Cooking Up a New Kitchen

You’ve heard it said before and we’ll say it again — kitchens sell houses. Especially with the rise of eat-in kitchens and breakfast nooks tucked in out-of-the-way corners, families are likely to spend a considerable amount of time together in the kitchen. Kitchens are often located in a central position in the home, which means they’re likely to be high-traffic areas, even if you eat out two of every three meals a day. As such, kitchens are a prime target for any home remodeling project.

They’re also one of the places where you can get yourself into trouble, spending far more money than you are ever going to see returned. A mid-range kitchen remodel has a much better return on investment than a high-end remodel. If your budget is high and you must have those marble floors and countertop, go right ahead and install them. But today, I’m going to focus on moderate upgrades that can greatly enhance your home’s appearance and value.

Appliances

Unless you have an ultra-modern kitchen with point-of-use refrigerators, drawer microwaves, and everything else hidden behind cabinet doors, a buyer’s eyes are naturally going to be drawn to appliances. If they are clearly old, either a white that’s gone dingy or the dreaded avocado green, they’ll be sure to turn off buyers. A relatively inexpensive solution is to replace your older appliances with new ones sporting a stainless-steel finish. They offer the same look, feel, and protection of full stainless at a lower cost.

If you’re not planning to sell your home anytime in the near future, don’t feel like you need to replace everything all at once. Upgrade one at a time — just make sure your appliances match when it comes time to sell.

Cabinets

Cabinets are easily the second-most — or sometimes the most — expensive part of a kitchen remodel. If you have the money, replacing cabinets with a contemporary style that focuses on simplicity will serve you well. When you do this, get cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, which adds valuable storage space and eliminates collection points for dust and junk that tends to accumulate on top of lower cabinets. If you already have wood cabinets and doors, a simple paint job will accomplish much the same effect. White is a popular color for kitchens, though grays are also in vogue. Make sure you get good-quality paint for the cabinets since they will take the brunt of the beating a kitchen often endures.

Going cheap here can lead to scratches and chips within weeks or months, ruining the effect for a buyer. If you don’t have the money to replace cabinets, update the look of existing cabinets by replacing the hinges, handles and pulls. Feel free to go with a uniform brushed nickel look, or add a splash of color with accented pulls to break up the white.

Sink

The sink is easily the most-used area of any kitchen. From dumping unfinished beverages to cleaning dishes, washing hands, or getting a drink of water, any homeowner visits their sink several times a day. As such, it should be one of the most eye-appealing parts of your kitchen. The simplest thing you can do to modernize a sink is to replace the faucet. Go with something contemporary with multiple spray settings, an extendable nozzle, and a built-in filter.

If you’re also doing the countertops anyway, consider spending a bit of money to entirely replace your old sink with a modern under-mount sink. These result in a cleaner-looking counter and even make cleaning the counters easier since food can be swept straight from the counter into a sink with the garbage disposal.

Lighting

Light is very important for food preparation, yet all too often, countertops and lower cabinets can be left in the dark as poorly-positioned light sources are blocked by you, other cabinets or appliances, or simply by poor placement.

A quick fix is to get adhesive lights or rope lights to put under the cabinets. You can turn them on and off as needed, and if they are placed intelligently, they will add to the value of your kitchen with a very small investment. These are a great solution for any dark pantries or cabinets in your kitchen and throughout the home, as well. Naturally, if you’re already doing things like replacing cabinets or backsplash, it makes more sense to install the necessary wiring for putting lights under the cabinets.

Countertops

Laminate counters were once the norm in kitchens all over the country. These days, options like butcher-block tops, quartz, and even concrete have grown in popularity.

Granite was once the go-to option for a countertop upgrade and is still very popular, but it has lost much of its luster in recent years. Part of the reason is that it has become considerably more mainstream, losing its rarity value. Granite counters also need to be resealed annually to prevent stains and are unforgiving to anything that is dropped on them. Because of this, crushed quartz tops have become an immensely popular alternative to granite. Quartz is available in more colors, is lower maintenance, and costs less than granite, making it an excellent option. Butcher block is also a great option that won’t break a moderately healthy budget. It also provides a distinctive look that sharply distinguishes itself from the look of natural stone if you choose to use it sparingly on an island or peninsula.

Barring any of those options, going with a fresh laminate is a budget-friendly option, and there are many styles now that imitate the look of granite and quartz. Using the same material for the backsplash can also help give a modern look to your kitchen at a fraction of the cost.

How Can I Help You?

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel but don’t know where to begin, I know lots of reputable contractors who can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Likewise, I’d be more than happy to help you select materials or give you advice about what buyers in your area are looking for in a kitchen.

If you’re looking for a dedicated agent to handle the sale of your home or help you purchase your next one, look no further. My former clients can attest to how hard I’ll work on your behalf. Contact me today to find out how much your home is worth, and I’ll send you a free copy of my book that shows home sellers how to get top dollar for their homes in the shortest amount of time!

Email: natalia@firststaybc.com
Contact: +1 778 317-6393
Natalia Garbuzova – Lease-Up Rental Agent

Bathroom Upgrades with the Greatest ROI

If you’ve ever watched a show on HGTV, you know that two key areas of a home can make or break a home sale. I’m talking about kitchens and bathrooms. Today, I want to talk to you about the latter — and what you can do to spruce it up, whether you’re preparing your home for sale or simply want to improve your space.

Bathroom renovations typically have a high return on investment. HGTV estimates the ROI on bathroom renovation spending is 80-130%. According to the estimates provided by the National Association of Realtors®, a bathroom remodel can recoup 60% of the amount you’ve put into it.

So what are some things you can do to capitalize on this high-traffic space in your home?

While sinking $10,000 into average bathroom remodeling and $26,000 for more upscale renovations (the national averages according to Remodeling magazine) may seem like an extravagant expense, your bathroom greatly affects your home’s value.

An immaculate modern bathroom communicates consciously and subconsciously to the comfort, style, and value the rest of the home portrays. Nothing is more alienating to a prospective buyer than an outdated, dysfunctional bathroom, especially considering the high costs and headaches associated with water damage and mold growth.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends having a six-month plan to ensure things go smoothly, as major bathroom renovations last between 2 and 3 months on average. Be forewarned: as with most renovation projects, bathroom costs and expectations can quickly get out of hand, especially when homeowners are eager to sell their homes. That said, let’s look at various aspects of the bathroom and see what types of renovations can add more value to your home.

• Bathtubs

Choosing the right bathtub for your master bathroom is worth some careful consideration. Some home buyers feel that a bathtub takes up too much space, while others make it a focal point of their relaxation. Some buyers prefer or need accessibility (i.e. mobility-impaired individuals), and for them, a bathtub may be a deal-breaker. For those that prefer elegance, a clawfoot tub may be appealing. Having a bathtub in one bathroom and a shower in a second is a solution to suit all needs. Ensure that any bathtub you select matches the overall theme of the room (for example, you would not install a Victorian claw-foot tub in a modern bath).

• Sinks and Countertops

One way to add value to your bathroom is to focus on the countertops and the sink. A popular trend is to invest in a stone countertop.

Typically, bathroom countertops tend to be smaller than kitchen countertops, so you can spend a significantly smaller amount of money and still get a desirable spa-like quality. One strategy for saving money and adding value is to purchase a slab that contains some imperfections. If you make sure that the imperfections are masked by the sink that will be placed in or on the stone surface, you get the best of both worlds without having to pay the higher price of a flawless slab. It also helps to think creatively.

One common trend for DIYers is to take an old dresser and mount a sink on the top like a pedestal or recess the sink on the top counter, creating an elegant solution. This is also useful if you’re struggling to find adequate cabinet space to fit the look of your bathroom.

Don’t forget to update the faucet, as well. Attractive metals like stainless steel or polished nickel can bring some extra “oomph” to your bathroom. However, be sure that the hardware matches the faucets, or your bathroom might have a hodge-podge feel that will ward off more finicky buyers. Finally, you can make your bathroom even more attractive to new couples by offering multiple sinks for his and hers.

• Cabinets & Storage

Bathrooms offer a challenge for homeowners in terms of storage. After installing a sink, bathtub, toilet, and shower, you still need to have somewhere to store hygiene items and towels. In addition, these storage solutions must be aesthetically pleasing, so it can be a balancing act to make sufficient space without making the room appear unattractive or overly utilitarian.

However, there are solutions to make the most of the available space:

• Vertical: Most bathrooms don’t utilize the upper wall space, leaving these spaces barren. To remedy this, try installing multi-tiered shelving units in strategic places, with towels within easy reach of the bath/shower. Alternatively, recessed alcoves between wall studs can create useful spaces for holding smaller items.
• Moveable: Using baskets or hampers for items can make the most of spaces where cabinets cannot fit. Be sure these moveable additions match the décor of the bathroom, even if they are not included with the sale of the house.

As for the cabinets, be sure that the materials are up to date and not reflective of short-lived trends, as these can work against a seller when they fall out of favor. Make sure the colors of cabinets are neutral and are made of moisture-resistant wood appropriate for the bathroom.

• Shower

An attractive and functional shower is a great way to attract homebuyers who may imagine luxurious and refreshing daily rituals when they purchase the home. Frameless glass shower enclosures enhance the spa-like feel of the atmosphere, match just about any color scheme, and are more appealing than flimsy plastic enclosures.

Don’t forget to consider who will be purchasing your home when renovating your shower. There are various options on the market, but it helps to update the showerheads in accordance with the type of home buyers you’d like to appeal to. For potential owners under 45, multiple showerheads are a go-to choice. For older home buyers, hand showers that can assist seated individuals may be best. Seating also plays a factor for the elderly and infirm, who prefer some resistance when showering and should have somewhere to sit for safety and health reasons.

• Tile

Bathroom tile can be one of the more expensive features to renovate, so it pays to be deliberate in your choices. One smart way to save money is to limit tile strategically, focusing only on a specific area of the floor instead of the entire floor (e.g. inside the shower stall). Another clever trick is to use the expensive tile as an accent, mixing it in with less-expensive tile to save money, but also highlight the costlier tile with contrast. Because of the cost, you may want to align your renovations in accordance with the tile’s color and attributes. While installing a heated bathroom floor is a nice touch, it will not return a reasonable ROI, and tearing up your floor can be needlessly expensive and time-consuming.

• Bathroom Ventilation

There’s more to remodeling your bathroom than meets the eye. While it may be nice to have a window to open after a steamy shower, this is an old solution. The focus on modernity is automation and efficiency. If your bathroom does not have a modern ventilation system, consider installing one as a top priority.

Moisture from excess humidity fogs mirrors makes the floor especially slippery and creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Having moisture under control is vital to ensure that not only are the physical hazards minimized (e.g. slipping on a wet tile), but also the quality of the air and the damage that can result from mold and rot. Make sure that the ventilation system exhausts air to the outside of the home, not the space between the joists of the ceiling, attic, or other interior space.

Consider ventilation systems on the market that contain features such as quiet exhaust fans and humidity-sensitive switches that automatically activate when moisture build-up in the air reaches a certain threshold.

• Lighting

One way to spruce up your bathroom at a fraction of the cost of more labor-intensive renovations is to look at how your bathroom is lit. Lighting around your vanity mirrors can bring a luxurious feel to everyday grooming.

Adjustable lighting for soaking in the tub can create a relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom, as well. Some light fixtures offer heat lamps that can create a mini-sauna for the bathroom that works in conjunction with your ventilation systems.

As a rule, eliminating dark spaces and inadequate lighting adds value for potential home buyers.

• Paint

Like lighting, one of the more inexpensive and effective ways to spruce up your bathroom is to invest in a few cans of fresh paint. Pay careful attention to how you paint if you choose to go DIY, however; attention to detail is critical, and a few blobs of paint on the tub, sink, and so forth can undermine the improvements you’ve made. Also be sure to find high-quality, mold-resistant paint that can ward off mold growth, and don’t forget to paint the ceiling, where hard-to-clean surfaces can be breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

• Update the Fixtures

The little details do matter, especially under the scrutiny of those who view your home with an eye to buying it. This includes the light fixtures, doorknobs, towel racks, cabinet handles, and so forth, all of which can rust and degrade from constant use and moist atmosphere.

• Caulk and Grout

Like a fresh coat of paint, paying attention to the fine details can bring a new look to your bathroom at a minimal cost. Cleaning grout may be tedious, but restoring its original hue can make the surrounding elements “pop.” The same goes for caulk — a tube of caulk is inexpensive. A fresh application of caulk, especially clear or matching-white colors, not only brings out the other elements but also prevents moisture from eroding the structure of the bathroom.

• Going Green

No, we’re not talking about painting everything in your bathroom green, not unless you really want to. We’re talking about the trend of making your bathroom more environmentally sound. More and more home buyers are looking to find homes that feature ethically-sourced materials and conserve resources (e.g. water, power).

These include:

• Low-flow sinks, toilets, and showerheads. They can typically be found for the same cost or even for less than traditional models.
• Automatic light switches. Some models adjust the amount of light based on the amount of daylight or if there’s an occupant in the room. Great for forgetful people!
• Purchasing used or repurposed materials. Nothing is greener than recycling old materials, like a vintage clawfoot bathtub, as you reduce consumption. Thrift stores often have an assortment of used/reclaimed furnishings that not only have a vintage appeal but are also sold well below the price point of similar types of fixtures bought new.