Exterior improvements give more of a return when remodeling

There is an annual report that examines the cost versus value for home remodeling.  The report is helpful for those who are considering making improvements to their homes, especially if their home is one that they consider selling in the near future.  Historically, bedrooms and bathrooms are where people consider spending their money but the return on the remodel investment is not necessarily there.

According to the 2009 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report the best return for your money are exterior improvements that often are lower cost projects to begin with.  Adding decks, replacing siding, new doors and windows are among projects that recoup the most money when re-selling a home.  The return on these projects is typically 80% or more.

The annual report shows how important first impressions are.  If you are considering selling your home make sure that the exterior is as eye catching as it can be.

Click here to learn more about remodeling costs versus value at The National Association of Realtors’ website.

Beautiful Jesco Hills home waiting for you!!! Tender love and care was taken in the total remodel to bring this home up to today’s décor.  Entering through the front door adorned with leaded glass, oak hardwood floors in the entry and on the stairs to the second floor catch your eye.  Neutral colors throughout would complement any décor.  Going directly to the kitchen/family room area, there are substantial oak cabinets, granite counter tops with nickel fixtures and under-counter mounted stainless steel sink and black appliance. A granite top island with oak base is ideal for serving those hungry guests.  French doors open directly off the nook area onto a two-level deck overlooking the fenced back yard…  A bricked gas log, heat-o-lator fireplace is the focal point of the large family room.  This open concept area makes it easy for entertaining.  The formal dining room and living room complete the circular floor plan of the first floor.   All light fixtures are new, some tiffany glass type, brighten up the first level.   Exit to the 2 car garage is directly through the laundry room. 

The oak stairs and upstairs hall lead you to the master suite and three large bedrooms.  The master suite is awesome with its vaulted ceiling and large master bedroom with jetted tub and separate shower.  Double sinks and mirrors give you that added room.   In addition, the furnace is an 80% efficiency furnace.  This home has been completely remodeled and offers so many features that home buyers today are seeking. 

Exquisite home in Vinton Woods.  California Contemporary style. Siding and roof made of aluminum, a “carefree” construction introduced in Vinton Woods by National Homes in conjunction with Alcoa.  Owner has original magazine with article. Built in 1959, the owners kept this home’s original design and features for historical purposes.  Double front doors welcome you into this grand foyer entry with ceramic tile floors and grass cloth wall covering.  The kitchen has the original maple cabinets, refinished to bring out the natural wood finish, copper backsplashes and copper cabinet handles. The breakfast nook opens to the living room and shares with it an entire wall of windows overlooking the wooded back yard.  The living room has an impressive two-sided fireplace with limestone fascia to the ceiling and cantilevered slab for seating. The large dining room features furniture from a show home of this model.  The three large bedrooms extend off the main hallway.  Each bedroom has plentiful closet space with floor to ceiling folding doors.  The master bedroom suite has a nice sized master bath with mirrored shower doors, marble surround and countertop.  The second bath has two basins and custom solid walnut cabinetry.

The basement is absolutely huge and partially finished!!  It has a large family room and kitchen/wet bar area complete with L-shaped bar with bar stools.  A separate room provides ample space for an office or den.  There is also a very large room suitable for a recreation room or playroom.  A workshop area is behind the recreation room.  Most furniture in the basement could stay. 

Original oak floors go throughout most of the main floor. The rear patio extends the entire length of the home. Two gas furnaces provide zoned heating; two air conditioners new in 2006.  Thermopane sliding glass doors are wood framed.

When seeing this home, it is obvious that it has been maintained through its existence.  This neighborhood is one of the original National Homes neighborhoods, so great attention was given to the layout; it has its own exclusive club house with pool, tennis court and three ponds.  It is very charming and classy as are the homes built here. Call today for your personal tour.

Spacious house on wooded lot, located on a cul-de-sac on a ravine. Offers considerable privacy while being situated in a beautifully established and wonderful family neighborhood.  Very convenient to Purdue and West Lafayette Schools.  Five bedrooms, four full and one half baths. Laundry/storage is on bedroom/2nd floor level.  Upper level has 10 year old separate heating/cooling system.  Main level/basement heating/cooling system was replaced approximately 7 years ago.  The roof was replaced 8 years ago.  Rooms have been freshly painted.  New carpet is in the family room.  The recreation room has been updated and a kitchen has been added; it is perfect for kids of any age!

With the exceptional space, this house meets the need for formal entertaining or casual and fun family living.  Large living room, family room, enclosed porch, deck off kitchen and a very private, roomy guest area.

The garage is over-sized, 2 car and is heated.  Abundant storage area exists.

With the layout of this home, there is a possibility of a mother-in-law quarters having bedroom, bath, and living room.   

Charming three bedroom, 2 bath ranch in Twyckenham subdivision in South Lafayette.

Located in the proximity of 350S, schools, shopping and dining are at your fingertips. 

Very well maintained and decorated in neutral colors, 3415 Coventry Lane is in move-in condition waiting for you.

The breakfast nook/kitchen equipped with a corner sink is located at the front of the home directly off the foyer entry.  A pass through window offers openness from the kitchen into the dining area giving a great open concept. 

Patio doors off the living room open to a screened porch overlooking a fenced back yard. 

Three nice sized bedrooms-one a master suite have ample room for bedroom furniture or convert one bedroom into an office. Ceiling fans throughout for air circulation to keep down on heating and cooling costs.  A two car garage with storage space to house your vehicle.  This is a great purchase for first-time buyers or empty nesters

BLUE HERON ESTATE – And what an estate it is!!  This is an exceptional property combining the best of quality and elegance with the warmth and charm of a classic family retreat!!  Blue Heron is compiled of the main house with an in-ground pool/hot tub to the separate second floor guest house over an oversized 3 car garage on a setting of 5 acres spotted with apple orchards, grape arbors, vegetable and flower gardens overlooking a pond. 

Upon driving to the estate through the entrance of brick cornerstones with inlaid etched plates on each side of the circular drive, stepping out onto the decorative brick pavers, continuing through the gated, grand entrance to the elaborately designed front door, makes one anxious to see more.

Marble floors adorn the foyer and powder room extending into the hallway leading to the hearth room/kitchen area.  The guest powder room is directly situated at the foyer entrance. A pedestal sink complemented by gold faucets just adds to the flair of the marble floor.

French doors open off the foyer into the formal dining room with wood floors centered by a beautiful chandelier and trimmed with dentate crown molding and fluted molding with rosette corners.

Moving down the hall into the current hearth room and open kitchen which have been totally remodeled to include maple hardwood floors, Zinn cabinetry, Jenn-Air gas cooktop, Corian counters, double oven, warming drawer, vegetable bins and a walk-in pantry with freezer. A corner sink overlooks the hearth room.

A library with built-in book shelves and fireplace has a stained glass window and is located off the living room which also has a fireplace. The master suite is uniquely located off the living room – it includes a 2-person sauna and a glass-block, ceramic tiled shower in the master bath, separated vanities, 2 walk-in closets, and an exercise room. The 19×15 master bedroom also has a fireplace.

Additionally, there is a 13×11 den or sitting room and a 12×8 laundry room on the first floor.  The lower level game room area has a wet bar and stone fireplace with an walk-out entrance into a sunroom.

The gorgeous U-shaped maple hardwood stairway to the 2^nd level overlooking the living room takes you back with the presence of the large stained glass window at the landing level.

Crown molding and door and window fluted molding with rosette corners are found throughout the entire home as well as maple hardwood floors.  Additionally, this home offers 4650SF, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, five fireplaces, each uniquely designed, two wet bars (one equipped with a wine cooler), Pella and Andersen windows.

Paver patios provide delightful views of a three tiered garden and the pond.

The guest house offers an oversized 3 car garage, first floor bath/changing area for pool users and an upstairs 1200SF fully equipped, 1 bedroom apartment.   Blue Heron is definitely a home to put on your list to see because words can’t describe everything there is to offer.  Call today for your personal tour.

Abundance of space in this home – over 3000SF and it’s close to schools and shopping and priced to sell.  

First floor open concept allows for flow and massive appearance.  The kitchen has a pass-through opening into the living room area.  Ample kitchen cabinets are white wood and base cabinets have granite-like counter tops.  This home comes complete with family room, living room, kitchen/breakfast nook, recreation room and laundry room.

Three oversized bedrooms are on the 2^nd floor with two full baths.  All bedrooms have large windows for plenty of natural light and space for several pieces of furniture.  Ceiling fans are in each bedroom for air circulation on those nice evenings when the windows are open. 

A two car attached garage tops off this great home.  Call today for an appointment to see this home.

Where else are you going to find 2700SF for this price.  Large, well-kept 2 story home on lovely landscaped lot in new Woodland Elementary school district.  Large dining room off the kitchen opens adjacent to the living room.  The kitchen is very unique with its lighting fixtures and room shape into the breakfast nook.  A half-bath is located on the 1^st floor for convenience. All four large bedrooms are located upstairs as are two full bathrooms. The master bedroom takes in one of the full baths to form the master suite. A full walk-in closed extends off the bathroom.  A large loft area could be utilized in several ways – game room, office, quiet room, toy room.  You name it and it’s a bonus!! Plenty of room to raise a family.  Relax on the large patio in the rear.

Looking for small town living?  This is your home?  Great 2 story home with detached 3 car+ garage is waiting for you in Otterbein.  Eat-in kitchen equipped with oven/range, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal.  Enter into the large living room through the enclosed front porch.  Natural woodwork throughout home.  Two carpeted bedrooms are upstairs and one bedroom is on the ground floor, also carpeted.  A full bathroom with ceramic tile is on the first floor.  

A nice-sized deck flows across the back of the house. All this on a spacious lot with plenty of back yard space for entertaining.

An easy 10 miles from Lafayette, get some peace and serenity on 2 acres raising your family in a country setting. Do you enjoy woodworking or collecting or rebuilding automobiles; if so, let’s begin.   A heated, attached 24×24 workshop with cabinets is at your fingertips for your woodworking hobbies or refinishing furniture, etc.  Then, move outside to the oversized 4 car garage.  Actually another overhead double door makes it a 6 car oversized garage.  A single car garage is behind that 4 car to store yard equipment.   A man’s dream!!

Now let’s go inside to see what the home has to offer. Five bedrooms and two full baths make this a great home for a growing family. The master suite is at the end of the hall.  A large kitchen combines with the dining room and the family room ideally for those large family gatherings. 

Double, sliding doors from the family room opens into the sunroom giving you added space to enjoy the great outdoors in all seasons having a stand-alone stove for warmth in the winter.