You opinion on major home replacements at MY AGE

[samintx]

I want to replace the counter tops in the kitchen, 3 counter tops in 2 bathrooms which would probably involve new wallpaper (all wall paper is great shape and relatively new), taking out a deep bathtub in one bathroom and replacing with a standard depth tub which would require some retiling.

None of these changes are necessary for MY living in my house but at my age would it be worth it ...for resale when I die? Or just a quick resale fixer upper. I don't care that my kids make maximum $$.

Live with it? or maybe do one refurb at a time?

[mattkime]

to calculate amortization costs we'll need to know how much longer you'll live.

[Gilbert]

If you have the means and, as you say, you want these changes, then why not? You worked long and hard to enjoy what you have and if you can find additional enjoyment out of these changes without incurring unnecessary debt, go for it!

That being said, major remodels can be a pain to endure. If the expected pain of dealing with contractors outweighs the expected enjoyment of the upgrades, then I would leave it be and make due.

Not sure if that helps.

[A-Polly]

What surroundings would make you happiest? My opinion: have your house the way you want it, and let your kids worry about resale value a couple of decades from now. :oldfogey:

[Surfrider]

One bad fall and you're in assisted living, then who would care about the counter tops.

Do you see what I'm saying?

[NewtonMP2100]

you mean the AGE of Enlightenment.....????

[michaelb]

the longer you live, the more your life expectancy goes up. So probably much longer than you think, thankfully. I would do the upgrades if you want to do that upgrades and have the money. You are living there after all. The upgrades I did 5 years ago seem like a long time ago.

But one think to think about as you age for your kitchen and bath is accessibility. So you may want to have your bath and kitchen accessed by someone with knowledge about those issues, including counter top height and door and corridor width. Those changes can make a real difference in staying in your home long term with care.

[mstudio]

Well, of course, I don't know what "MY AGE" is. I do know what my age is and we just finished a pretty major kitchen redo. We've lived with it for 16yrs and decided that even at OUR AGE we would have enough time to enjoy it.

I say go for it if it will make you happy.

[cbelt3]

If it makes you happy, Go for it !

I'll make one suggestion.....

Think about handicapped accessibilty and flexibility. While full-on wheelchair qualified setups make a house's saleability a bit limited, it's possible to add consideration for our aging limitations into a home's design without making it look like a nursing home.

If you end up breaking an ankle while BASE jumping off the Eiger on one of your adventures, being able to use crutches or a walker inyour home while you heal will be a real plus. :biggrin:

[Pam]

I'd go for it. Might as well enjoy your own home. I'm going through a major rework of my house. The kitchen counters will probably cost the most. Laminate has come a long way if you're not on the granite/solid surface bandwagon. Bathroom vanity tops can be had for under $200. Affected wallpaper may still be available for purchase. If the wall was sized, removing the current paper is not a big deal.

I think I'd start with the tub and tile. Simply because your tile crew may be capable of other jobs. My floor tile guys replaced my vanity top and light for an ungodly low price. They'll also set my new sink and redo the plumbing for much cheaper than the countertop people or plumbers.