Improvements Increase Value

[willyd]

I am familiar with houses ie: you should receive a 100% return on installing a granite countertop in the kitchen: BUT how does this work with Airstreams - WHAT improvements should you be able to receive a return on your investment? Thanks for your response.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by willyd

I am familiar with houses ie: you should receive a 100% return on installing a granite countertop in the kitchen: BUT how does this work with Airstreams - WHAT improvements should you be able to receive a return on your investment? Thanks for your response.

Exterior paint, new axles, carpeting, all around awnings, new style AC, New tires, disc brakes, all new gaskets, 40# aluminum LPG tanks with a cover, updated microwave, backup monitor, recent upholstery, wall coverings ???, rock guards, segment protectors, solar panels, new shocks, solar gray vent covers, solar screens, exterior led lights, interior led lights, good reefer, electronic ignition water heater, updated stereo system, flat screen TV, leveling jacks, electric jack, new drapes, etc.

Andy

[mustang]

I always thought you updated / up graded because it is something you want. In the house market things have a rule of thumb for return value, but look at the housing market. There is a very expensive airstream on e-bay. I am watching to see what it sells for or even if it sells. I have always done what I wanted to, without thinking of resale. Opinions also matter. I am sure if you went into a design store looking for Art Deco or Art Nuvou and land up with someone more contemporary there opinions would be different. Same with a potential buyer. I guess the question is; What do You like? Your Airstream should be an extension of you and who you are.

[joe3957]

I think if you are looking for the unknowing buyer (not that I in any way recommend that) then the "flip" is all about looks. Polish that baby, put shiny wheels on it, new surface coverings of all types.

Much like houses as you deal with the actual infastructure, most people don't really give you the value for it. On an old house its thousands of dollars to upgrade electical, water pipes and drains, gas lines, basic foundation type issues.
Those things are much harder to recoup your investment on (which is why good pre purchase inspection is important).
I would think the same is true on your trailer. Most on the forums understand the importance of upgrading axles for instance, but I doubt the newbie buyer will give you that difference when purchasing your trailer. I am pretty sure if you rewired your trailer from hitch to bumper, although the peace of mind is great, you wouldn't get the value.
In the end, my plan is to do the things I want on my trailer, if I ever decide to sell, I doubt I will make money, but so be it.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by willyd

WHAT improvements should you be able to receive a return on your investment? Thanks for your response.

IMHO

I would never consider an Airstream an "investment".

For us it's just the people and the experience we enjoy very much. Thats the payback.

What more could you ask for resources spent?

[Silvertwinkie]

I agree, rarely do vehicles have an ROI (return on investment). In the case of fixing up an Airstream, sure it will be worth more than it did before you started and will hold a good portion of what has not depreciated, but like Robert said, it shouldn't be looked at like an investment because it really isn't IMHO.