Renovate to Sell - The Secrets !

Home renovation has become big business with shops and depots springing up all across North America to feed our need in this regard. Indeed, cable channels are available now that are dedicated to helping you with renovation ideas and techniques.

Selling your home does not mean breaking the bank with renovations, but it does mean taking care of those things that buyers are looking for when walking through your home! Here are some tips...

Renovate to Live Versus Renovate to Sell:

Home renovations are largely dependent on your current situation and it is important to remember that if you are selling your home, renovations must take a different path than renovating for long-term use by you.

The person considering selling home must be thinking in terms of repairing or fixing those areas of the home that would negatively affect he selling the price if left untouched. This means that you should be focused on the following:

Kitchen:

Buyers place a huge amount of importance on this room and too many sellers ignore this. Here is your checklist:

• The Kitchen Sink - dripping taps make buyers think of neglect. Replace cartridges and if the tap mechanisms are in very bad shape, consider replacing them as well. Check under the sink for signs of drips or water damage. You may want to consider replacing the gaskets or plumber's putty and then cleaning/repairing any water damage caused.
• Cupboards and drawers - Make sure that all handles and knobs are secure. Replace any that are broken and tighten up all that do not feel secure. Check for ease of opening and closing and lubricate as needed. Most of the associated hardware associated with kitchen storage is inexpensive and can go a long way towards a more satisfying buyer inspection.
• Appliances - You may find yourself negotiating with a potential buyer over appliances. Are they going to be included in the selling price? Make sure they are all clean and functional.
• Flooring - Depending on the material being used, this can be a major expense item and so must be considered carefully. If possible, consider repairing any major cuts, burns or areas of warping. Lino covering is relatively inexpensive and if your kitchen function is being impaired by existing lino problems - consider replacing it. Otherwise focus on spot repairs or perhaps an extensive cleaning and resealing.
• Lighting - Just as the kitchen is often the centre of a home, lighting makes it work. Broken fixtures should be replaced. When choosing replacement fixtures think first in terms of function, then design. Note that most people prefer incandescent to fluorescent.

Bathroom

• Tile & Grout - Clean this area with any of the commercially available products. Mold and mildew sends me running for cover and it will do the same to potential buyers. If you notice areas where grout is chipped or missing, consider repairing the area. I can not stress enough the importance of a tight tub and shower area.
• Toilets - the toilet mechanism is a relatively inexpensive replacement so if you are finding that the stoppers are not closing properly, or the flush results in only a partial action - try adjusting the mechanism. If the materials are well-worn, consider replacing with one of the "hush" type mechanisms that really can lower the sound level created by a toilet in action. Any dripping parts should be tightened or replaced.
• Caulk & Sealants - Check your bathroom for areas where caulking has been laid down. Consider removing and replacing any areas where the seal is imperfect or if the caulk itself is broken or discolored.
• Cabinets and Drawers - Make sure that all cabinets and drawers open and close easily (and stay closed). Replace any faulty mechanisms. Friction drawers can be lubricated with a bar of soap or any number of wood friendly lubricants. If you have both feet up on the side-boards trying to open a door - you may need professional help.
• Shower Curtain - Enclosures - If your curtain is showing any sign of wear or use - replace it immediately. Choose neutral colors and stay away from theme curtains - these remind the visitor that this was used by you and yours. Make sure that sliding/opening enclosures do so without problem. Repair any problem areas.

Closets - Storage Areas

• These areas tend to get over-looked by owners and are often the first areas checked by buyers. Check doors for ease of opening and closing. Pay attention to all mechanism and lubricate or replace any faulty ones.
• Make sure that if lighting exists in the closet that it is functional. Use the brightest bulb rated for your fixture.
• These areas can take a lot of wear and tear with storage so consider resurfacing / repainting if the area is excessively scrapped up.
• Make sure that the hanging mechanisms are in good shape and are made of a material that is designed to support the weights intended. A bowed hanging rack or bar should be replaced with something more rigid. Again - remember that first impressions are everything.

Walls & Ceilings & Floors/Carpets

• Generally speaking, even with neutral colors buyers tend to look at hose colors with an eye towards future improvements/ changes on their own. From a repair perspective you will definitely want to pay attention to any major damaged areas, especially anything caused by water or smoke damage.
• If you are living with a smoker, consider a no-smoking policy months before selling and launch a painting and clean-up program. It's very easy to get used to the smell of smoke but visitors will pick up on this immediately. So once you have your smoker trained to only do this outside (or quit):
  • Replace all air / furnace filters.
  • Shampoo carpets and area rugs
  • Clean / Dry Clean curtains
  • Take down pictures and paintings - wash walls. Painting may be necessary if the smoking damage has become to embedded.
  • Check lighting fixtures, especially white ones for signs of smoke damage. Replace as necessary. White plastic is particularly susceptible to discoloration.
  • Consider having your duct work and furnace professionally cleaned.