Home Renovation Tips for Older Calico Ridge Homes: What to Update First

Calico Ridge homes from the late 1990s and early 2000s were built well, but 20-25+ years of use means some systems and finishes need attention. Here's how to prioritize renovations whether you're planning to stay or preparing to sell.

Priority 1: Systems That Affect Daily Life

These aren't glamorous, but failing systems create emergencies. In Las Vegas summers, AC failure is a crisis. Address systems before cosmetics.

Priority 2: Kitchen Updates

Kitchens sell homes. But full remodels rarely return their cost. Focus on impactful, reasonable updates:

Cabinet refinishing. Paint or reface rather than replace. Oak cabinets painted white or gray transform dated kitchens for $3,000-8,000 versus $30,000+ for new cabinets.

Hardware swap. New pulls and knobs cost $200-500 and instantly modernize.

Countertop replacement. If you have tile counters, quartz or granite overlay runs $3,000-6,000 for significant impact.

Lighting. Replace dated fixtures with modern options. $500-1,500 for a kitchen transformation.

Appliances. Stainless steel suite if current appliances are mismatched or failing. $3,000-6,000 for mid-range set.

Priority 3: Bathroom Refreshes

Priority 4: Flooring

Original carpet from the 1990s needs replacement. Options depend on budget and goals:

New carpet. $3-8 per square foot installed. Budget-friendly, soft underfoot.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP). $4-8 per square foot installed. Waterproof, durable, modern look.

Tile. $8-15 per square foot installed. Best for high-traffic areas in desert climate.

Hardwood. $10-20 per square foot installed. Premium option, not ideal for all desert applications.

For most Calico Ridge homes, LVP throughout living areas with carpet in bedrooms offers the best value-for-impact ratio.

Priority 5: Paint

Fresh paint is the highest-impact, lowest-cost renovation available:

Interior repaint. $3,000-8,000 for professional whole-house. Choose neutral colors.

Exterior touch-up. Desert sun fades paint. Touch up or full repaint every 7-10 years.

Cabinet paint. Can DIY for under $500 with proper prep.

What NOT to Over-Invest In

Full kitchen remodel. $50,000 spent rarely returns more than $30,000.

Swimming pool addition. Costs $40,000-80,000, adds maybe $20,000 value.

Luxury master bath. Over-improving beyond neighborhood standards loses money.

Extreme customization. Your taste may not match future buyers.

Renovation for Staying vs. Selling

If staying, renovate for your enjoyment. If selling, renovate for buyer appeal and return on investment.

The Bottom Line

Calico Ridge homes have good bones. Strategic updates in systems, kitchens, baths, and flooring bring them into the current decade without massive investment. Prioritize based on your timeline and goals.

Planning renovations? Let's discuss what makes sense for your specific situation. Curious about current value before and after updates? Get your free valuation.