Just when you think you have things figured out you don't. I was just reading the current issue of the CRS Magazine (Council of Residential Specialist). They were talking about four renovations to avoid at all cost:
SWIMING POOL: Well for Alaska that is not even a issue. It has been a while since I sold a house with a hockey area.
HOME ADDITIONS: Sure, an addition to your home will add inside space. But how will it look from the outside? Many home additions can look boxy or unnatural with the rest of the home. If you do go for an addition, make sure it is well designed. (We have a lot of Alaska Casual additions)
TRENDY FINISHES: Don't fall for the latest style or trend when it comes to renovating. As soon as it's out of style, it will stick out - and look bad. Stick to timeless, classic renovations.
JACUZZI: Nothing beats a good soak after a long day. But not everyone loves a giant tub with multiple jets. Instead try a rain showerhead if you want to add some luxury to a bath room.
TOP TECHNOLOGY TRENDS for homes, according to the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association.
A HOME THEATER OR MEDIA ROOM: A home theater is room dedicated solely to the viewing of movies and programs, designed with top sound quality in mind. A media room is incorporated in a home's living space and is a multipurpose room where a home owner can watch television, read a book, play a game. Home theaters can run anywhere from $15,000 to $150,000 or more depending on components.
HOME HEALTH-CARE PRODUCTS AND INSTALLATION: As the population ages, there is more demand for health-care products that takes advantage of the latest technology. Patient-monitoring systems can allow a caregiver to check up on an elderly loved one from afar. Biometric monitoring devices can keep constant watch on patients vital signs.
MEDIA CENTER EDITION (MCE) COMPUTERS: This audio/visual computer can help manage a homes various media sources, providing such features as surround-sound processing, as well as access to Internet, radio and one-touch recording of TV shows
LIGHTING AND AUTOMATION: Homes can be set up with the ability to control lighting and other features throughout the house from any room - and any part of the world. Systems can also create lighting schemes and automation that can turn down the lights close the curtain when a DVD is started. Better yet turn on the lights as you pull in the driveway.
It won't be long till we talk about the good old days when you fumbled for your key and searched for a light switch. I hope they make this simple I still learning to set the time on the VCR.
