Field Guide to Remodeling

(Updated December 2007)

What remodeling job has the best return on investment? Where should you start when remodeling an older home? The home remodeling industry has enjoyed solid growth and will reach new heights in the future. New resources are becoming more available and with continue to be a strong force in the remodeling industry. You can't afford to miss this Field Guide if you're planning a home improvement or restoration project! (D. Winchester, Information Specialist)

Contents: 

Return on Investment  |  Home Improvement Tips  |  Remodeling Statistics & Trends  |  Useful Websites  |  Books, eBooks & Other Resources

Selected 2007 Cost vs. Value Report Statistics - Average Nationwide Return on Investment:

Return on Investment

A big payoff from the tiniest rooms, (Money, Sep. 2007). Q

Kitchen face-lifts for the frugal, (Money, Jul. 2007). Q

More growth for remodeling, (FDM, Apr. 2007). Q

2006 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Dec. 2006).

Remodeling school, (Money, Nov. 29, 2006).

Four renovations that can drive buyers away, (Money, Sept. 2006). Q

Home improvement 101, (Black Enterprise, Aug. 2006). Q

2005 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Dec. 2005).

Remodeling that makes sense, (Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Nov. 2005). Q

Remodeling for the future, (Business Week, July 25, 2005). Q

2004 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Dec. 2004).

Home investments; the payback, (Wall Street Journal, June 14, 2004). Q

2003 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Dec. 2003).

2002 Cost vs Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Dec. 2002).

2001 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Nov. 2001).

2000 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Nov. 2000).

1999 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Nov. 1999).

1998 Cost vs. Value Report, (REALTOR® Magazine, Nov. 1998). 

Home Improvement Tips

Makeover tips that can sell your home, (Bankrate.com, Nov. 2007).

Kitchen report inspires kitchen lovers, (Realty Times, Nov. 2007).

In design, don't underestimate importance of flow, (REALTOR® Magazine, Sept. 2007).

Take it outside , (Money, June 2007). Q

Home improvements gone wrong? , (Black Enterprise, Mar. 2007). Q

Planning a home improvement project , (Black Enterprise, Feb. 2007). Q

Remodeling: secrets of success, (Consumer Reports, July 2005). Q

Remodeling guidance for kitchens, baths, (REALTOR® Magazine, Jan. 2005).

Tips for sidestepping horror stories of home remodeling, (Boston Business Journal, Jan. 23, 2004).

Ready, set, renovate!, (CNN Money, Jan. 23, 2004).

Remodeling Statistics and Trends

Six cures for the small-kitchen blues, (Money, Oct. 2007). Q

A long-term outlook for homeowner remodeling activity, (Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Aug. 2007).

Remodeling market strengthens in third quarter, (National Association of Home Builders, Nov. 2006).

Housing: renovations could get hammered, (Business Week, May 15, 2006). Q

Home-remodeling boom cools as higher loan rates begin to bite, (Wall Street Journal, Jan. 16, 2006). Q

What's cookin' now: trends in kitchen remodeling, (gmtoday, Jan. 2005).

High-end renovations continue to lead home-remodeling trend, (Wall Street Journal, Jan. 13, 2005). Q

Basement upgrades bring more than just storage, (St. Louis Business Journal, Mar. 12, 2004).

Historic Expenditures for All Residential Properties -- Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate -- Quarterly: 1966-2004, (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2004).

Remodeling Web Sites

Home Improvement, Move, Inc. - Move, Inc.'s website has information on technology, tips, safety and remodeling tools.

Better Homes and Gardens, - One of the premier home and family sites on the web which includes a page dedicated to decorating tips and more.

DiyNetwork, - The source for the best do-it-yourself tips for home renovations.

National Association of the Remodeling Industry, - Consumers can find remodeling tips, how to find a qualified contractor, frequently asked questions and much more.

Joint Center for Housing Studies, - JCHS website has information and research on housing market, demographic and social trends.

eBooks & Other Resources

eBooks.realtor.org

The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

How to Increase the Value of your Home (Adobe eReader)

The Complete Book of Home Inspection (Adobe eReader)

Be a Successful Remodeling Contractor (Adobe eReader)

Trips & Traps When Renovating Your Home (Adobe eReader & Mobipocket)

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

The resources below are available for loan through Information Central.  Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10.  Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.

Renovate to Riches, (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2004). HF 5438 D88

Improve the value of your home up to $100,000, (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2003). TH 3401 Ir9i

Remodeling your home: an insider's guide, (Washington, DC: Home Builder Press, 1996). TH 4816 N21r

Field Guides & More

These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:

Field Guide to Buying vs. Renting

Field Guide to Feng Shui & Vastu

Field Guide to Preparing and Staging a House for Sale

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The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.