Is your house starting to feel cramped? Or are the wood grain laminate counters in the kitchen starting to look dated, is your wallpaper starting to peel?  Wishing for an extra bathroom or a pool?  It may be time to move or, on the other hand, home improvement or expansion may be an option.

Major improvements should only be considered if you are staying in your home for many years to come. If your home is significantly lacking in the area of proposed improvement compared to similar homes, consult a contractor, Realtor and appraiser.

Improving your home with major expansion or decorative restoration is a good investment only when you're doing it to improve your quality of life. Very often, you do not get a positive return on investment when selling. As a matter of fact, the only improvement that comes close to a "sure thing" in terms of return on investment is the addition of an extra bathroom or the upgrade of a kitchen. Pools, decks, additions and the like are risky investments. Major home improvements should be given careful consideration and strategically planned so that you do not get burned when you sell. Here are some tips for improving your home the smart way:

If you're looking to increase your home's market value, consider creating an additional bathroom, adding a whirlpool tub, replacing kitchen cabinets or up scaling appliances. Study your home's "curb appeal" or what people see from the street. Is your home in need of a new paint job or re-siding? What about the color? Is it appealing? Ask neighbors what they think. Invest in some landscaping that will add beauty to your home. Curb appeal is one of the most important factors when selling a home.

If you're really in need of an extra room, be it an office, bedroom, or sunroom, and are not worried about the investment potential, find a professional contractor who comes with excellent recommendations. Make sure that they are licensed and insured. Get written estimates for your job, and remember that you get what you pay for. If you're comparing bids, don't immediately select the lowest. In addition, ask the contractors to show you photographs of similar work they've done or arrange for an appointment at the site. The estimated timeframe of your job and the companies cleanup policy should be stated in your contract. When you find someone you trust, contact the Better Business Bureau in your area for any information on past complaints.

Major improvements are costly and time consuming.  Ask a real estate sales professional for details on homes for sale in your area with the amenities you are planning so that you can see realistic price ranges for your market.  Many times your are better off selling your current home and buying one that better meets your needs.

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