by Paulette Sodemann, a SEN Certified Designer with Callen
When the decision is made to sell your existing home and buy something new, getting the existing home ready to sell is not an easy job. Once you know what you need to remodel before putting the home up for sale, you can systematically renovate your current home to successfully complete the selling process. I recommend homeowners consider completing one or more of the following remodeling projects before putting their home on the market.
Kitchen Remodel
A tired and worn kitchen will detract significantly from your home. At the same time, this isn’t the time to proceed with an upscale, luxury kitchen renovation because you won’t see a return on your investment. Consider an upgrade to the cabinets, countertops, and flooring. If you can afford to upgrade your kitchen with energy-efficient appliances, you’ll make your kitchen more appealing to energy-conscious buyers who want to use less energy and have less impact on the environment.
Bathroom Remodel
Bathrooms are another important room to prospective house hunters. If your bathroom needs sprucing up, consider replacing the tile, upgrading the medicine cabinet and vanity, replacing light fixtures, and having the grout professionally cleaned. If you don’t have shower doors, consider installing them to give the bathroom a new look.
Master Suite
The addition of a master suite in your home can make it more desirable to an expanding population demographic that includes baby boomers. Creating a master bedroom, master bathroom, and sitting area can appeal to people of all ages. For example, renovate the bathroom with aging in place in mind for a broader appeal.
Lighting
Go through your home to eliminate the dated lighting. Choose light fixtures that will give your home a modern appearance. Track lighting, task lighting, ambient lighting, and LED lighting will appeal to many prospective buyers.
Landscaping
Your home’s appearance from the street or “curb appeal” can make or break how people perceive it. Spend time renovating the current landscaping if it needs help. Plant trees, shrubs, and create new flower gardens. Add landscape lighting to create focal points in the yard. Trim existing plants back so they’re not overgrown and unkempt.
Exterior
The exterior of your home falls under the same category as the landscaping – improving the home’s curb appeal. If you have wood siding, consider painting it. New vinyl siding is another renovation that would appeal to many prospective buyers due to the decreased work necessary to maintain it. Whatever you decide to upgrade on the exterior of your home, staying neutral is the key. Don’t choose colors or combinations that won’t appeal to the average buyer.
Windows & Doors
If windows need work, replacing them will appeal to many buyers, especially when high efficiency windows are installed. In addition, replacing exterior doors can also improve the home’s curb appeal.
Deck
The addition of a deck in the backyard can appeal to many prospective buyers. Space for outdoor living, dining, and cooking is an increasingly popular way to spend quiet time at home.
Interior
The interior walls of your home would likely benefit from a fresh coat of paint. If you have dated wallpaper on the walls, remove it. As you prepare to repaint, choose a neutral palette, avoiding brash or bold colors. If you have dated carpeting or flooring in bedrooms or living areas, consider removing it and replacing it with hardwoods or tile to appeal to more potential buyers.
Before you begin any remodeling work to your home, consult with a licensed real estate professional in the area to get recommendations for improvements to your home. Ask for an inspection of your home and talk about the work you are considering to get input about current market conditions in your area. The realtor will be able to tell you which improvements are important and attractive to buyers and which ones aren’t conducive to improving the home’s value. The realtor should also be able to give you a good idea on how much value you can expect to add to your home for specific remodeling you might perform.
For more ideas to improve your home with high-quality remodeling in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and surrounding areas, call Callen today at (414) 765-2585.
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