Springtime triggers spring cleaning for many homeowners. When we think of spring cleaning, we think of things like washing windows, taking down curtains, and washing them to freshen them up, sweeping off the porches and steps to get rid of any signs of winter. One area that sometimes seems to get overlooked is the basement. Some homeowners don't spend much time in the basement, especially if their laundry is up in the living area. Therefore, for many, it is out of sight and out of mind.
As I go through homes with buyers, especially in older homes with unfinished basements, they sometimes fear what they will see when they go down to the basement. Older homes with basements with stone foundations are prone to be classified as and fall into the category of "the scary basement" by some prospective buyers because they tend to be dark and sometimes damp. If there are cobwebs, well, that will confirm that thought.
If you have an unfinished basement, there are some simple ways to make it more appealing. First, get out the shop vac and suck up all the cobwebs, get into the corners and especially overhead. Make sure all the lights work and are bright enough. If needed, add more lighting. Paint the floors, and if the walls are concrete block or poured concrete, paint them too, it will go a long way to brighten up a basement and keep the dust down. And lastly, wipe down the furnace or boiler. Believe it or not, the dust and dirt on top and around it makes it look older than it may be.
When it comes to preparing your home for sale, though it may be the last part of the process, be sure to give your basement a once over.
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