Home, Land, Property Buying and Selling - How much does it increase the value of my home?

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA
wolf3080
03-09-09, 09:30 AM
I have a home that was built around 1896. My wife and I are going to be doing a lot of remodeling in the coming years. We have a rather elaborate mantel in the living room that we love but also thought about taking it out because it would allow us to remove the wall that it is on and open the living room up to where you could see the stairs and give us another 5 or 6 feet in the living room. My question is would this mantel add a lot of value to the home or would opening the room add more value? The fire place is not operational nor will it ever be.
Thanks,
Jeff

Shadeladie
03-09-09, 09:43 AM
This is just my personal opinion, not a professional one, but since it's an old home, I would leave the mantel because most people that are interested in old homes, are also interested in the ornate, original details that come with a home like that. I see it all the time on TV shows, where they attempt to restore it back to the way it was after someone decided to modernize it. So, to me, the ornate details is what would increase the value.
When I think of open spaces, I think of the newer contemporary homes with the open floor plans. I don't think the two mix somehow, but JMO.
dougm
03-24-09, 02:13 PM
The answer to your question is based solely on your market. Contact a real estate agent in your area who is familiar with your neighborhood. Look for home sale signs to see who sells a lot of homes in your area. This is free advice that any good agent should be glad to give.

Doug M.