I Love Bowie MD

An updated kitchen (granite counters, upgraded  cabinets, newer appliances and lighting) attracted us to our Bowie rancher in spite of its location on a busy street and the fact that it had only three bedrooms.

Real estate agents tell me we’re not unique, and that updated Bowie homes often sell or rent much more quickly than homes with original kitchen and/or baths.  But homeowners should not expect to profit from any remodeling costs – i.e., get back more money than they invest in the project.

BATHROOM REMODELING:

According to the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report published by Remodeling Magazine last month,  it costs about $16,000 in this part of the country to update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom as follows:  Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4-by-4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.

The return on this investment in resale, according to the report, is $11.454 – In other words, about 71 cents for each dollar spent.

KITCHEN REMODELING:

The same report indicates that a “minor” kitchen remodel in this part of the country runs $21,411  for the following:  In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install midpriced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.

Return on investment for this project is $16,773, according to the report – approximately 78 cents per dollar spent. Major kitchen remodeling numbers are less encouraging:  Cost = $57,215, Value = $41,260 (approx. 72 cents for each dollar invested).

Fortunately, my family is benefiting from remodeling efforts and investment by a previous occupant, and I’m very happy about that.  There is an alternative, however, for my neighbors who are still living with their 60′s bathrooms and kitchens…

RETRO REDO:

It seems that the “retro” look is gaining in popularity, due in part to HGTV and other home improvement television presentations.  Check out the Retro Renovations website for ideas on preserving your original Bowie bathrooms and kitchen in a manner that will appeal to the growing number of people who cherish the 60′s and 70′s look.  No facts or figures are available in the Cost vs. Value Report for taking this approach, but it’s certainly more affordable than remodeling.  Who knows… you might break even or possibly profit from a Retro Redo for your kitchen and baths if the rest of your house is clutter-free, clean, and fresh.