Better ROI - finish the basement or update the kitchen?

OK, I have a 1,000 sg ft rambler for which I paid close to market
value. It has 2 beds, 2 baths (1 bath in basement).


The basement is unfinished except for the bathroom, which is
atrociously primitive but still lists as a bath. The kitchen appliances

are 80's vintage and almond-colored: fridge, dishwasher and range.


Which do you think would bring a better return on investment? Finishing

the basement to add a bedroom w/egress window and rec room? Or updating

the kitchen appliances and some new cosmetics?


Not trying to find out what will make the house worth more, as I'm sure

adding livable square footage and another bedroom would do that. I'm
trying to find out what Return on Investment is likely to be higher for

either choice.

Re: Better ROI - finish the basement or update the kitchen?

"bryanska" <> wrote in message
news:

> Not trying to find out what will make the house worth more, as I'm sure
> adding livable square footage and another bedroom would do that. I'm
> trying to find out what Return on Investment is likely to be higher for
> either choice.

Huh? How are you ever going to achieve an ROI without the house being worth
more and then selling it at that higher price?

Re: Better ROI - finish the basement or update the kitchen?

Can you rephrase the question? I don't understand.

Re: Better ROI - finish the basement or update the kitchen?

> Huh? How are you ever going to achieve an ROI without the house being worth
> more and then selling it at that higher price?

Oh I see what you're asking.

Well, two more bedrooms and a rec room downstairs is likely to add more
value to the house than will just a new fridge, dishwasher and stove.
What I'm wondering is: of the money I spend, which investment is
likelier to return more of a percentage of its cost than the other?

I'm asking because the basement might cost $1000 - $1500, while I can
find presentable used/demo appliances for $500 - $1000.

Re: Better ROI - finish the basement or update the kitchen?

If the appliances are ugly, take them out. You don't need to replace
them. Many people expect to buy houses with no appliances, and if
someone says "I like the house but there is no dishwasher", say "Is
that all that is keeping you from putting a deposit down today?" Then
promise to put in a new dishwasher, but only after they show they are
serious with a deposit. If they balk, say "Look, I can't put a new
dishwasher in the house HOPING you'll put a deposit down later."

Finish the basement. All you need is tile or vinyl, and make the
bathroom nicer. Extra liveable sq ft adds considerably onto an
appraisal.