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a) An Updated Kitchen. An updated kitchen such as newer appliances, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, convection ovens, professional ranges, and high-quality floorings, such as wood, laminate, tile or stone. cabinetery must also be in good condition.

b) Modern Bathrooms. A big asset is a spa or whirlpool tub or master baths that give a little room to roam. Separate showers with steam or multiple jets, a dole sink and a separate room for the toilet.
c) A Master Suite. A luxurious bathroom, lounging areas and walk-in closets. Fireplace, feeling of privacy.
d) Natural Materials. In floor coverings especially bathrooms or kitchens, look for ceramic tile or wood rather than linoleum which can tear.
e) Landscaping. Water features (yes even in Seattle), gardens, and mature trees and shrubs.
f) Storage. Pull-down storage, rack systems and hidden storage off garage or bedroom areas.
g) Smart home. Controlling lights and air conditioning with a phone to connection home security systems from work. 

4 Things that can reduce a house's value.
a) A pool.
b) No garage or small garage.
c) Garbled floor plan.
d) Outmoded appliances or systems.

Small Budget Fixes

• Swap out old light fixtures to modernize the feel of the interior.
• Buy a new bathroom vanity. Add a new faucet and inexpensive peel-and-stick tiling.
• Add a colorful flowers in a planter on the front porch.
• Buy a new mailbox to replace a shabby old one.
• Touch up paint on the door and shutters.
• Apply neutral-colored paint with white trim to help the home's architectural details stand out.
• Replace the oldest kitchen appliance specifically a dishwasher.
• Have the air-ducts cleaned.
• Upgraded/installed home's trim molding.
      

Things to consider before remodeling:

1. Is it truly necessary or are you just trying to keep up with the neighbors?  Sometimes a big remodeling job is so expensive that you might be better off moving to a newer home.
2. Can you afford it? Is your income secure?
3. How long you intend to stay in the house? If less than 5 years, consider simple improvements.
4. Prepare for the worst. Remodeling is a messy, inconvenient and costs more than anticipated.          

1. Convert the garage into an additional room. When it comes to sell, that enclosed garage may be a turnoff to buyers.
2. Not having a second bathroom
3. Illegal additions and failure to obtain permits. Your must get permits and use licensed contractors and be in compliance.
4. Poor home maintenance such as clog-up gutters, not changing air conditioning filters.
   
5. Losing bedrooms such as if you remove walls between bedroom, or eliminate closets or make structural changes that eliminate a bedroom - you may decrease the value of the house.
   
6. Not updating worn-out flooring.
   
7. Not replacing old and dated kitchen appliances.
   
8. Not replacing worn draperies, counter tops or light switch covers.
   
9. Over-kill on landscaping such as too much outdoor living - pool, fire-pit and outdoor kitchen.
   
10. Having trampolines and above-ground pools. (no matter how nice it looks)   
    

• If your project involved adding more square footage or structural changes. 
• If you are changing the use of the space
• If you project will affect egress and safety. 
• If intricate details are required for construction and installation. 
• If a specialty need is involved such as aging in place of accessibility. 
• If you are reconfiguring spaces and floor plans in the living areas or basement. 
• When the project involves more than removal and replacement. 
• For assistance with color and finish detail selections.