I’m not a Realtor or anything like that but my old man is… and growing up around all that, including my experience in the remodeling field – I’ve at least gained a little knowledge on the topic. This is probably more of an opinionated punch list than a blog but either way, I’m sure you may understand my train of thought on the subject or even learn something… Heck, you may want to argue with me and that’s fine too!
Make an Actual Plan
How long until you sell your home? One year… Two years, Five years? That can dictate exactly what you should be doing. You may want to start with some energy efficient options and save the meat and gravy (kitchen/bathroom) for closer to listing time. You can never go wrong with replacing windows and adding insulation. A constant effort shown that you’ve taken care of every aspect of your home will bring not only curb appeal, but respect.
Other random things to do:
- Cut your grass.
- Brush up on your landscaping.
- Clean out your gutters…
- Power wash the exterior of the home.
- Get rid of loose paint, repaint exterior etc…
- Do not leave your doggie surprises in the lawn.
Buyers don’t care about your old Kitchen cabinets…
It’s obviously a great idea to throw down some nice-new granite or quartz and that would land you a quick deal right? Maybe not. If your cabinets are 13 years old and you replace the countertops tomorrow, your cabinetry will be 20 years old (in 7 years) when it goes on the market… Automatic “nose turn up” for me or any potential buyer at that point.
There is a fine line and things should be mapped out well because many folks want something functional that will last until they can remodel it their way. In that case, I wouldn’t recommend buying the cheapest particle board cabinets you can find because you’d be lucky to get a year or two out of that. Oh, and buyers have already caught on to the fact that particle board is the devil… so in short, keep your vision on a kitchen remodel straight and to the point with a minimum of mid-line products.
How much “stuff” should you Re-Purpose…?
Great topic! I’ve even turned some nice dressers into vanities with vessel bowl sinks – It’s a nice touch to a bathroom. There’s a lot of crafty ideas in this department and there are some things that definitely look neato but some things that should just go with you to your new home… If you decide to leave things, just make sure they’re removable for the new folks just in case they’re not completely loving it. At some point, having every corner of your home re-purposed will turn it into an episode of Sanford & Son so just keep that in mind.
Consult a Color expert.
When adding some fresh paint to the walls be sure to keep things flowing throughout the home. Deciding on colors you like can differ from others tastes, however, it’s a good thing that paint can be painted over, eh? Creating warm and inviting color patterns will at least keep prospects from rushing to the next showing. A color expert can definitely aid you with reasonable color pallets for each room of your home leaving a great impression. For the cost of design mock-ups, it’s a small expense to nail down a great looking floor plan.
You don’t have to believe me… but Closet Cabinetry triggers contracts the same day of showing-
A very small percentage of homes have a Walk-In closet with a functional cabinet layout. Unfortunately, it’s lined with wire racks and a plastic Rubber-Made shelf assembly that you’d use in the garage. At least in my area, there are plenty of folks moving in from out of state. Since there’s not much down time to actually do improvements right away, a cozy bedroom with organized storage is a great start to move in, organize clothing, get right to work and then plan projects later. In a real life experience, my dad actually had this happen… After 10+ showings, noses were turned up at everything until the last town home on the list that had a beautiful Closet Suite which resulted in an immediate contract, on the spot.
As a reference, remodeling your closet can be pricey – just look at it as buying kitchen cabinets for your closet. Either way, the ROI will benefit you while your living there, your wallet and the next person, as well.
Is your Bathroom a noticeable Train Derailment…?
Alright… now you got me started so it’s time to finish. Nobody wants to see mold, mildew or scummy dirt in the bathroom. As a consolation, leaving half worn and builder grade products is a turn off too. If you’re going to do some upgrades there are some guidelines to follow but some passes, as well. Replacing a tub or shower unit but leaving the rest of the bathroom “as-is” is not generally a problem provided the rest of the equipment is in a decent working condition. There’s always those emergencies where the shower area does need re done and the rest is just not part of the budget.
Here are some things to consider:
- A last minute tub liner or refinishing job (while leaving your scrappy wall surround) spells out a horrible attempt of putting lipstick on a pig.
- ^^^ (The same goes for cheap looking fiberglass shower kits…) ^^^
- Buyers want to see a nice tiled surround with low maintenance grout.
- Hire a pro.
- Take before and after photos.
- Don’t get too fancy-schmancy with complicated tile designs… (unless you really do have that period specific home where marble and herringbone patterns rule the roost.)
- Wall paper in a bathroom is sooo 1984…
- (A re-quote on my kitchen notes when considering new bathroom cabinetry…) ”I wouldn’t recommend buying the cheapest particle board cabinets you can find because you’d be lucky to get a year or two out of that. Oh, and buyers have already caught on to the fact that particle board is the devil…”
I could probably go on for days but that’s why I provide a comment section below. Keep the process simple but don’t be afraid to spend extra where it counts. Possibly, following some of my tips will help you with remodeling for resale so best of luck!
You Can Do It!
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