You updated your home but…how long ago?
Do you want to update your home but don’t know where to begin or how to get the best return on your investment (ROI)? Here are some ideas:
Kitchen
Kitchens are the gathering place where you want to enjoy the look and function of your home. Did you know that it is recommended that you change out – or at least budget for replacements- most kitchen appliances at the 10-year mark? Taking the time to do research and purchase appliances with time can save you money and inconvenience vs waiting for them to break down. New appliances are also more energy-efficient and quieter.
Leaving the kitchen cabinets and changing out the door front is a wonderful budget-minded option if you don’t need to change the cabinet configuration. If you have old-fashioned Oak cabinets, painting them out might be an option but we suggest having the job done professionally as Oak cabinets are tricky to paint. Also, consider updating the hardware on your cabinets for an instant “facelift”.
Bathrooms
In bathrooms, lower cabinets are not as visible since they are not at eye level, and painting them a dark color can update the look quickly. Again, new hardware and a new shower head can make it look up to date in no time.
Living Rooms
Living rooms can be expensive to change but a quick way to make your living room look new is to change your furniture, especially if couches and other furniture are big, bulky, and out of date. If your budget does not allow for new contemporary furniture, try buying a contemporary area rug and new decorative pillows. Get rid of the china cabinet and add more functional space to your living room.
Walls and Flooring
Wallpaper is making a huge comeback. Not the floral kind of the 1970s but commercial grade vinyl that can add interest and sophistication. Now do keep in mind that installing wallpaper can be a little bit more costly than painting a room. If you decide to go the painting route, we recommend neutral earth-toned colors for an instant update.
Do you have old tile floors? Consider luxury vinyl planks! This flooring product is available in a wide variety of finishes that mimic hardwoods, distressed wood, or stone and come in a wide range of colors. The best thing about luxury vinyl planks is that they can be applied over existing flooring, even tile!
Exterior
If you have red brick on the outside of your home (popular between 1970 and 1990), consider covering it with stone veneer. Carrying the same stone to the interior fireplace is ideal but if that is too expensive, consider painting the brick.
Replacing the garage door is the number one ( according to Cost vs Value report 2021) return on investment in the Pacific Northwest recouping 95.2% cost.
Change the rail on your deck to one without a cap to enhance your view and have a more contemporary look. Also, changing the landscaping, pavers and outdoor lighting can contribute to a more modern look.
You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to update your home. If you do decide to do a make-over ( either for you or before selling your home), please contact us before you spend the money so that we can let you know what impact your planned update can have on the resale market. We can let you know the highest return on investment for Anacortes, WA and Skagit County for the money spent on home improvements.