It was very unfortunate what happened to the three Brittan Heights units that were severally damaged by the December 2014 fire. As of April 2015, these homes have been stripped down to the studs and are waiting to be put back together again. However, this might be an opportunity to perform a few upgrades at a minor cost since much of the demolition is already done and these places need to be put back together anyway. Below are my top four recommended changes to add value to these homes:
- Open the Kitchen: this is the obvious alteration most people love to have done to their units. It turns a closed off kitchen and incorporates it into the living room. Great for entertaining or just not feeling excluded.
- Get all dual pane windows: while it seems like most of the windows are missing already form these homes, get all dual pane windows. This includes the fixed windows and sliding glass doors. They make a difference in keeping the units quiet and regulate temperature well.
- Recessed Lights: the ceilings are off and the electrical is exposed, perfect time to add recessed lights in all rooms. Instead of depending on lamps in the bedrooms and living room, add them in now – especially a few in the hallway which can get so dark!
- Gas to the stove: I don’t know if the HOA will allow this addition, but it seems like it should be possible. The ceilings are off, perfect time to plumb in a gas line into the kitchen. You may not want to personally use gas, but bring it in anyway because one day if you decide to sell, this will make your unit very unique.
I would consider upgrades to the kitchen and baths such as wood cabinets and granite counters.