Everyone is sick to death of my preaching about how important kitchens and bathrooms are to Homebuyers.  I know, I know, I know. 

I harp on it, don't I?

I thought I would share some ideas on some quick fixes to remodel your kitchen and bath if they need a little spruce up before hitting the market.  A little money now will save you a lot of money in carrying costs and pricing.

Bathrooms

  • If your tile is horrific, re-glazing is probably the cheapest option.  I only recommend white.  With re-glazing, they spray one color, so if you choose blue, the grout lines will also be blue and it screams "This has been re-glazed."
  • If you're up for a little bit of a challenge, tile is cheap.  You can buy some 12 x 12 for $.60 and re-tile your floor and tub surround.  You have to be handy (or have some money to pay for the labor), but it's a showstopper to have a "new" bathroom.  Keep the tub to avoid a lot of plumbing costs.
  • Putting in a new toilet and sink, and repainting can often be enough to give the illusion of a new bathroom. 
  • Don't try to hide bad tile, work with it.  As I've said before Brown/Pink and Brown/Blue are the new hot colors, so you may be able to salvage those 50's bathrooms.

Kitchens

  • Paint your cabinets a crisp white and change the hardware.
  • A piece of granite thrown on top of any cabinet is going to "wow" a consumer.  Call granite suppliers and try to find a leftover slab that they can give you cheap.
  • Peel and stick tiles are your friend.  Upgrade to the dollar ones that have "grout lines" in them.  They look a million times better than the others.
  • Your appliances should match.  If you have a stainless refrigerator and dishwasher, you need to buy a stainless stove.  The reason is that the "odd man out" might as well get up and scream "I'm old!" DON'T OFFER A CREDIT!

Want some more tips?  Or recommendations for tile guys, plumbers, etc.  Shoot me an email and I'll be happy to help.

 

3 Comments on The Quickest Fixes for Your Kitchen and Bath

AUG
18
2008

I like your comment about the 50s bathrooms...we have friends who have a lovely older home and one of their bathrooms has the white tile with the black tile trim that was popular many years ago.  Instead of replacing, they did exactly some of the things you suggest above (inc a black granite countertop with a really cool sink), plus went to a "bumble bee" theme in the bathroom and it is absolutely gorgeous, one of the neatest bathrooms I have ever seen.  It pays to be creative!!!  And it doesn't always have to be outrageously expensive.

4:35pm • #1
AUG
23
2008
310,549 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

No I dont think you harp as All of the buyers we talk with have this as one of there hot buttons. It can make or break a deal!

6:00am • #2
MAY
07

You are so right...I am touring way to many turquoise and pink tile bathrooms of late...like with fashion, I wonder when they will be back? (not yet :)  )

6:42am • #3

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Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO

Newtown, PA

More about me…

Prudential Fox & Roach

Address: Heather@SoldbyHeatherO.com, 677 S. State Street, Newtown, PA, 18940

Office Phone: (215) 860-9300 x 4778

Cell Phone: (215) 584-2700

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