Additions and remodels- out vs. up?

[bhcompy]

it depends really. older folks want the one story, prices will probably be more for 2 story, but you have to take away yard space to expand out. in most suburban areas, you arent going to have much yard space to begin with and it will turn off some buyers to have no yard space.

you may want to talk to a realtor that has experience in your area to see what people are looking for in a house and use that to help make your decision

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by family first

How many people have converted the garage to add another room? Is it worth it when time comes to sell? I've seen a few garage conversions in my neighborhood and they didn't look to nice on the outside. Granted, it would be a nice way to gain another room, but I don't like the idea of giving up my garage.

How many people are also doing un permitted jobs???How does that work when you go to sell?? I hear people say they do these all the time and forget the permits???

well, at least in CA, i dont believe you can list a room if its not permitted or if it doesnt meet the requirements for a bedroom.

and just checking records, my parents house from when i was a child is still listed as a 2bd 1bath house with the original square footage eventhough my father added a bedroom, a bathroom, and an unpermitted basement was added prior to us purchasing the house 25 years ago(and we sold it 15 years ago). technically its a 3bd 2bath house with about 1500sqft including the basement and extra room, but it only lists in sale records and tax records as a 2bd 1bath 900sqft house.

i assume the lack of permits will effect the asking price, but i think you'll still get more than you would if it wasnt upgraded

[family first]

Thanks DMenscha...got the info. Still waiting to see how bad the economy gets before we make any decisions. Will be in contact later. Thanks