If you are looking to make some improvements to your home, one of the first things that confuse people is deciding what to do. Funds are often limited and if you have to decide between doing one project or the other, the decision can be frustrating.
Of the many remodel projects done in the home, two of the most popular are remodeling bathrooms and basements. Both can add value and enjoyment to your home, so if faced with the decision of doing either or, how can you choose? Here are some things that might help you to make your decision quickly and to the satisfaction of the entire family.
First of all, do you plan on staying in the home for a long time or are you planning on selling? This is a huge question to answer because if the answer is you are planning to move, your decision is likely already made. In this case, many real estate professional would recommend you knock out the bathroom in this case. The fact is, improving square footage below ground level has a much lower rate of return than improvements above ground, just a real estate fact of life. In addition, two of the things than home buyers look for when buying are updated kitchens and bathrooms.
Now, if you are not planning on moving anytime soon, you have to truly look at the situation facing the family long term if choosing one project versus the other. For instance, do you only have one or two bathrooms currently? If you are limited on the number of bathrooms, then updating one of the current ones may make perfect sense. How about your kids, do they need their own room, which remodeling the basement will provide? If so, the decision is clear here as well.
Taking the time to answer your short and long term goals, as well as the needs of your current family situation will surely point you to your decision of which room to remodel, bathroom or basement. One will give more bang for your buck in your pocket, the other will provide bang for your buck in long term satisfaction for both you and your entire family.
