Home Improvement Lessons from HGTV's "Bang For Your Buck" Part 2

In Part 1 of this article, I discussed some key points about Renovation #1 as featured on this episode of HGTV's "Bang for Your Buck".  In Part 2, I'd like to discuss some of the points discussed in the other 2 renovations featured.Renovation #2 was a house located in a high end neighborhood called Paradise Valley.  Apparently, this is a pretty upscale area in the Pheonix area.  They didn't have too many negative things to say about this particular renovation, but here are a few things that were mentioned.EXPERTS:  They missed on the dishwasher.  They should have kept it at the same level as the other high end appliances.ALICE:  Absolutely agree, this is a given.  It's like wearing a designer gown with shoes from Payless.  It doesn't make sense.  Luckily, this is an easy fix if they were getting ready to sell.  I can understand wanting to save money on something that you probably don't find as important at the time, especially if you spent your money on other things, but it does seem a little odd that you would go through all that trouble, particularly with a wine glass washer and then cheap out on the regular dishwasher.EXPERTS:  The bar at the island was questioned about whether it should be at table height v. bar height.HOMEOWNERS:  They chose table height so it would be more comfortable for their guests.ALICE:  I would actually recommend counter height. I too contemplated all the different heights and decided on counter height for the fact that it's a cleaner look. The entire counter is all at the same level so when you're entertaining it's actually easier to set-up buffet style.  Material cost may be a little less because it's one large piece, no extra fabrication.  It's also a comfortable height - not too high and not too low.EXPERTS:  They found there was a lack of storage.HOMEOWNERS:  The storage is there, it's just different from the norm. The female owner commented that she can't reach cabinets higher than what they have, so why have them.ALICE:  I agree with the homeowners.  There are very creative, storage solutions available without having to line your wall with cabinets like a traditional kitchen. They had a very large island which they probably maximized.LESSONS LEARNED:  This renovation got the most bang for their buck. They increased their home's value by 78% because they are located in a high end, custom home area, and therefore could support a $65,000 upgrade.   Bottom line, LOCATION is key in the retention of value so the caveat is to not overimprove based on the value of your home.Renovation #3 was a house located in a neighborhood known for 50s modern design homes. The remodel was very well done to reflect the style of the home.  I felt the experts kept contradicting themselves when evaluating this property.EXPERTS:  This is a "fun" kitchen.  It has a 50s feel/vibe.  People who are looking to buy in this area are looking to preserve that feeling.  CONTRADICTION:  The design is very specific to people who like midcentury modern.ALICE:  Hello...I thought they just said that people who are looking to buy in that area are looking for that style!EXPERTS:  The orange cabinets are BOLD, it's not going to resonate with every buyer.HOMEOWNERS:  That's okay because we're never moving.ALICE:  It was a BOLD choice and no, it's not going to resonate with every buyer, but as we discussed in Part 1, you should design for your taste so long as you're willing to take the good with the bad. Again, just as I said about Renovation #1, if they were to sell, the whole house has been updated so well that I think buyers would be more forgiving of the bold color choice.EXPERTS:  Why didn't they bring some wood into the space so it doesn't feel so sterile?HOMEOWNERS:  How is orange and grey be sterile?ALICE:  HUH?  Lisa La Porta was way off on this one. Wood would have looked so out of place in this kitchen and there was so much personality in the overall design, it was anything but sterile...I didn't get that at all.HGTV ADVICE:  Consider choices for future buyers and be aware of choices that are too personal.Renovation #3 was evaluated at getting a 75% ROI because there are less buyers looking for mid-century modern.  I'm still confused by this comment considering the neighborhood, but all homes are not going to appeal to everyone and you can't live your life making decisions based on what everyone else wants.  Sometimes, you just have to go with what you want. Based on the designers'  comments, she errs on the side of playing it safe a little too much. Anything that was not "neutral" was seen as a BOLD choice - she needs to break out of her shell a little - step out of the vanilla box already!!!What do you think?  I'd love to hear your comments...