The calendar says Halloween is over, but if you are like us there is enough leftover candy to snack on for quite a while.
In keeping with Halloween for a bit longer, we stumbled across an article about scary remodeling stories, but they aren’t tales about botched jobs. No, these stories will chill you in other ways.
Think along the lines of sketchy characters showing up at job sites, or our favorite, a sweet old lady whose “clothesline” contained a shocking secret.
If you are ready to move on from Halloween, that’s OK too. We also came across some tips about more projects that boost the value of your home.
Like the little black dress, a stylish and functional kitchen never goes out of style. So, adding a kitchen remodel to your list of winter goals is a good idea, like the article suggests.
Another project the article says is worth pursuing is new flooring. Whether it’s hardwood or tile, new flooring offers style that is built to last.
Thinking long-term is also important when remodeling your home. As we’ve mentioned before, universal design allows homeowners to age in place comfortably without sacrificing style.
Some of the projects outlined in a universal design article we liked were wider doorways, higher countertops, raised electrical outlets, curbless showers with bench seating, and slip-resistant flooring in bathrooms.
No matter what route you take, be sure to enlist the help of an experienced designer. *cough, cough*
Have a great week!
Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!
Hopefully, you haven’t seen anything spooky today, or won’t in the lead up to Halloween.
If you want to avoid remodeling scares, our advice is simple: Trust the professionals.
That’s the topic of a recent column in the Seattle Times titled “HomeWork: Nothing can replace the expertise of a remodeling pro.”
Experts are experts for a reason. They have the experience to back up what they are saying.
I’m sure you’ve seen a DIY reality TV show or the simple processes outlined on your favorite Pinterest board and have been inspired to take actions into your own hands. That’s great hustle, kid.
But, like the article says, you need to realize even the most seemingly straightforward projects are filled with sequences and traps that can cost lots of time and money.
The article offers this questionnaire for people thinking of taking on a project:
1) How much do you really know?
2) What if it the project doesn’t work?
3) Are there any unintended consequences?
4) How do you know if it’s right for your home?
If you can’t answer those questions confidently, then it’s time to give us a call. We promise only treats, no tricks.
Master bathroom trends
Our friends at Houzz offer a wealth of information when it comes to home remodeling. They recently completed the 2017 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Survey, and the results were outlined in an article on Forbes.
For starters, the average cost of a major remodel to a small master bathroom (under 100 square feet) was $12,300. The average cost of a major remodel to a large bathroom (over 100 square feet) was $21,000.
As for the things people wanted to change, most chose to address faucets, wall finishes, countertops, and flooring.
When it comes to splurging, most homeowners upped the ante on showers (42 percent on respondents) or on cabinets and vanities (40 percent).
Have a great week!
Now is the perfect time to sell your home. It’s imperative to know what sections of your home to upgrade to get top dollar and increase your home’s value. Home upgrades don’t have to be extensive or expensive. There are many cost-effective upgrades that can be done that won’t break the bank.
However, before you start tearing down walls and removing major appliances, it’s imperative to understand which remodeling projects will give you the most return on investment, yet cost you the least amount of money.
Actually, it’s not that difficult to increase the value of your home. You just need to know where to start. With these cost-effective tips, it’s easier than you think.
1. Upgrade the Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most used areas in your home, and is often one of the most popular selling points when selling your home. If you’re selling your home, you want to display a bathroom that’s attractive and alluring to potential buyers. You also want to ensure that your bathroom is neat, well-designed, and functional. Homebuyers often visualize what it would be like to live in your home, so you want your bathroom to make a good first impression. It’s not necessary to do an extensive remodel, such as adding an addition. You just need to take what you have and maximize its’ functionality. One of the main selling points in any room is storage space. Adding wall cabinets to an empty space, or extending cabinets up to the ceiling can make your bathroom look more neat and organized. Instead of wall cabinets, you can add customized armoires that adds warmth to your bathroom. Upgrading sinks, fixtures, and countertops gives your bathroom a more striking and beautiful look. One of the most overlooked elements of your bathroom is the flooring. Upgrading your floors to tile or even heated flooring can make your bathroom more pleasing to homebuyers. Heated floors are surprisingly easy to install, affordable, and considered a luxury. Additionally, changing lighting can change the overall look of your bathroom. Replacing overhead lighting with wall mounts gives your bathroom a warm, welcoming feeling.
2. Upgrade the Kitchen
It’s no surprise that the kitchen is considered the heart of every home. “When selling your home, it’s one of the biggest selling points, but it also gives you the biggest return of any room in your home”, says Dennis Haws of All Star Construction, Inc. As with the bathroom, another big selling point in any room is storage space. Adding a pots and pans rack is an easy upgrade that adds space and functionality to your kitchen. Also adding a kitchen island, whether stationary or on rollers, is an extremely valuable piece of furniture that adds not only storage space, but counterspace as well. If you’re looking to save money, and let’s face it…why wouldn’t you…try painting your old cabinets with faux-wood finish, instead of investing in new ones. Cabinets and countertops are two of the most expensive kitchen upgrades. The best part is that faux-wood cabinets look contemporary and make it seem like you spent a fortune! Making minor upgrades such as hardware and lighting fixtures can add an extra personal touch to your kitchen to make it a room of beauty.
3. Paint
Adding a fresh coat of paint to any room is the not only the easiest, but it’s the most lucrative ways to modify any room. But, stick to the most popular rooms: kitchen, bathroom, and living room, so you don’ t have to paint your entire home. Just be sure to remain neutral, as using vivid colors can be distasteful. Neutral colors give the room a clean, modern look, allowing homebuyers to imagine themselves in that room…in your home.
So, remember that small upgrades can increase your home’s value. You don’t necessarily have to extensively renovate or remodel your home to improve your home. Knowing what rooms to upgrade will help you save not only time, but money in the long-run.
About the author: All Star Construction, Inc. is a home remodeling company in Houston that specializes in kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling. Visit them at https://allstarconstruction.com.
