Archives for April 2016

You’ve replaced the front door and turned the attic into an additional bedroom, but your home still isn’t selling. What gives?

While you may be quick to blame homebuyers for having a laundry list of unrealistic expectations, it is likely that your home needs a little more TLC than you thought. Most home buyers (especially first time buyers) are not interested or do not have the means to invest in home improvement projects, especially when it comes to major upgrades like the kitchen.

Kitchens prove year after year to be a huge selling point in real estate, meaning an outdated kitchen can hurt the value of your home. But before you go all Joanna Gaines and start knocking down walls and reworking the countertops into an L-shape, consider these upgrades that will attract today’s home buyers for less.

 

 

REPLACE THE COUNTERTOPS

The most obvious choice to turn a drab kitchen into buyer bait that sells is to replace the kitchen countertops. It can be a costly investment depending on what material you choose, but in the end it’s worth the splurge. For the biggest return on investment, keep it simple and opt for an affordable stone that will still spark an interest in a potential buyers.

UPDATE THE APPLIANCES

You’d be surprised by how much you can transform a space just by replacing those white appliances from the 1990s with chic stainless steel ones. Even better if they are energy-efficient, since home buyers are always looking for ways to save money! While stainless steel appliances won’t necessarily increase your home’s value,  they do add that ‘wow’ factor that potential buyers are looking for.

 

 

GIVE IT SOME FRESH PAINT

Whether you choose just to paint the wall or decide to go all in and refinish the cabinets, painting is an effective and relatively cheap way to upgrade your kitchen for potential buyers. Fresh paint makes an old kitchen look clean and new again, while also offering buyers a ‘clean slate’ once they move in.

SWITCH THE HARDWARE

From crown molding on the ceilings to fancy doorknobs, it’s often the small details that make a lasting impression on potential buyers. The options for small upgrades are endless, but simply switching out the hardware on your cabinets is a good place to start. New knobs cost next to nothing and can be easily replaced in an afternoon.

BRING IN THE LIGHT

Whether it’s adding recessed lighting or a  funky light fixture, investing in functional and decorative lighting is an excellent and affordable way to up the value of your home. A well-lit room feels bigger, brighter and overall more welcoming.

Stone is an excellent choice for use in your bathroom remodel. They are  easy to maintain, available in a wide variety of colors and textures, and have a great return on investment. From the vanity to the shower, here are a few guidelines to choosing the right material for your bathroom project.

 

 

Bathroom surfaces don’t typically face the abuse of hot pans or sharp knifes, but that doesn’t mean that every stone is a good idea in your bathroom. When deciding on a material, we recommend choosing a functional work surface that has the right blend of aesthetics and durability to fit the demands of your space.

• GRANITE: Granite may be one of the most expensive bathroom material options, but it is also incredibly strong and has a high resistance to damage. When sealed correctly, granite doesn’t mind getting wet, which is ideal for around a sink, tub or shower. 
• QUARTZ: If you’re on the hunt for an upscale look without the maintenance, this is it. Quartz is a great option for homeowners not only for its beauty, but also its resistance. The material is non-porous, which means that it will stand up against cosmetics and oils, and will not harbor bacteria or viruses. 
• MARBLE: Marble’s timeless beauty and it’s natural resistance to heat makes it a popular choice for a bathroom countertop. But while it may be in demand for its elegant look, it does require extra precautions. The main problem with marble is etching, which is caused by acidic foods, drinks or harsh cleaning products, which is easily avoided after learning how to maintain your surface. 
• ONYX: Onyx may offer a similar look to natural stone with its luxurious sheen and beauty, but they have many differences. While onyx is stunning (especially when backlit), it is also a very fragile and soft stone that requires a lot of maintenance. We recommend using onyx in a powder room or in a guest bath that isn’t used daily to keep the material looking good as new. 
• SOAPSTONE: Because of its high resistance to heat and stains, this non-porous material is a perfect natural stone for your bathroom. And the good news is that soapstone countertops requires very little maintenance to keep it looking its best. From the countertop to the shower, Soapstone is very versatile and is perfect for any part of your bathroom design. 
• TRAVERTINE: With its luxurious look and natural veining, travertine is a beautiful natural material for a bathroom remodel. Travertine is commonly used for flooring or shower tiles. While it can withstand extreme temperatures, it does take a little more time to care for than other natural stones. Travertine is is porous material, which means that it can be prone to damage if not sealed properly. However, it is typically available at a lower cost, making it a great alternative to other natural materials.