you just slap up drywall and do it on the cheap you WILL have a problem when you go to sell. Hire someone who ONLY finishes basements as they know how to add value to your home while giving you the best quality finish. Do not just hire some contractor who low balls you a price-you do get what you pay for. Give me a call-I just finished 2 basements in your part of vinings estates and over 20 in vinins estates

Hi Bob. Having several Vinings Estates homes listed and having sold 3 this year in Vinings Estates (plus I live in the neighborhood) I tell you from experience what to expect from this project. Nicely finished basements will definitely help a home sell quicker but you will typically not get a return on your investment within a "couple of years". Your situation is a bit different. If you can finish a basement at the same level as the main level and finish most of the basement, I would think you should at least break even. Beware though, a cheaply done basement can hurt you more than help.

Dan Petersen

Bob,

I would agree with Jodi that you should get a very good return on your investment if you do a quality job as you will obviously be saving a lot of money by doing it yourself. The key is to make sure it's to the same caliber of the rest of the home and please don't do "drop ceilings". It's the cheap way to go and always a turn-off for future homebuyers.

And in the meantime, you'll be able to enjoy your finished basement.

On a side note, I find that a lot of buyers are turned off by the fact that they're sharing the amenities at Vinings Estates, so not within the neighborhood and actually pay more in HOA fees than owners in Vinings Estates.

If I can be of further assistance, just let me know.

Aaron Hofmann
aaron@SmyrnaVinings.com
770-653-9601.

Bob, although the market looks to me like it moving in an upwards direction, bear in mind, always keep your costs to a minimum. Unless you stay in the home to enjoy the "fruits of your labor" most times, seller will NOT get all of the money and labor they put into the property; unless, of course, they hold onto it for a little time. In your case, you'll want to be a little more specific with me about what you are trying to to do...putting in a bath will always increase the value as well as making an unfinished basement, totally finished. Bear in mind, you'll also want to make sure that permits are not necessary for anything you do because you don't want problems selling with the town when you are ready...

Hi Bob,

If you are doing most of the work yourself you are saving a lot of money and I would say that, yes, you should be able to recoop that $8000 since a Finished Basement typically adds a good $10k to the value of a home (depending on the size of the basement). As long as the work is done well and professionally. If it looks like you did it...a buyer will pick up on that. A do-it-yourself job that looks like a do-it-yourself job could decrease that $8000 investment.

A finished basement is always an asset to a homeowner and to a buyer...as long as it's done well!!!

Let me know if there is anything further I can assist you with in regards to your Real Estate needs. :)

Jodi Smith
Atlanta Real Estate Agent
Keller Williams Realty Consultants – Roswell, Georgia
678-763-6025
jodismith@kw.com
Tweet Me: http://twitter.com/JodiRSmith
http://positiverealestateprofessionals.com/jodismith/