Shopping for a home a few years ago, my wife and I knew only vaguely what we wanted — until the real estate agent walked us up to a slightly tired-looking brick Georgian.
The place was far from trendy; in fact, it had been built back when FDR was president. There was no hot tub in the back yard, no “family recycling center,” and no skylights. But as we stepped inside on that wintry day, I closed the two-inch thick front door behind us and heard a sturdy “thunk” — like an old Mercedes. “This is the house!” I instantly whispered to my wife. “What are you talking about? We haven’t even been through it!” she responded. But I persisted. “I’m telling you, this is the house!”
And I was right. “Which doesn’t happen often.” With my wife’s enthusiastic approval, we bought the place — metal kitchen cabinets and all — the next day. Lots of people, especially real estate agents, think they can define exactly how a house should be renovated and decorated to maximize the resale value, but I think that’s all nonsense. Because when it comes down to it, the only thing that’s truly important in a house is the way it feels — solid, not tinny; a place that will stand up for the ages, rather than fall apart before the next winter. And when you’re renovating and maintaining a home of your own, it’s a lot better to let yourself be guided by that rather than trying to add a few haphazard things you think will attract future buyers.
The first challenge, whatever renovations you plan, is to hire the best contractor. Don’t just take a recommendation from someone. Instead, go out and find several candidates for the job, have them come to your home, and talk to them. And be prepared to wait because good contractors tend to be continuously busy (and if they aren’t, how good can they be?).
As for what you renovate, the choice is yours. If an enlarged family entryway with coat hooks for the kids and shelves for their shoes means more to you than a granite-topped island in the kitchen, go for it. If you’ve always dreamed of a bathroom lined with fuchsia-colored Mexican tiles, rather than the neutral shades preferred by real estate agents, who’s to stop you? Just make sure you that whatever you do, you buy the best materials you can afford, and spend the money to have them installed perfectly. Sloppiness is always offensive, but good craftsmanship — regardless of the style, taste or decor — never is.
Although I hate to think about it, I know someday when we’re older my wife and I won’t have any trouble selling our home if we have to. The new buyers will surely quibble over our color schemes and choice in carpeting. But when that front door closes, they’ll know — as I did — that the best home really is a castle.
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