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Tips

9 DIY Projects to Add Value to Your Home

July 7, 2020 By Kristal Grimstead

Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home.

The best part is, once you’ve secured the materials, most of these renovations can be completed over the course of a weekend. And they don’t require a lot of specialized skills or experience. So grab your toolbox, then get ready to boost your home’s appeal AND investment potential!

  1. Spruce Up Your Landscaping

Landscaping improvements can increase a home’s value by 10-12%.[1] But which outdoor features do buyers care about most? According to a survey of Realtors, a healthy lawn is at the top of their list. If your lawn is lacking, overseeding or laying new sod can be a worthwhile investment—with an expected return of 417% and 143% respectively.[1]

Planting flowers is another great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. And if you choose a perennial variety, your blooms should return year after year. For an even longer-term impact, consider planting a tree. According to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, a mature tree can add up to $10,000 to the value of your home.[2]

  1. Clean The Exterior

When it comes to making your house shine, a sparkling facade can be just as important as a clean interior. Real estate professionals estimate that washing the outside of a house can add as much as $15,000 to its sales price.[3]

A rented pressure washer from your local home improvement store can help you remove built-up dirt and grime from your home’s exterior, walkway, and driveway. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully—and only use it on surfaces that can withstand the intensity. When in doubt, a scrub brush and bucket of sudsy water will often do the trick.

  1. Add A Fresh Coat Of Paint

New paint can have a big impact on both the appearance and value of a property. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to revitalize a home’s exterior, update its interior, and make it appear larger and brighter. The best part? Painting is relatively easy and inexpensive!

To get the maximum return at resale, stick with a modern but neutral color palette that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. According to a recent survey of home design experts, cool neutrals are a safe bet when it comes to interior paint. And respondents chose white and gray as the best exterior paint colors to use when selling a home.[4] However, it’s important to consider a property’s architecture, existing fixtures, and regional design preferences, as well.

  1. Install Smart Home Technology

In a recent survey, 78% of real estate professionals said their buyer clients were willing to pay more for a home with smart technology features.[5] The most requested smart devices? Thermostats (77%), smoke detectors (75%), home security cameras (66%), and locks (63%).[6]

The good news is, many of these gadgets are fairly easy to install. And some of them, including smart thermostats and light bulbs, will pay for themselves over time by making your home more energy efficient. In fact, many manufacturers report that smart thermostats can cut back on heating and cooling costs by 10-20%.[7]

If you already own a smart speaker, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, choose devices that will pair with your existing technology. This will enable you to create a truly integrated (and in many cases voice-activated) smart home experience.

  1. Modernize Your Window Treatments

Smart—or motorized—blinds are also growing in popularity, and several manufacturers make models you can order and install on your own. But they’re not the only way to modernize your window treatments.

If you have old aluminum blinds, consider replacing them with plantation shutters, which are energy efficient, durable, and have strong buyer appeal.[8] Roman and roller shades are another stylish alternative, and they come in a variety of colors and fabrics, which you can personalize to meet your design and privacy preferences.

Fortunately, upgrading your blinds has gotten easier and less expensive in recent years. There are a number of retailers that specialize in affordable window coverings that are simple to measure and hang yourself.

  1. Replace Outdated Fixtures

Drastically transform the look and feel of your home by swapping out dingy and dated fixtures for contemporary alternatives. Start by assessing your current light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, door knobs, and even switch plates. Then prioritize replacing those that are particularly outdated or in highly-visible areas, such as your entryway or kitchen.

Even if your home is fairly new, consider trading your builder-grade fixtures for higher-end options to give it a more upscale appearance. And forget the old rule about sticking to one metal tone throughout your property. According to designers, mixing metal finishes can add interest and character to a space.[9]

  1. Upgrade Your Bathroom Mirror

Minor bathroom remodels offer one of the best returns on investment, with a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 you spend.[10] We’ve already explored several improvements you can make to your bathroom: new paint, fixtures, and hardware. Now complete the look by upgrading your vanity’s mirror.

Before you purchase a new mirror, examine your existing one to see how it is attached to the wall. Some vanity mirrors are glued to the wall and difficult to remove without shattering the glass or damaging the sheetrock behind it.[11]

If you prefer to keep your existing mirror, you can paint the frame—or add one if it’s currently frameless. There are several online retailers that will send you the frame components cut to your specifications, which you can assemble and mount yourself. Much like a work of art, your vanity mirror serves as a focal point for your bathroom, so let your creativity shine through! 

  1. Shampoo Your Carpet

Carpet is notorious for trapping dust, dirt, and allergens. It’s one of the reasons that most buyers prefer hard surface flooring.[12] But if you love your carpet, or you’re not ready to invest in an alternative, make an effort to keep it clean and odor-free.

To properly maintain your carpet, you should vacuum it weekly. Experts also recommend a deep shampoo at least every two years.[13] Fortunately, this is a cheap and easy DIY project you can knock out in about 20 minutes per room. According to Consumer Reports, you can rent a machine and purchase cleaning fluid and supplies for around $90. With an average return on your investment of 169%, it’s well worth the effort and expense.[14]

  1. Customize Your Closet

Real estate professionals estimate that a closet remodel can add $2500 to a home’s selling price. And while a professional renovation can cost upwards of $6000, there are many high-quality DIY closet systems you can customize and install yourself.[15]

Experts recommend taking a thorough inventory of your wardrobe and accessories before you get started. Make sure frequently-worn pieces are easy to reach, and store seasonal and seldom-used items on high shelves. Place shoe racks near the closet entrance so they are easy to access.[16] A little planning can go a long way toward building a closet that you (and your future buyers!) will love.

Sources:

  1. HomeLight
  2. National Association of Realtors
  3. com
  4. Fixr
  5. T3 Sixty
  6. Consumer Reports
  7. American Council for Energy Efficient Economy
  8. Forbes
  9. Insider
  10. Zillow
  11. Lowes
  12. HomeLight
  13. Angie’s List
  14. HomeLight
  15. National Association of Realtors
  16. EasyClosets

Top 6 Home Organization Upgrades that “Spark Joy” for Buyers

May 14, 2019 By Kristal Grimstead

Thanks to Marie Kondo and her hit Netflix series “Tidying Up,” home organization is a hot topic. Marie encourages her viewers to minimize their possessions and keep only those items that “spark joy.”

With spring in full bloom, now is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning and add organizational systems to your own home. Not only will you clear out clutter, your efforts can actually increase the value of your home.

Ready to give it a try? Here are six home organization ideas that will “spark joy” for you and your property value.

Boost bathroom storage capacity. Start by tossing old or expired products. Add vanity drawer organizers and roll-out baskets, so your items are easier to find. Mount open shelves to store towels. These inexpensive additions can streamline your morning routine AND net you a 102% return at resale.

Upgrade your laundry room. Install a mix of cubbies and cabinets for storing supplies. Add a hanging rod and drying rack for sweaters and delicates. Include a work surface for ironing or folding clothes. A few simple tweaks can turn this chore into a score.

Fully utilize your basement or attic. These areas can quickly become a dumping ground for clutter. Donate items you no longer use. Built-in cabinets and shelves will help you organize the rest. Basement and attic renovations can net you a 60-70% return when it’s time to sell.

Customize your closets. The key to an organized closet is to give every item type its own space. High rods for dresses, low rods for pants, and racks for shoes and bags. A well-equipped closet can be a major draw for buyers. But most importantly, surveyed homeowners gave their closet remodel a “Joy Score” of 10 out of 10, higher than both kitchen and bath upgrades.

Install built-in bookcases and cabinets. Built-ins give your home a high-end look. They also provide an attractive place to store and display items. Just don’t go too custom- a design that only fits your furniture or belongings could turn off future buyers.

Equip your garage. If you can no longer fit your car in your garage, it may be time for a clean out. Install overhead racks for seasonal items and wall racks to hang bikes and other gear. Use a pegboard to organize your tools. You’ll be pulling in your car (and buyers) in no time!

Spring Into Action

If you’re searching for service providers to help with your spring cleaning or home organization efforts, let us know! We can connect you with our trusted network of local home improvement professionals. Call us today, and let us know how we can help!

Top 8 Home Design And Remodeling Trends for 2019

February 5, 2019 By Kristal Grimstead

If you’re a current homeowner, or in the market to buy, you’re probably curious about the latest trends in home design. Strategic updates can increase the value of a property, but making outdated or unpopular design choices can actually devalue a home.

To help, we’ve rounded up eight of the hottest home design trends for 2019. Keep in mind, not all trends will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate a property, consult a professional who can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

1. Warmer Paint Colors
White and grey aren’t going anywhere, but expect to see warmer tones and more earthy neutrals in 2019. Sherwin Williams chose Cavern Clay, a warm terracotta, as its color of the year, while Behr selected Blueprint, a mid-tone blue.

2. Mixed Metals
Designers are mixing metals in 2019, and their favorites include copper, brass, pewter, and matte black. Experts suggest picking one metal hue to dominate your color palette and a contrasting tone to complement it.

3. Outdoor Elements
Bringing outdoor elements into the home can help warm up a sterile space. Especially popular right now: stone, copper, concrete, and wood.

4. Alternative Appliances
Stainless steel has been the industry standard for years, but the market is trending toward fresh alternatives in vibrant colors, black stainless, and modern white, as well as integrated appliances that blend seamlessly into cabinetry. Column refrigerators, induction cooktops, and steam ovens are among the most-coveted appliance upgrades for 2019.

5. Colorful Kitchens
White will always be a classic choice, but color is finally coming back to kitchens. More homeowners are choosing natural wood cabinets and neutrals like black, cream, and grey, along with colorful options like green and blue.

6. Open Shelving
Swapping upper kitchen cabinets for open shelves continues to be a popular choice in 2019. It’s a cost-effective update that can make a kitchen feel larger and brighter. However, it’s not a practical option for everyone. Test it out by removing your cabinet doors to see how it feels.

7. Statement Tile
The ubiquitous white subway tile is finally fading in popularity. Homeowners are gravitating toward more colorful choices, alternative shapes, and creative textures and finishes. Natural stone remains a favorite, but advancements in porcelain tile that mimics stone has made it an attractive alternative.

8. Showcase Ceilings
Once an afterthought, ceilings are taking center stage. Designers are using bold paint colors, wallpaper, and other materials to transform a ceiling into something truly special. Want to keep things classic? Choose coffered or wooden beams, wood paneling, or tin tiles for a more timeless look.

DESIGNED TO SELL
Are you contemplating a remodel? Want to find out how upgrades could impact the value of your home? Give us a call! We can share our insights on buyer preferences in our area and how to maximize the return on your remodeling investment.

Bellingham Real Estate Broker | Kristal Grimstead

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