Forward to the Past

Dear Pat,
We got a good deal on an older bungalow last year that had been substantially remodeled in 1977. Fortunately, not much was done to “modernize” the outside, but the interior is a time warp to the Seventies: avocado fixtures and tiles in the bathroom, suspended ceiling with fluorescent panels in the kitchen, narrow ranch-style woodwork everywhere. There’s a lot more to complain about, but you get the picture. At first we thought it was charming, in a kitschy sort of way. Now we see it’s time to bring it up to date, and build in some value. Where to start?
--Brady Bunch

Dear Bunch,
Let’s start by looking at your options; you can consider them in light of your own tastes and bank account. Your first option, of course, is to do nothing at all: simply wait for buyers to value the 1970’s in the way that they’ve come to appreciate all things 1950’s. Of course, this approach may take some time, perhaps 20 or 30 years (happily, I’ll be long retired by then).

If you can’t see yourself singing the bell bottom blues for decades, Bradies, you might want to consider a more aggressive approach: mentally tear out the bathroom and kitchen. Leave no 8-track unturned, no vestige remaining of earth tones or disco chains. Now you must choose: do you remodel forward or back? 2008 or 1928? My experience tells me that buyers will reward either effort, so you have plenty of creative leeway here. But if you’re not up for seeking out a hanging sink, or an old claw foot tub, or cooking on an old porcelain 4-legged stove, or generally living with all the inconveniences that an authentic restoration would bring into your life, I’d advise you to bring these “working” rooms into the 21st century. Remember, don’t try to save money by keeping the paisley linoleum or the dark oak cabinets—it’s better to entirely remodel with cheaper materials (I hate to say this) than trying to forge a hybrid of styles that doesn’t work.

Your choices are simpler in the other rooms, Bradies. If at all possible, go forward to the past: buyers love old houses that “feel” original. Sand the floors, replace the 70’s millwork with oak boards and backband (not so hard as you might think), install antique light fixtures (or reproductions), order new craftsman-style doors (readily available from local building suppliers). Obviously, you don’t want to spend more than you can get back when it’s your turn to sell, but houses restored with quality materials and workmanship attract more buyers and do sell for higher prices. Of course, call a seasoned Realtor for market value guidance before you commit to any major expenditure. Good luck!