Home Improvement Aims

The aims of any home improvement should be:

• to add value to your property
• to improve the quality of your life, giving extra space, light, warmth, or convenience

It's important to keep a balance between these two criteria. Don't put in too much capital -� it doesn't make sense to install a kitchen that's worth a third of the value of your condo. And beware of devaluing -� replacing traditional period windows with aluminum frames is a classic mistake.

To avoid these pitfalls:

• talk to local realtors about the effect your proposed improvements will have on the value of your property. Most agents are happy to give free advice. If not, you need not use them when you come to sell your home
• look at neighboring houses to see what changes have been made, and whether or not they are successful