Five Upgrades To Do To Create Your Dream Kitchen and Bath

 For ages those in the industry have told sellers that a bathroom or kitchen remodel will also benefit the resale value of their home. Homeowners always think of these upgrades when they are ready to sell their home. Homeowners should do the upgrades while they still live in their home so they can enjoy the benefits. Here are five things to do to upgrade your kitchen and bathroom for you to add style and functionality.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets

Upgrading your kitchen cabinets can instantly give your kitchen a new and refreshed look. You can simply buy an off-the shelf style or have custom cabinets built. If you would like to make your kitchen feel bigger and brighter, then a shaker-style cabinet in white is the perfect option. Choose cabinets with the functions that you want and that will work for you. Remember what kind of material a cabinet is made out of is important, those made out of plywood are stronger and are better at holding off water damage.

2. Install New Countertops

Another great way to give your kitchen a great new look is by getting new countertops. Today’s countertops are more durable and easier to maintain. “We’re seeing a lot of new materials in countertops. Products like ultra-compact, quartzite and porcelain are incredibly strong; scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant; and require practically zero maintenance,” says Ximena Johnson, product manager at Cabinets to Go.

3. Add a Stylish Bathroom Vanity

When you think of a bathroom vanity, you think of storage and a counter to put your toiletries, but a bathroom vanity is just as much the focal point of a bathroom. Getting a new vanity in your bathroom will give the whole room a refreshed look. “Homeowners are becoming more adventurous. Statement colors like rich Newport Blue and warm Montpelier Sage are having a moment. At the same time, classic favorites like Nantucket Bluff, a gorgeous, warm cream, are being used in fun and refreshing ways. Bathrooms are a great place to play with a pop of color, especially if you’re not ready to commit in the more high-traffic rooms of the house. We’re renovating in my own home right now and using Newport Blue raised-panel cabinets for our bath vanity,” says Johnson.

4. Switch to Waterproof Flooring

Hardwood floors are very popular, however they are prone to water damage. A good alternative is a vinyl floor that has a hardwood look. “XRP waterproof vinyl flooring stands up to daily traffic and can be installed just about anywhere in the home and over a variety of subfloors, including bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms,” suggests Johnson.

5. Rethink the Little Touches

“The devil is in the details when you’re remodeling, particularly when it comes to important, everyday rooms like kitchens and bathrooms,” says Johnson. If you do not want to do a big rehaul in your bathroom or kitchen, update smaller elements in the room. Change out the cabinet handles for a more updated look or add a tiled backsplash behind a vanity or the kitchen stove.

Remember the little touches can create a fresh new look in your kitchen or bathroom. These small touches can make you fall in love with these rooms in a new light!

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A Dozen Must Haves For Today's Buyers

By now everyone has reshaped the way they see a home. The COVID pandemic pushed city dwellers to the suburbs and prices took a sharp turn up with the supply and demand. One thing that has not changed is location. Zillow reports that buyers look for a safe neighborhood, walkable neighborhood, close to shopping, short commute to school and work, sense of community, close to friends and family and preferred school district. Here are the top 12 amenities buyers are still looking for.

1. Updated Kitchens and Baths

These two areas of a home are where homeowners spend a lot of time. In a survey conducted by the Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc., 81% of those who were surveyed said that updated kitchens and bathrooms were the most important feature in a home. That means that the majority of buyers who are looking for a home will make a decision based on the kitchen and bathroom conditions.

2. Open Floor Plans

Especially after the stay-at-home orders, an open floor plan is a must-have feature. Open floor plans are less confining and are more versatile. Now that we can all get together again, an open floorplan is great for entertaining because it allows for mingling and a great party flow. If a homeowner is still working from home, an open floor plan can allow for a great space to create a temporary workspace.

3. Air Conditioning

Every region in the county has some sort of change of season whether you live in a warm climate or cold climate. Central systems are a great way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Air conditioning is a great way to maintain humidity in your home's environment.

4. Energy Efficiency

Over the last several years this has become a very important feature in a home. As they say,  the green movement is here to stay. Buyers are looking for homes with energy-efficient windows, insulation, heating systems or solar panels. These are a few features that can help with not only your energy cost but with the planet as well.

5. Low Maintenance Features

Low maintenance and energy efficiency complement one another. These features keep the cost down on a home, especially for a first-time home buyer who is having a hard enough time coming up with a down payment. Every penny counts!

6. Technology

New York City is a place that is very technically savvy but when it comes to living there, people are moving out because of the poor Wi-Fi connections and good cell service. Buyers are looking for more tech-friendly homes nowadays. A strong dependable Wi-Fi connection and good cell service are a must.

7. Curb Appeal

A buyer's first impression is when they drive up to a home. The wow factor has to be there to catch their attention. A good way to accentuate the curb appeal of your home is to add plants, a new front door, new stonework, a new portico or outdoor lighting. You want to do everything you can to enhance your home from the view of the street.

8. Bringing the Outdoors In

Buyers want to be able to enjoy nature and have outdoor spaces. During the pandemic being stuck at home meant you had to have a space outdoors to be able to get outside every once in a while. Buyers are looking for porches where they can sit and eat or have a cocktail party. Stone patios with outdoor kitchens and outdoor furniture have become very popular.

9. Laundry Rooms

Laundry is always piling up, especially with busy lives. A laundry room is a great addition because you can close the door and hide your dirty laundry so to speak. In this day in age, it is very rare anyone has time to do the laundry every day so a place to store it is a must. A laundry room closer to the bedrooms is a plus.

10. Garage Area That Can Work as Storage

Buyers are always looking for storage space. If you have storage space in the garage, this is a bonus. Houses can get cluttered very quickly so having a place in the garage to store items is a very handy must-have.

11. Walk-In Pantry

Most families buy in bulk at stores such as Bj's or Costco, so they need a place to store the large quantities. Buyers want a walk-in pantry. Even if buyers do not shop in bulk, most do not shop on a weekly basis, so they need a place to stock up.

12. General Suitability

A buyer does not want to walk into a house that has bright pink walls in the bedroom or ugly bold colors in the kitchen. Buyers tend to be attracted to homes with neutral coloring, high ceilings for airflow and lots of natural light.

Every home will not fit all a buyer's wants so you will want to prioritize what is most important. A realtor can help you prioritize and negotiate for you when purchasing a home.

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