By Chris Prickett

Hey, want to party like its 1999? You may not have to leave your house. What looked good a decade-plus-one ago can look a little retro today. Since trading up is not an option like it was a few years back, maybe it’s time to consider re-tarring the old love shack.

Deciding what job to tackle and how much to spend really depends on your objective. Sink your hard-earned green into travertine? Drop a load of cash on a new backsplash? Spend a bundle on an antique trundle? OK, OK, I’ll stop.

When it comes to investing in your home, think about your objective and potential return before you “lay down scratch in your cabbage patch.” (I need help.)

Top it Off
Countertops are a great place to start your kitchen facelift. Granite or engineered stone really wows prospective buyers and adds value to your home. The cost can be as little as $3,000 depending on the size of the countertop and your choice of stone. New laminate tops cost even less, but don’t charm the buyer’s eye like stone. Tile looks good, but if you do a lot of cooking, you’ll do a lot of cursing. Those grout joints get nasty fast-y ! (Sorry. I can’t stop myself.)

Shelve This Idea
I can’t see you getting back your investment on totally replacing your cabinets. If you’re staying in the house for a while and you really want to switch from oak to cherry, then go for it—money isn’t everything. For a resale spruce-up or a cheap change, refinish or paint the existing cabinets.

Floor it!
Kids and pets are murder on carpet, which can also be a no-no for allergy-sufferers. Consider tile, stone or wood laminate as a more durable solution.

Throw on a Coat
While it’s common knowledge I hate to paint, this is the best “bang-for-your-buck” upgrade. Even if you hire a professional, this is still a cost effective option. For resale, stay with neutral colors that don’t scream “I love the 80s!” If it’s for your castle, have a party. Choose whatever makes you feel good. Just don’t ask me to help.

More is Less
Today, homes are selling for as little as $70 per square foot in our area. The cost of an addition can be twice that. Unless your home is painfully small, an addition is not the way to go if you’re planning to sell. The value varies: an additional bathroom will likely add more value than bumping out a family room. It will also cost more. You also have to consider limitations imposed by local zoning and CC&Rs. Unless you plan to stay awhile, I’d subtract the addition from the remodel. Converting your seldom-used dining room (aka furniture storage room) into a more usable space might be the way to go. io

Chris Prickett is a real estate agent, general contractor and former home inspector. Contact the writer at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .