If you are one of the very many homeowners who will be putting their home on the market, I'm sure you've given the house a once over and thought, "There is SO much to be done." Every homeowner understands the importance of making the home look its best and of course, for many of us with older homes, that might mean very costly updates.
The truth is there are great ways around this that will not only give your home an impressive facelift, but do so with minimal expense. House systems and structural concerns aside, most of the cosmetic features in our homes can be enhanced rather than changed outright. Here are some design tips to consider before plunging in headfirst. All of the prices quoted reflect supplies only from national home improvement chains. Plan on doing the work yourself and save yourself a bundle.
Consider the age, style, and location of your home. If you are living in an urban area and your buyer is likely to be a young, professional, consider more contemporary colors and designs. On the other hand, if you are moving from a historic, farmhouse, you'll need to consider the practicality of certain upgrades as they apply to your target market - your buyer! Consider hardware upgrades in pewter, brushed nickel, polished silver, wrought iron, or antique brass.
Kitchens:
- Faucets - $80 - $100
- Sink - $200 - $300
- Hardware - $3 - $6/each knobs/handles
- Paint or refinish/reface cabinets - $200
- Light fixtures - $200
- Under Cabinet lighting - $30
Bathrooms:
- Painted or refinish/reface cabinets - $100
- Hardware - $3 - $6/each knobs/handles
- Light Fixtures - $60
- New toilets - $200 - $300
- New Mirrors - $80
Throughout:
- Painted Trim - $75
- Paint using soft, neutral colors - creams, soft yellows, earth tones - $150
- Remove wallpaper - labor
- Replace flat panel doors to 6 panel doors - $50 - $70 each OR
- If keeping flat paneled doors, use two tone paint on trim and door to accentuate
Investments you can take with you:
- Throws, pillows, accent pieces - create a color palette to coordinate and accent paintings, furnishings, area rugs
- Coordinate Linens
- Update furniture
- Flowered pots outside
Invest in what you can take with you. If you have furnishings from the 70's or 80's and you're going to be moving into a new home, are you going to take all that old furniture with you? If not, perhaps it's time to have a yard sale before the home goes on the market. Get a little extra cash, minimize and buy solid pieces you'll enjoy for years to come. In the process, you'll be staging your home to look more updated and sleek which will enhance your home. You and the buyer know the furniture won't convey with the sale but the furnishings are important to complete the packaging of the "product"...your home!
Here's a GREAT, free tool powered by Armstrong for designing your room before you lift one finger.
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