Nothing shows home buyers that a home is well cared for more than a stunning interior. The kitchen and bathroom make up part of the interior and get a lot of traffic. Upon entering these rooms, buyers can easily tell if money has been used well or not. In fact, they are the only rooms which can return more than 100% of renovation costs. Home sellers looking to get high returns on kitchen and bathroom remodels should do the following.
A long time ago, a backsplash was purely functional – a tiled spot behind the sink and stove that protected bathroom and kitchen walls from splashes and stains. This is no longer the case. Backsplashes can be made from different materials and run the gamut from simple to breathtaking. Home sellers can transform their backsplash areas with glass, stainless steel, granite, engineered stone, laminate, and many other materials.
While backsplashes dictate how a room looks and feels, they are often the last elements added to kitchen and bathroom designs. Probably due to the fact that there are so many choices. To make work easier, sellers should choose materials that appeal to home buyers, not themselves.
Most kitchens and bathrooms are devoid of elegant accessories that add sophistication to spaces. While many sellers give the excuse that adding accessories will overextend their budget, this is rarely the case. There are many affordable ways homeowners can add lovely features without breaking the bank. They can integrate gleaming fixtures to their bathrooms and kitchens and decorate with mirrors and clocks. Advise sellers not to go overboard when adding accessories as too many may distract buyers from admiring the rooms.
Whether your sellers are planning to spruce up their kitchens and bathrooms or carry out complete renovations, deciding what to do about the cabinetry is one of the biggest choices they will make. After continuous use, kitchen and bathroom cabinets can begin to look the worse for wear. The right cabinets can turn a kitchen or bathroom from impractical to practical.
That said, new cabinets can account for almost 50% of the budget for a kitchen remodel. Sellers who can’t afford to replace cabinets can reface or paint their existing cabinets. Painting is inexpensive but must be done on cabinets in good shape. Refacing is ideal for cabinets with strong frames. All drawer fronts and doors are replaced and the cabinets look brand new.
The lighting fixtures sellers choose determine if a space will be functional or uncomfortable. Kitchens and bathrooms should have adequate light for general illumination. Multiple lighting fixtures are best as the light comes in from different directions. Before getting the fixtures, home sellers should think of the way the rooms will be used. Some kitchens are not only used for cooking, people eat in them. Bathrooms, on the other hand, are used for important tasks such as applying makeup and shaving and must also have good lighting.
Unfortunately, most homeowners tend to repeat dated lighting styles. They only mount single fixtures in the centers of their kitchens and bathrooms. One source of light can be very unflattering. A good lighting plan is comprised of general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. These three types of lighting should be layered in a room.
These days, selling a house isn’t a walk in the park. Buyers have many options and can fail to make an offer because of small imperfections. Make sure your sellers stand out to buyers by giving them these useful tips. They will thank you!
Ronique Gibson is an Associate Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, who has been in the design industry for over 13 years. She started her design blog in 2009 and today it has become a premier destination for helping homeowners with everyday lifestyle challenges. Her readers check in daily for help with their homes, DIY project ideas, recipes, crafts, and inspiration to beautify and enjoy their homes.