If you've toured a new home recently, you're
already aware of the popularity of quartz and granite when it
comes to countertops. Other trendy, but less common countertop
materials include limestone, concrete, tile and even glass.
Even an attractive laminate countertop can brighten and clean up the
look of a kitchen. Once you’ve started, keep in mind that your new
countertops may shine a spotlight on dated or bruised
cabinetry. On to the next phase!
An inexpensive way to modernize your cabinets is a quick cabinet
facelift. Resurfacing cabinets can be a good option and can
be done through the attaching of a thin veneer to the surface of
the old cabinets. New hardware completes the look.
Painted cabinets can be repainted for a fresh, clean look.
Perhaps a little less cosmetic but often overlooked in the kitchen
are faucets and sinks. The faucets shouldn't leak and your
sink must be stain-free or replaced with a new one when you put
your home on the market. Materials commonly used in a replacement
sink include cast iron—for an old-fashioned look, enameled steel,
stainless steel, porcelain, acrylic and solid-surface materials,
which are popular today. Solid surface materials are
available in a variety of colors to coordinate with countertops.
(They can even mimic granite and other high-end stones).
When it comes to the rest of the house, be sure to freshen up not
just the walls but the ceilings too! Newly painted walls will show
off your home to the best advantage. And instead of
whitewashing your ceiling, designers now suggest tinting the ceiling
color to better match the walls. If your home still
sports wood-paneled walls, it's time to cover them. In today's
homes, there’s no place for wood paneling, so if you've got it,
paint it. Even composite paneling can be painted. If the paneling
is exceptionally dark, you will need to prime it and use several
coats.
What else are you tired of looking at around your home—water stains
where the roof is leaking? If so, the time to replace the
roof is sooner rather than later.
Potential buyers are turned off by a home in need of a new roof and
will use this defect as a way of eliminating your home from their
list. Or a potential buyer will use the roof repair as
leverage when it comes to negotiations.
A home inspection can help you determine areas of your home that
need attention. Once you have the inspection, you can take care of
these issues and make sure you won’t receive any surprises once a
buyer is interested.
Other areas to scrutinize include sidewalks, the driveway and deck.
If there are cracks in the sidewalk or the wood deck shows signs of
decay, you need to address these repairs. Both can be safety issues
as well as unsightly. Over time, even your doorknobs and door locks
begin to look worn and battered. Replace these items with
contemporary materials and you'll tie together all the other
repairs you've made. New locks will provide the added benefit
of showcasing your home as a place of safety and security.
Sellers often remark they hate to sell their homes once they’ve
made the necessary repairs and improvements that were neglected
over the years. Once the home maintenance and remodeling is
complete, your home will be ready to occupy—whether by the new
owners or the ones who no longer want to move!
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