kitchen remodel Archives - Home Improvement

Updated 09/17/2015 @ 8:30pm
One of the best reasons to work on projects that add value to your home: in the event you sell your home you have increased the resell value. ABC’s Real Money teamed up with HGTV to give you pointers on getting the most value out of your home when it is time to sell. http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/profit-selling-home-23599230

Looking to put your house on the market? One of the greatest worries on your mind may be about getting the most value from your home, as it is for some many embarking on the real estate journey. You may be feeling a little overwhelmed with the sheer number of projects that could be tackled in an outdated or well-lived-in home. Worry not, there are certain projects will translate to better overall impressions of your home, and ultimately lead to a higher valuation. If you’re looking to be effective with your time and money, try one of these:

Curb Appeal

When a visitor pulls up to your home, the first thing they see is the yard. It’s a no-brainer, right? Updating landscaping and the general appearance of the house will create a positive impression even before they step in the front door. Curb appeal is often underestimated, but can pack quite a punch. Don’t worry, these updates don’t have to be costly; a nicely trimmed yard, fresh flowers and mulch, and a clean coat of paint on fences or trim will make a world of difference.

Renovate Bathrooms

A clean and inviting bathroom is a huge selling point in the real estate world. Potential buyers are likely to be put off by grimy, outdated fixtures or questionable plumbing situations. If the space is decently designed, make sure that every surface is squeaky clean. It’s always a bonus if you can incorporate green design techniques in the remodeling process of your bathroom. Even if updating your restrooms requires a larger renovation than you’d hoped, remember that it’s a relatively small percentage of the home that will have a large impact on overall impression and the price that someone is willing to pay for your home.

Renovate THE Kitchen

So often these days the kitchen is the center of the home. Accordingly, real estate agents and buyers alike will be expecting to see a well designed and well maintained kitchen space if you’re going to be paid top dollar for your house. Even if you can’t afford a full-scale remodel, simple things like new appliances, updating tired paint choices or refinishing cabinets will all be nods in the right direction. As with the bathroom, clean the kitchen to within an inch of it’s life to ensure visitors aren’t put off by the accumulated grime.

Upgrade HVAC

Heating and air conditioning problems can be deal breakers for many potential buyers. Let’s be honest, we enjoy our creature comforts, and HVAC systems are wonderful things, not to mention extremely necessary in many parts of the country. If the existing HVAC system is old and tired, installing an updated system will not only ensure reliability for the new owners, but may appeal to a larger group of potential buyers if you select energy efficient units that will help save on utility bills. Opting for environmentally friendly products for HVAC replacement is rarely if ever a bad choice!

So many possibilities with concrete countertops!

When you think about remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, invariably you’ll need to consider which type of countertop you’ll install or have installed. There are many fabulous choices for countertops available; some common but sturdy, some not-so-ordinary. Everyone has heard of the usual suspects… granite, marble, laminate. But what if you desire not only a functional and beautiful countertop, but something that will stand out and spark conversation? That will be a focal point for your kitchen or bathroom? I suggest that you spend some time researching concrete countertops. That’s right, concrete. It’s not just for driveways and patios anymore. It may sound gray and, well, boring, but I think you’ll be amazed with what they can do with plain old concrete these days.

DIY, if you wish!

How many types of countertop materials can be created and installed by a motivated DIYer? A concrete countertop is one such project worthy of a seasoned weekend warrior. There are legions of concrete countertop tutorials out on the interwebs that will detain the process from measuring to creation to installation. Depending on which method/tutorial you choose, you’ll need things such as plywood or melamine, concrete mix, concrete color, rebar, trowels and various other tools, sealer or wax, sanding implements, etc. Don’t feel like doing it all yourself? There are even kits that can be purchased that will contain materials needed to create the forms and the correct amount and type of concrete to help you whip up the perfect countertop.

Shapes and colors, oh my.

Another beauty of concrete countertops is that they are amazingly customizable. Want a color other than regular gray? Check! Interested in a formed sink, or a double basin, or a unique configuration? It’s doable! For more intense shapes or ideas it may be best to leave the construction to the professionals, but using concrete as the material for your countertop gives you practically limitless possibilities.

Seal it. Then seal it again.

Since concrete is a porous material, it’s necessary to have your countertops well sealed. If they’re not properly sealed and maintained organic debris (read: food and drink) may penetrate the concrete to leave discolorations and odors. Gross. Multiple sessions of sealant and then clockwork maintenance sealing (possibly every 6 months or so) isn’t a bad idea. This regimen may seem strict, but it’s really not that different from the care instructions of other natural countertop materials.

In conclusion.

Like any product there are pros and cons, so make sure and do your research and talk to some professionals if it’ll help you make a decision. If you go for it, you’ll get a stunning industrial feel for a fraction of the cost of real stone. Whether creating and installing yourself or hiring a company to create these masterpieces for you, do yourself a favor and give concrete countertops a try!

Posts Tagged with kitchen remodel

Four Projects That Will Add Value to Your Home