Which of these home improvements would you make first? (granite, appliance, family room)

[denemante]

Hey all - we bought a house and have a few projects we could do. Considering resale value will be years off - I'd like to consider comfort and usability even more. I know all these projects cost different amounts.

The projects are:

1. Complete partially finished basement (one room and bathroom already complete) adding 800 square feet of livable space and an extra daylight bedroom.
2. Remodel kitchen. It has granite - but no island, poor layout, and old applicances and cabinets.
3. Add doormor to upstairs bedroom increasing size by 1/3 and adding two windows.
4. Enlarge 10x10 foot back deck to something more expansive.
5. Knock out wall between useless front downstairs "office" combining that room with family room for one big room.

[golfgal]

I would do the kitchen first as it will get the most use out of everything on your list.

[TFW46]

I agree with golfgal. All things being equal, remodeling the kitchen will give your fasmily the greatest enjoyment. The patio muight be a close second, depending on its design.

[Ohiogirl81]

I'd build the dormer and add living space to the home.

[VegasGrace]

Old appliances cost money! So get new ones- energy star. That's why I'd start with the kitchen redo. Start with the item that's costing you first.

[njkate]

Kitchen gets my vote as usually kitchen is gathering point for family and guests..every one hangs in the kitchen

[Uconn97]

Kicthen!

[beachmel]

I'm with golfgal and Texasfirewheel.... The kitchen would be first on that list....followed by the patio, especially if it wouldn't be a huge undertaking. Congratulations and good luck!

[bellalunatic]

Kitchen first for sure, you use it the most!

And I don't know what your layout is like but it sounds like blowing out the office wall to family room job would be the least expensive (provided it's not a load bearing wall of course).

Dormer additions can cause you to spend more cash than you think due to the possible structural issues to the floor(s) below and wether you are in earthquake country etc etc

Do you need a bedroom in the basement immediately? If not, I'd hold off on that.

Will working on any of these projects impede the others? keep that in mind.

[desertsun41]

It is so interesting how the results of this poll thus far is so completely opposite of what posters say here on a daily basis.