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To see more Bay Area home listings, visit www.realestate. sfgate.com. A: This is a subject that’s near and dear to my heart, having renovated every home my husband and I have ever owned, and having helped countless clients prepare their homes for sale. Like the price of houses, the cost of remodeling can vary considerably depending on the scope of work required, the contractor’s/architect’s fees and the finishes involved.

Custom cabinetry and high-end appliances will naturally cost you more, as will more invasive work involving electrical and plumbing components. While on the other end of the spectrum, painting and landscaping will cost far less, although both are arguably upgrades that appeal to potential buyers and as such, should be sound investments.

Pools, spas, saunas, pool rooms, wine cellars, and other “luxury” items are upgrades that should be considered personal preferences only and “green” improvements such as solar panels, dual-pane windows or gray-water systems are positives for the environment, but don’t necessarily bring more “green” come time to sell.

The least expensive improvement most homeowners can do immediately to improve curb appeal — and easily the biggest bang for the buck — is to plant a tree out front. Remember, first impressions are made at the curb, not in the foyer, so give as much thought to the outside of your house as to the inside.

Julie Gardner, Compass, 510-326-0840,

julie.gardner@compass.com.