What adds more value to a house?

We are torn b/t 2 houses.
They are exactly the same layout wise, and next door to each other (so same area), but here are the differences:

House A:
*Needs updating in kitchen
*Only 1 bathroom but rough-in for 2nd
*4 bedrooms (one would be converted into formal DR)
*Bathroom needs updating
* Old carpeting & wallpaper throughout

* REAR DORMERED ALREADY

House B:
*Updated kitchen with extension out the back(small but it's there)
*Deck in the yard (sliders from the kitchen extension lead to deck)
*Same lot size as house A but it's cleared so it looks bigger and more tamed
* Two FULL bathrooms
* 3 bedrooms - so if one is converted into FDR, we only have 2
* Laminate flooring (house A would need them installed)
* Newer boiler
* Skylights

* NO REAR DORMER


So, essentially, they are the same but house A needs updating (it's clean but old). House A has a rear dormer and an additional bedroom. DH is handy, so if the houses are the same price - is it more cost effective to update the kitchen and add the second bath, or dormer out the more updated house? You see my dilemma?

Message edited 8/25/2006 4:23:24 PM.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

Dormers are REALLY expensive and while kitchen's aren't cheap to fix, they are defintely cheaper than dormers.

Still I think it depends on if you think you will actually do the dormer. In my situation, I bought an updated house with no dormer. I don't plan on living here long enough to need the dormer as it's a starter house. However, if I was going to need the space, I probably would opt for Option A.

I voted for B, based on my own case.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

We planned on front dormering house A down the road anyway. So, house B would obviously need to entire shell (DH can take it from there).

Re: What adds more value to a house?

I think 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (since one is rough in) is much more appealing.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

i think i would go with house A .....good luck!

Re: What adds more value to a house?

For what you want to do House A will be cheaper.

Keep in mind, when you expand you need CO's and your taxes go up as well.

Message edited 8/21/2006 4:17:48 PM.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

I picked A. Good luck with your decision!!

Re: What adds more value to a house?

Id go with A

Re: What adds more value to a house?

Id go w/ A also.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

Really? I'm surprised really. I though B was the more appealing, but I guess I'll appreciate having that dormer down the road.
I guess it's also a matter of whether or not we want move-in ready or to do the work.
DH is excited to do the work. I just get nervous that we'll allot a certain amt of time & $$ and before you know it - double the price & amt of time!

Re: What adds more value to a house?

A

Re: What adds more value to a house?

I am a little confused... I thought a dormer was a window... so what advangtage exactly does a dormer have?
I think in terms of which house - it depends on how long you plan on being there and how much money you want to put into it. If you buy the fixer, you can be there for a long time... but if you don't have the money to fix it, it might wind up being very frustrating.
If this is a starter home, and you plan on being in for 5-7 years, then I would go with the move in ready house.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

Re: What adds more value to a house?

Id go with "A" First, redoing a house will be cheaper than a dormer in most cases. Second, you can redo completely to your own taste.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

I voted A. I would rather update to my liking. Money wise you will probably have to spend close anyhow, so less disruption to update then dormer I feel!

Re: What adds more value to a house?

For me it would be House B with no question.

Here are the problems I see with House A:

What's UNDER the carpeting? You'll probably have to get new flooring.

Wallpaper = new sheetrock i.e. gutting the rooms with wallpaper (well, at least that's what I'd do)

Need to add a bathroom, means taxes will go up

New kitchen

Sounds like House A is almost a total gut to me. Not worth it IMO unless the price difference is that much better.

How much sq. footage is that rear dormer adding to House B?

Re: What adds more value to a house?

I would choose A. Even if B is updated, you dont know how shoddy it might be!

Message edited 8/22/2006 10:18:49 AM.

Re: What adds more value to a house?

Well, actually went back to House B last night, and it wasn't as great as I recall. The kitchen, while more updated than A, still needs new appliances - ALL new appliances. The laundry room is pretty much unfinished. The "master suite" upstairs has no closet. B/c there is no dormering, DH has to duck up there. Plus, the deck I thought existed outside was actually a cement slab with wood around it - like a big play pen. A is def. the better choice. If we have to do work in both, I'd rather have the dormer in place, and update at our leisure. We'll do the kitchen immediately and go from there.

Thanks for your feedback!

Re: What adds more value to a house?

So are you going to put an offer in on the house?

Re: What adds more value to a house?

We're going with House A

Re: What adds more value to a house?

house A sounds more appealing...

Re: What adds more value to a house?