Quick rules of thumb when you remodel for resale

By Jay MacDonald • Bankrate.com

When planning a home improvement project you may have favorite "must do"' projects, but it pays to design with resale in mind:

Select neutral colors: It creates a blank canvas effect for potential buyers.

Upgrade your kitchen first: It's the room buyers use consistently to determine how well a house has been maintained.

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Paint, paint, paint: It's the quickest and most inexpensive makeover technique. If the exterior paint is faded or weather-beaten, a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective sales tool.

Hide those flaws: Textured wallpapers and faux wall finishes hide a multitude of surface flaws.

Focus on floors: Whether wood, tile, laminate or vinyl, make sure they're inviting, not cracked or discolored. Again, neutrals sell best, natural wood best of all.

Cost-cutting: Use wood or tile to dress up laminate countertops; stencil that backsplash instead of installing tile; consider marble sheets instead of ceramic tile for that tub surround.

Keep all options open: One man's workshop is another man's wine cellar. Don't eliminate options when you remodel rooms.

Jay MacDonald is a freelance writer based in Florida

-- Posted: April 7, 2003