Get matched with top property appraisers in Mantua, UT

While a finished basement adds value to your home, it is assigned a different value than space on the main floors. An appraiser will assess the square footage of a finished basement at about 50% to 60% of the value of the square footage for the rest of your home. Appraisal value for a finished basement depends on your location’s real estate market and the specifics of the basement and how it was finished. 

In most cases, installing a tennis court on your property will drive up your property taxes. Property taxes are determined, in part, based on improvements made to your property, which includes anything with a permanent foundation. Since most home tennis courts include a large concrete foundation, your property taxes will likely increase following the installation. A general rule of thumb is that if your project requires permits—like for a foundation or fencing for a tennis court—then your property taxes will be affected.

While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

Foundation cracks won’t always affect your appraised value. All foundations crack due to normal settlement, so hairline cracks that aren’t leaking or uneven from side to side are unlikely to have an impact on your appraisal. Structural cracks, on the other hand, often lead to a reduced appraised value, especially if the underlying problem will cause the issue to worsen over time.