Home improvements and updating can definitely add value, but you have to make good decisions. I fell in love with a newly updated house, only to find that they added a beautiful laundry room by taking so much space out of the garage that you could no longer fit a car in there.

The other problem is people doing sub-par work and not getting permits. The next buyer goes to get financing, then through title search and inspections, they find a whole lot of issues they need to resolve before they can actually purchase.

If I were planning to sell, I would look at the value of surrounding homes first before starting an improvement project. See if the cost of what I plan to do can be recouped at the time of sale. Also make sure that the improvements are similar to what is offered in newer construction in the area. For instance all the newer homes around here seem to be installing granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. I'd keep that in mind if I were going to do a kitchen remodel to entice buyers.

What do you guys think about the value of fixing up an outbuilding into a guest cottage?

I would like to think that making a guest cottage on one's property can only help improve the value of a home?

Home remodeling can focus on multiple areas for both indoor and outdoor renovations that benefit the home. Making them more up-to-date and energy efficient, expanding the square footage and remodeling those areas, we need home repair and replacement that can increase the home's value.

Naturally...home improvement increases the value of our home and helps us to sell them on high price.

Generally, things like kitchen and bath upgrades, and energy conservation items, like high efficiency heating and cooling, and energy efficient windows have the greatest impact on home value. How much all depends on the real estate market in your area. I suggest you work with some real estate appraisers in your area and see what they suggest. You can also look at some homes for sale in your area. See what they have compared to yours, and what they are asking for the house. Don't jump into a several thousand dollar renovation.

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Well, I do think that improving the home will increase its cost value. If you wanna sell your house just do a little bit improvement and then see the jump in its cost.