Replacing/adding lighting fixtures.

When contemplating a major remodelling, apart from determining what it will cost, when will it start, and how long it will take to be completed, a very important consideration is how much the work will add to the value of the home.

Some experts say that remodelling the kitchen is the most popular home improvement project as it adds almost instant increased value and equity to the home.

Some renovations however, can price the home out of the neighbourhood, given the current prices in the market and where the home is located.

It is also very important to know that changing the structure of the home will require getting a permit from the parish council - the local regulatory body.

Oftentimes, construction codes dictate building minimum distances from the road, minimum distances from the fence etc. and these must be adhered to. Also, some communities may have restrictive covenants that limit the types of modifications that can be done.

THE SEARCH

Apart from checking the newspapers and realtors, paying attention to auction notices can be worth the while as well. However, auctioned homes can be very costly 'fixer-uppers', so try to get as much information on the condition of the unit before bidding. Also, seek the advice of industry professionals such as structural and electrical engineers, architects etc, lest the re-plumbing leads to the re-wiring, which leads to ... and the list goes on.

In the search for reputable experts, don't be reluctant to ask even just acquaintances for recommendations, especially if you know that they've recently done some work on their homes. And never go with just the first estimate, get a second and even perhaps a third.

EXPECTATIONS

Once you have decided what needs to be done, what approximate costs are associated with each and consequently which area to tackle first, there are several other important issues that you should be aware of before construction begins.

Larger projects, such as room additions, may change the living conditions in your home for the duration of the project. While some of the changes may only be minor inconveniences, you should know beforehand the problems you may encounter when the renovation begins.

Be mindful of the fact that with every renovation, the home becomes transformed into a 'construction zone'. Expect inconveniences. Workers will be coming in and out of your home, dust will settle, most likely throughout the house, and the access to other rooms may be limited, especially if materials and equipment have to be stored inside while the project takes place.

The most important thing to remember is that quality takes time. This may mean waiting an extra day or two for special order materials, or waiting for a particular specialist (such as an electrician) that you know is reliable. While delaying construction for a couple extra days is not an easy thing to do, ensuring that the project is completed to your total satisfaction will be worth it in the end.

For individuals considering renovating, home improvement loans are available. Visit our link at www.scotiabank.com.jm for further information.

Janelle Brown

Scotia Jamaica Building Society

sjbsgen@scotiabank.com.

If you are like most homeowners, there comes a time when you desire to renovate your home. It could mean adding a bath, modernising your kitchen, converting your laundry into another room or overhauling a home that you are purchasing. Did you know that some renovations deliver a far bigger payback than others when the time comes to sell your property? That is, for every dollar you put into the renovation, the experts say there is a percentage return on your money when you sell your home.

The Wall Street Journal Lifetime Guide to Money identifies the top 12 renovations for adding value to your home.

1. A minor remodelling of your kitchen.

2. Change counter tops.

3. Change cabinets.

These three changes will land you a 98 per cent payback.

4. A bathroom addition delivers an 89 per cent payback.

5. A third bathroom in a standard household of four to six persons becomes a welcome addition for which a buyer will pay even a minor premium.

You get top value from kitchen and bathroom renovations because these are the most visible rooms in a home.

If nowhere else, these are the two rooms where your visitors invariably go.

6. The addition of a second floor that perhaps incorporates a bedroom, bathroom and family room and which will deliver an 85 per cent payback.

7. Add a den or family room to your dwelling for the basic reason that you are increasing living space and that will give you an 83 per cent payback.

8. A master suite or attic bedroom ­ both will give you an 82 per cent value added.

9. Remodelling your home will give an 81 per cent payback.

10. Add a deck.

11. Put in new attractive windows.

12. The addition of a home office will offer you a 58 per cent payback.

As a homeowner, you are always advised to keep pace with your neighbourhood.

It is best not to seek to outspend or underspend your neighbours.

Do not then create your neighbourhood's most expensive house as homes in a location generally command comparable prices in spite of all the extra amenities that you add on.