My husband and I bought our first brand new home from a builder in 2015. Both of us were sure that this would be our dream home and we would never move again. The house was a detached home, upgraded according to our taste and backing onto a park-in-the-making, which was a huge commodity in the GTA. Life went on, kids grew older, and our plans for future have changed completely when we decided to move to Ottawa and convinced my parents to move as well.
All that said, people go through lifestyle and life cycle changes despite the condition of their home – whether new or old. There will always be things that no longer work for or satisfy an owner. If you are thinking of renovating your home to love or sell, then it is important to know which upgrades will help you increase the resale value and which ones will turn your dreams into reality; both are of equal significance in my opinion.
So, what makes the biggest impact on the resale value and adds the WOW factor to your home?
Kitchens and baths
Kitchens and baths are the areas in a home “where you can tell if money has been well spent or not,” says architect Steve Straughan, a partner in Los Angeles-based KAA Design Group. “They’re the most expensive areas of the home in terms of construction. And they’re where people spend time in their homes.”
So, what exactly should you improve when you redo your kitchen or bathroom? Based on the current buyers trends, says Rhonda Legault with Royal LePage Team Realty, extended upper cabinets, stone counter tops and current appliances are on the dream home must have list.
Walk-in showers have replaced whirlpool tubs as most people do not have the time to take a bath. Vanities are greatly appreciated for their storage.
Flooring
Outdated or simply worn out flooring is a big deterrence for a home buyer. It might be very uncomfortable to change flooring while you live in a house. Since most people want to buy a move-in-ready home, it is helpful to know when your flooring requires immediate attention.
Main level should preferably have hardwood, vinyl or laminate in combination with tile where appropriate. Carpet is still a popular option in bedrooms. The type of carpet is a choice driven by home owner’s lifestyle and family composition.
Invest into a good carpet pad instead of going overboard with the carpet. It will save you money in the long run.
Luckily, the variety of flooring products offers an attractive solution for every taste and budget.
Paint
Painting is the easiest and the most affordable way to freshen up your home. Paint an accent wall to create some drama and contrast. Lighter colours with gray undertone usually appeal to a wider audience; hence, they might be great choice if you are looking to sell your home soon.
When painting, do not ignore trim and ceilings. You will be surprised how old and dirty unpainted ceiling might look when the walls are freshly painted.
Consider hiring a professional to help you create a cohesive colour palette throughout and help avoid costly mistakes!
Whether you are renovating to make your dream of a fully custom kitchen to come true or strategically sprucing up critical areas of your home for the best resale value, consulting with a professional can help you save time and avoid frustration.
Check out my latest blog posts on interior design and decorating.
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