Dear Dave,
My husband and I are buying a new construction home and are very excited to build a house we love. We’ve decided on our lot and are about to meet with our builder to decide on some major aspects of the home. Our question for you is—what upgrades should we go for? What holds the most value? High-end finishes vs. larger square footage? I’m sure our builder will also have an opinion, but we’d love to hear what you think as well!
– Becca, Grand Junction

Dear Becca,
First of all—congratulations! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of building a home from the ground up. Having the chance to customize your space and design a home that fits your lifestyle is a unique opportunity, and it’s smart to approach those decisions with an eye on both livability and future resale value.
When it comes to choosing upgrades, start with the basics—your lot and floor plan.
1. Pick the Right Floor Plan
Go for a layout that&rsq ...

Dear Dave,
We are getting some projects lined out for our property. We have an area that needs a retaining wall, 25 feet long and 4 feet high, and we would like some advice on what might be the best route to take. We have access to railroad ties but we aren’t sure if those will have as good of resale value for the property as a rock or stone retaining wall. What are your thoughts on this?
Much Appreciated,
Jim and Ruth – Loma, CO

Jim and Ruth,
Again, many issues to uncover and consider here.  First, you are thinking resale and I always love it when people think resale!  What you do to your home while you live there will significantly impact the value of your home either positively or negatively.  By focusing on resale, it does not guarantee anything, however it will help ensure your actions have a positive impact on your bottom line when you do decide to sell.
A retaining wall can be a definite value ad to a property from both the function side and m ...

Dave,


I’ve lived in my home for six years and I’ve always wanted to add on a deck for some additional outdoor living space.  I’m finally ready to pull the trigger and I’m curious…What is the advantage of aluminum deck vs composite?


Collette, Fruita


Collette,


I can break this down pretty easily, I think.  Another question that requires a good bit of research, but here we go……Aluminum decking is the best for longevity and durability without question, but it is also MUCH more expensive (as much as 3X as expensive as composites) and can be slippery with winter/cold weather as it has the least amount of grip and appears to generally be more “slippery” when cold or subjected to freezing temperatures.  It is the best performer if you are going to have it subjected to water, like around a pool etc, and is quite popular in heavy rain climates because of its ability to stand up to moisture. ...

Dave,
We just learned that there is going to be a well-traveled road extended that will go directly behind our home. We’ve enjoyed open space for the past several years that we’ve lived here and were really bummed when we heard about the road plans. We’re worried about our daughter playing in the yard, traffic noise and so much more. Will the road drastically decrease the value of our home? Should we try to sell before the road construction starts so we recoup what we’ve invested in our home or is it too late?

Thank you,
Brittany, Grand Junction


Brittany,


I am sorry to hear about the road expansion! I hate it for you as I know how it is to enjoy the peace of having no backyard neighbors. I have said it over and over again that busy road traffic does have a negative impact on a home’s value. At this juncture in my career, I do not believe that statement is in doubt, but I have learned that there are caveats that leave room for hope ...

Dear Dave,
I have been out shopping at the local nurseries trying to get some ideas on landscaping materials. My home is about 7 years old and doesn’t have many established trees in the yard. There are different sizes of trees throughout the neighborhood. I want to know what you think is better to do – plant only a couple of large trees (due to the price) or plant about 3 times as many smaller trees (due to the price)?? My wife has one opinion and I have another – I won’t tell you which so you can give your honest opinion!

Thanks-
Lee and Jenni, Fruita

Lee and Jenni,

Ok, this is an easy one for me and I will be honest!  Go with the larger trees.  Planting saplings in the yard and waiting 7 more years for them to become trees is for sure one of my pet peeves.  We are currently planting some trees at my own home and my wife and I banter this issue back and forth virtually every day the tree planting topic comes up.  She says, i ...