Touch Up High-Use Areas

One of the quickest and easiest ways to increase the value of your home is by freshening up areas that show wear and tear. High-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms tend to show the most wear, so consider refreshing those areas first to get the most bang for your buck.

To do so, either touch up your current paint where it is worn or, if necessary, repaint to a color that will appeal to a broad range of people. It’s a great idea to do both interior and exterior paint in order to help the house’s overall appearance and boost its curb appeal. In addition to paint, consider replacing high-wear items like front door knobs, kitchen faucets, and the like.

Install New Flooring

Speaking of high-use areas, one element of every home that gets worn quickly is the floors. Despite the initial expense, replacing or refurbishing the current floors can easily pay for itself when selling your home. As buyers tour different houses, new floors stand out. In conjunction with the fresh paint we mentioned above, these two changes alone can make your home feel new, clean, and inviting. If you want to get the highest possible offer for your home, consider upgrading the flooring.

Renovate the Kitchen & Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms tend to show their age more than other areas of the house. Outdated appliances and bygone design fads in these rooms can make your whole house feel old and undesirable, lowering its value. If a large-scale kitchen and bathroom remodel is out of your budget, even some minor DIY updates—such as repainting cabinets, adding new cabinet pulls, and installing new countertops—can help increase the value of your home. By updating the look of these rooms, you will find more interested buyers.

Open Up the Floor Plan

Open floor plans are certainly in style, and having a home that has large, shared spaces will command a higher price compared to one with more siloed rooms. Specifically, modern home buyers are looking for an open floor plan that connects three of the major rooms in the house. If you’re already planning on remodeling, then changing up the floor plan to connect the kitchen, living room, and dining room areas into an open concept can be another great way to add value.

Finish the Basement

Finally, if your home has an unfinished basement, consider finishing it. Finished basements add another level to your home, creating a unique space that is separate from the rest of the house. As a result of their more relaxed and genuine atmosphere, they are quite popular on buyers’ wish lists. Finishing your basement is a great way to add liveable square footage to your home and will positively affect its resale value.
That’s it! Those are five ways you can immediately increase the value of your home. Looking for help in putting these steps into action? Contact us today for a quote on your home remodeling project.

The post 5 Upgrades to Increase the Value of Your Existing Home appeared first on JL Remodeling.

Tile Variations

The first thing to understand is what kind of tiling best suits the area you are working in. There are lots of different types of tile to choose from, each with its strengths and weaknesses in different areas in the house. Ceramic, quarry, vitrified and terracotta tiles are all very good options for floors and walls throughout your home, natural stone tiles like marble or granite are often used in kitchens, and mosaic tiles are best used in kitchens and bathrooms. Knowing what type of tile you are selecting for what job is important, as it allows you to find durable and long-lasting options that will seamlessly blend in with the room you choose.

Size and Practicality

The next step is understanding what kind of tiles to choose based on the layout of the room and your desired aesthetic. If the room in question is larger, such as a kitchen or living room, then larger tiles will usually complement the space nicely. In the same way, smaller tiles would be better suited for smaller areas like the bathroom to avoid the tiles being too imposing for the space.

Incorporating what we know about tile variations, natural stone tile may lend itself to a bigger living room, while a slightly smaller more decorative terracotta tile may be better suited for a smaller living room. Natural tiles are also a great option for bathroom floors because they are less slippery when they get wet, while larger terracotta or quarry tiles can minimize the appearance of dirt in a mudroom or hallway. 

Grouting Choice

The final thing to consider when selecting tile is grout. If you want your floors to be seamless and have minimal gaps, consider porcelain and natural stone tiles that have very little gaps between each piece. If you prefer a style that will need visible grouting, then choose a grout color that won’t clash with your tile of choice.
Ultimately, the tile you choose is up to your personal preference. These tips are here to help inform you so that you can make the best possible tile selection for your home in terms of functionality, longevity, and personal style preferences. If you have any questions, or if you simply want more insight about selecting tile for your home, contact us today!

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Tile Selection appeared first on JL Remodeling.