SIZE MATTERS - MAKE IT BIGGER!
After looking at several homes every buyer comes to the realization that, just as a rose is not a rose, all houses of the same square footage are not the same size. Some houses appear larger than others due to a variety of factors - color, higher ceilings, layout, etc. While you can't change some factors, others can be with minimal effort or cost. Here are a few:
•· Lighter colors. It is no secret that a room painted in a pale color will appear larger that one painted in a dark color. Dark, dramatic colors are for decoration, not selling. Repaint before you list.
•· Carpet. If your carpet is more than a few years old, it probably shows some wear. And, if it is a darker color, it can contribute to a room looking smaller. Think about replacing all of the carpet with a light (cream or tan) color builders grade with an extra think mat. The lighter color will make the room appear larger and brighter, both of which add value to your house.
•· Lights. Additional light in a room will always may the room "appear" larger. Most light fixtures usually have a warning label that limits the wattage of the bulbs used. This is due to heat and the higher the wattage the more heat that is generated by the fixture. Too much heat and you have a fire risk. At least with incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs don't give off the same amount of heat so it would be safe to replace two sixty watt bulbs in a ceiling fixture with two 24 watt (spiral) fluorescent (100 watt equivalent) or even higher. Depending on the fixture, you might be able to hold a 120 or 150 watt equivalent. And if the ceiling fixtures are dated, it can be a good decision to replace them with an inexpensive, yet modern one that can support two bulbs. Home Depot or Lowes stocks lots of these. A good example is Progress Lighting Oxford Silver 2-light Flushmount Model P3817-44 - $24.30/Each. When you replace a one bulb 60 watt ceiling fixture with a two bulb fixture like this with two 100 watt equivalent fluorescents, you will see an immediate increase in the size of the room. It's in your mind however, but that's OK if it adds value to the house and it will!
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