Mission Barganista

I decided against the unit - not only the size consideration, but it was also in poor condition. Basically, too many cons, and the only pro was location. - Sun Jun 22 2008, 20:27

Please please please no more granite. No more cherry cabinets! Please! Don't do this to yourself and to us - the potential buyers. If you want your house to stand out DONT put the same lame-ass kitchen in it that everyone else just had put in. It will instantly date your kitchen, and any smart buyer will know that.

Now sky blue counters, however, sounds about as attractive as having the angel of death taking a nap in the master suite during an open house. I'd keep the cabinets - sure, change the color if you want (sanding and staining would be nicer than just painting over good wood) and put in a neutral counter. I like the suggestions you've already got - bamboo, concrete - something will work with the rest of your house. I personally long for a corian worksurface and perk right up when I see a house with one, but I have no idea if it's worth the $$$. - Sun Jun 22 2008, 20:13

Thanks guys. I do indeed have a realtor, but I like to research a ton - not just in my area and price range - in order to get a feel for the market as a whole over time, and I'd rather not ask him for the DOM for multiple listings every week if I can get them off the web instead! I've been using sfarmls and it's great but it doesn't appear to have that particular info on the public interface. - Mon May 19 2008, 23:18

400K is a lot of money. As others have said, your reason for renovation should dictate your choices. If you are renovating with an eye toward raising the selling price, then consider a more conservative renovation. There is a large price difference between very similar-looking fixtures and fittings. I.E. designer, more top of the line fixtures can easily cost 2x as much. If you're renovating for your own pleasure you can spend more, but that additional money will be wasted for a sale, where the new owner may not want to pay for the designer details, is going to want to personalize the house and may end up replacing some of your choices.

If the reno is for you, and you have the funds, now is a decent time for it. Contractors aren't as busy I hear, interest rates are low, and your opportunity costs - that is, possible gains from investing that money elsewhere - are unusually unclear in the current economy.

Finally, I find your language interesting: 'not necessary to your happiness'. If there is another use that these funds could be put to that would make you happier, consider it! Life is short. - Sat Apr 5 2008, 22:03

As a prospective buyer, I say go for it! 1) it will improve your quality of living while you are in the house. 2) it will set your property apart from the many other Edwardians in your area and price range when you sell. I've looked at so many Edwardians! Their layouts are often strikingly similar, and their tendency towards smaller rooms and loooong hallways can make a day of open houses a frankly claustrophobic experience. Imagine a buyer entering your renovated house after seeing several others that haven't been opened up. . . I think It will give you an edge. And 20K is not a lot of money these days (sadly). Interest rates are low, contractors are aplenty, and since now is probably not a great time to sell, a change will keep things interesting for you as you stay put. - Sat Apr 5 2008, 21:38