Question for real estate agents...

We are currently looking into expanding our small eat in kitchen. The plan we are looking at now would mean using 1/2 the garage space in addition to the square footage we are adding. The kitchen as proposed would be a very large country kitchen with a possible den/playroom area depending on how we lay things out.

My question is, how detrimental to the resale value is having only half a garage? Or should we use the whole garage because garages aren't that big a deal when you go to sell a house? If we use the whole garage, it was be a huge country kitchen with a very large den/playroom area.

Re: Question for real estate agents...

im not an R/E, but I went to see a gazillion houses when I bought.

my question would be, what other storage space do you have? A shed, basement, attic, big closets?

imo, if there is enough storage, the kitchen seems like a great idea.

in the neighborhood we looked in, the houses in our price range do not have basements (hi-ranches). AND alot of them converted the garage into living space. I loved my house bc they had not only extended the living space, but added an attached garage and have a huge shed, so I was willing to settle for no basement.

Re: Question for real estate agents...

I'm not a RE agent, but from looking I can tell you DH had his heart set on a garage. He really wants the storage, and he also wants a workspace.

He may be in the minority though. If there is no other storage for yard stuff, etc., I would not buy a house without a garage. If you do have other storage, I could live without it.

Re: Question for real estate agents...

By increasing the kitchen you are increasing the Living Space - so your appraisal value would go up. The amount you could ask would increase, although you would lose those buyers who have their hearts set on a garage (but if you kept 1/2 the garage, I think that would be perfect!)

Re: Question for real estate agents...

I'm not an RE agent either, but my priority is storage. If you have a basement or other large area for storage, then I would do a large kitchen with great room.

I really wanted a garage too for our cars, but we ended up with a detatched garage that is converted into a rec room (workout room/games room/DH's pooch palace ), a small front section for lawnmower, kayak, etc and an upstairs loft for storage. We don't have a full basement, so this worked out well for us.

Re: Question for real estate agents...

We have plenty of storage...There's space in the basement along with a workbench and work area. We have a shed and a full attic.

Re: Question for real estate agents...

I'm not an REA either but with all of your other storage I think you should use the whole thing....that layout sounds great & I'm sure would desirable.
DH was postive he needed a garage until we found our house. He was able to cpmromise because it had so many other things.
Don't forget to post pics of your project!!!

Re: Question for real estate agents...

Message edited 4/6/2007 8:42:32 PM.

Re: Question for real estate agents...

another REA here and I agree that kitchens (and bathrooms) sell a home.

I think it's a great idea to leave 1/2 the garage too. Increasing the living area while still remaining an attractive option to those who must have a garage like my DH who works on cars.

Re: Question for real estate agents...

Thank you to all those that replied, especially the professionals.

We are keeping enough of the garage to be able to keep the garage door opener and using the rest. We may eventually add a garage next to the one we currently have and then use the whole space but that won't be for awhile. As the plan stands now, we woudl be adding an extra 450 square feet on to a small home so it's going to be a big improvement!