Remodeling A Dallas Home For Resale

Thinking of selling your Dallas digs and hoping for a bidding war worthy of a J.R. Ewing oil deal? Remodeling can be a smart way to boost your home’s value and attract buyers with more cash (or Stetson hats) than sense. But not all remodels are created equal.

This guide will show you the renovations that’ll make your home the envy of the neighborhood (and hopefully score you a hefty profit) while avoiding those “buyer beware” projects that’ll have potential buyers fleeing faster than a steer at a rodeo. So, saddle up and get ready to learn the secrets to a successful Dallas home remodel that’ll have your bank account singing sweeter than a bluebird on a Texas mornin’!

What Improvements Increase Your Home’s Value?

Consider curb appeal

A home’s first impression is crucial. Enhance your property’s curb appeal by focusing on elements like landscaping, siding, and your front door.

• Replace the front door: According to Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report, replacing a front door in Dallas can recoup 63.7% of the job cost. A steel door typically costs around $1,803.
• Upgrade the garage door: A new garage door can offer a 62.4% return on investment. A 16′ x 7′ four-section door with insulated glass windows costs approximately $3,600.
• Invest in new siding: Fiber-cement siding can provide a 64.7% ROI, with a cost of around $15,881 for 1,259 square feet. Vinyl siding is a more affordable option, with a 50.6% ROI and a cost of $13,425.
• Add manufactured stone veneer: This can provide a significant return on investment, with an 86.3% ROI for 300 square feet of the bottom third, including sills and outlining the entry archway. The cost is typically around $9,276.

At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors — we pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors every day. So, we’ve tapped our internal expertise to bring you this guide.

Replace windows

New windows not only enhance aesthetics but also improve energy efficiency. Replacing old windows with thermal windows can offer a 62.4% ROI for vinyl and 53.9% for wood.

• Vinyl windows: Approximately $17,101 for 10 existing 3′ x 5′ double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated divided lights.
• Aluminum-clad wood windows: Approximately $20,884 for the same number and size of windows.

Refresh the kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. A well-designed kitchen can significantly increase your home’s value.

• Minor facelift: A lower-end kitchen remodel starting at $10,000 to $15,000 can offer a high return on investment. Consider maintaining the same layout and updating cabinet fronts, hardware, sink, faucet, and countertops.
• Mid-range remodel: A 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops can cost around $25,000 and offer a 69.1% ROI.
• Major renovation: Starting at $40,000, major renovations can recover 46.5% of the investment. This includes replacing cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, appliances, and potentially adding a commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood.

When updating a kitchen, consider timeless upgrades to ensure lasting appeal.

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Other major kitchen improvements

• Add or expand an island: This can increase storage and provide a casual dining area.
• Install a pantry: A walk-in pantry or a tall cabinet with pull-out shelves can enhance storage. Standard cabinets typically range from 12″ to 36″ wide.

Update a bath

Working within an existing 5′ x 7′ footprint, for example, will be the least expensive option. You still can replace the floor with ceramic or porcelain tile. New fixtures include a 30″ x 60″ porcelain-on-steel tub and a single lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control. Expect the cost for a low-end bath remodel to be between $8,000 – $15,000.

A more upscale remodel bumps up the square footage to around 100 square feet. Costs start at around $30,000. All fixtures are relocated, which will increase plumbing costs. Features include a double vanity with stone counter and freestanding soaker tub. A 42″ x 42″ shower with body spray fixtures and frameless glass enclosure also is included.

How you customize your bathroom depends on your wish list. You can adjust your costs according to your priorities. Do you want a rain shower? Are you looking for a special color of stone or porcelain? Or maybe you’ve had your eye on a special shower or bathtub, which can pique the interest of buyers. A sculptural freestanding tub is a special focal point that makes the room stand out.

Add or remodel a powder room

Do you have the space to create a powder room in the main living area? If so, this can bring more value to your home. At an average of 18 square feet, you can splurge on some creative materials, wallcovering, and even bold color.

Expand your outdoor space

Outdoor living spaces have become an essential part of the home. Homeowners know the importance of being able to flow easily from inside to outside. This nationwide trend is equally strong in Dallas, a city ideal for entertaining al fresco. Start by examining your available outdoor space. How can you use that space to create equivalents for how you live indoors? Seating, dining, bar and cooking areas, lounging, and spots for firepits—all are desirable features to choose from.

Don’t forget about the value of flora! Landscaping can beautifully frame your outdoor living spaces while boosting curb appeal.

Upgrading your outdoor deck

Building a deck in Dallas out of composite material (a mix of plastic and wood product,) costs around $60 psf (per square foot) or just under $19,000 for a 16′ x 20′ deck. The cost for a wood deck (equivalent size, around 320 square feet) is around $40 psf or $13,000. Porcelain tiles are another attractive option. They’re freeze-proof and fade-resistant. Additionally, like composites, they require less maintenance.

In Dallas, wooden deck additions see a return on investment of up to 92%. Composite decks average a return of up to 60%.

A designated spot for a grill usually is in the plan. If you can afford the space and the extra budget, consider a mini kitchen. A built-in grill, outdoor fridge, sink, wine cooler, and even beer taps are among options available today.

With the right help, remodeling a Dallas home for resale can be easy

No matter what your budget is, do your homework before beginning a remodel. Some key steps:

• Gather inspiration photos to identify your likes.
• Examine your current routine. How do you use your indoor spaces? How can you use your outdoor space?
• Weigh the costs. What do you want to splurge on? Where will you recoup resale value?
• Connect with experienced, vetted general contractors in your area. Sweeten can help here!

Tell us about your project to get matched—for free—to vetted general contractors in Dallas. Sweeten will match you with contractors ideal for your scope, budget and schedule.

Ready to get started?

Post your project on Sweeten for free and make your dream home a reality. Sweeten puts you in control of your renovation, from finding the perfect contractor and gathering design inspiration, to using cost guides  to plan your budget wisely.