First Things First- Yakkity Yak

Property value is at the heart of this exercise- price per square foot. The purpose of this urban essay is to assist in our efforts to increase the value of the investment we have in this house. In this sense the effort begins and ends in the financial posting. I have begun a study that looks at where we began in terms of value, and considers improvement options for future value. The aim is to produce a comprehensive report which will state a clear-cut plan of certain improvements based on the value these improvements add. This value is measured in two ways: Number 1. The increase in the amount of square footage and the increase in the price per square foot of the house because of the improvements. And number 2. The improvement of the quality of life the improvements add. For example; an addition in back will add "X" number of square feet. This addition will create downstairs, a new kitchen, a new master bedroom & bath, a new laundry room and a new powder bath. Upstairs, the bedrooms will be enlarged and each have a bath. This will add square feet of floor space and create a new level of comfort and convenience. At the same time serious deficiencies will be corrected. However, this is an undertaking of major proportions relative to the structure of the house. Correction and improvement of fundamental structural elements is the greatest priority. Real value added must be better than lipstick on a pig. I intend to discover and document dollar amounts of the costs and the benefits of these proposals. An accurate study would give us a very sure budget. A sure budget would describe the nature of the improvements in detail. In the end I presume we could have a fair idea of the value which may be added to the property based on the intelligent expenditure of treasure in these improvements. An accurate study will bring the benefits verses the costs into clear focus.