remodeling Archives | Preferred Properties of Texas Home & Ranch Properties Stephenville

Ways Your Bathroom Can Affect The Value Of Your Home

December 3, 2020 by chorton Leave a Comment

Most real estate professionals agree that a home’s kitchen and bathroom are a couple of the biggest selling points for homebuyers. But even if you’re not planning to sell your home in the not too distant future, you ought to want your bathroom to be as cozy and adapting as possible as most men and women spend substantial time in that room every day.

To add value to Your Home, here are several updates to consider:

Shower, Tub, Sink and Toilet. Have a professional check your bathroom plumbing to ensure it remains in good condition. Fix any leaks from the water lines and remove evidence of mold or mildew. Repair a leaking faucet and replace worn or rusty hardware on your shower, sink or tub. Furthermore, remove hard water stains from the toilet bowl or grunge round the base. You may choose to repair or replace fittings that seem dated or that show wear, such as a chipped bathtub finish or cracked countertops.

Lighting. Outdated lighting fixtures can make a room seem stylish and boring. If the electrical isn’t up to code, that issue should be managed immediately to guarantee safety when using bathroom appliances like a blow dryer or electric shaver. Install recessed lighting or wall sconces to coordinate with the remainder of your home decor.

Flooring. A bathroom floor that is cracked or showing signs of age can be replaced easily by using newer water-resistant flooring tile or linoleum. Choose a style that meshes with your toilet’s colour scheme and blends with the remainder of your home. New flooring can quickly brighten up a bathroom to make it feel much more welcoming and upgraded.

Decor. You may want to add or paint wallpaper to just one wall to deliver some character to your bathroom. Add a few plants that will flourish on the moisture and help reduce the danger of mold. A wall shelf for decorative vases, linens or blossoms adds storage to make the toilet more operational. Furthermore, hang framed wall art to decide on a themed shower curtain as focal points of interest.

It will not need much time or money to get your bathroom in prime condition. You can continue to enjoy it forever or be assured that if you choose to sell your home, the updated bathroom could just help close a sale.

Choosing the Best Sink Type for Your Kitchen

November 28, 2020 by chorton Leave a Comment

1. Apron-Front or Farmhouse-Style

Apron-front sinks, also referred to as farmhouse sinks, possess a wide, exposed front border and are usually quite wide and heavy.
The dimensions and contour were released to accommodate larger items, and the sinks were quickly put to use to wash everything from household items to clothes and even kids. They have evolved throughout the years to become one of the most popular styles of kitchen sinks.

While these sinks were traditionally single-bowl, they now come in divided two-bowl configurations. They are also offered in a wide array of materials, such as fire clay, cast iron, stainless steel, natural stone, manufactured solid surfaces and copper.

These are absolutely appealing countertops, but there are a few issues to keep in mind if you are considering installing one in your kitchen. Apron-front sinks are generally wider, deeper and thicker than other sink kinds, so that they might need at least a 36-inch-wide sink cabinet. The sink cupboard also must have the ability to accommodate the apron front.

If you go for a stainless steel or aluminum version, be aware that the apron can get scratched from contact with belt buckles or metal buttons. And, unless you choose an undermount installation (using the counter extending across the sink edge), there will be a seam between the countertop and sink in which moisture and gunk could collect.

2. Undermount

Undermount sinks become connected to the bottom of the countertop to get a smooth appearance and an easy-to-clean layout. Undermount and apron-front sinks frequently need professional installation and may only be mounted into a hardy and nonporous counter material, which may add significant cost to the job. Installation is more costly than to get a drop-in sink, since the countertop opening needs to be trimmed precisely. Many laminate countertop makers also claim you could undermount a sink for their own material.

Depending upon your individual undermount sink, you might have some choices regarding the show — just how little or much of the high border of the sink is visible just beneath the inner edge of the countertop.

A favorable show leaves a little section of the sink border exposed. This is the simplest form of installation, since the cutout does not need to be as exact as it does to get a zero show. Additionally, it lets you keep your eye on the condition of the sealant between the sink and countertop and much more easily reapply it later on as needed. The drawback of a favorable reveal is the exposed edge tends to accumulate gunk and dirt.
Having a negative show, the countertop goes slightly past the edge of the sink, providing the cleanest look. But that overhanging countertop may capture things because you lift them from this sink, causing breakage or chips to both the counter and items.

A fantastic hybridvehicle, then, is your flush or zero show. This countertop is cut into the specific size of the sink, thus there’s absolutely no place for food and water to accumulate and no lip which can lead to damage or becoming ruined. This may be a more expensive setup, though, since the countertop opening needs to be trimmed precisely.

3. Drop-In

Drop-in sinks have been installed in addition to or above the countertop.

That is a favorite sink design for people on a strict budget, for individuals installing a sink inside a porous countertop material (for example, laminate or wood ) or for individuals seeking to repurpose a classic sink or receive a classic appearance.

As stated, drop-in sinks have been set up by”falling” the sink right into a cutout from the countertop material then sealing around the edges at which the sink meets the countertop. The obvious disadvantage to a drop-in sink is the lip makes it increasingly challenging to wash food particles directly into the sink, since possible with the undermount sink.

Whereas undermount sinks have a clean, minimalist texture, paned countertops — particularly classic or vintage-look countertops — may bring a magical appeal to your kitchen, making a wonderful focus.

4. Integral

These sinks have no nooks or crannies for food particles to collect in, making cleanup a breeze.
Integral sinks are generally the most expensive type due to the cost of the raw material and fabrication — these sinks are usually custom-designed and custom-manufactured — in addition to the cost of installation. But for those with the budget for it, it’s certainly an appealing option.

Fix Up Your House Before Listing Or Sell It As A Fixer Upper?

November 23, 2020 by chorton Leave a Comment

If you are thinking of selling your home, this is probably a question you have been asking yourself and your realtor. There is not any hard and fast answer; the path you go will depend on numerous factors, the most important of which are: the condition of your house, the potency of the market in your area, and the possible gain to be made with and without upgrades. These tips can help you decide whether to sell now or later.

Consider your buyer
The words”fixer upper” might actually be a selling point for some buyers who perceive they are getting a deal, who are especially looking for something they can put their postage, or who simply can not afford to purchase something turnkey. The marketing your agent does is key here so you don’t end up with nothing but unacceptable offers.

“In almost any marketing communications enclosing a fixer-upper, it’s important to remain focused on value,” stated ExtraSpace. “Prospective homebuyers are aware that a fixer-upper will market at a lower price point than more contemporary houses on the market. But that does not mean that you have to accept a lowball offer. Rather, highlight the home’s investment possible by reminding buyers of the future sale opportunities after the house was remodeled.”

If your home requires A LOT of work and also you can’t, or don’t want to, put the time, money, and effort into getting it in prime condition, targeting investors could get it sold quickly. “A couple of decades past, a previous customer called to say her next-door neighbors necessary to immediately sell their property. “The home appeared inhabitable. It had holes in the walls all the way to the outside and urine-soaked wood flooring; many of the electric did not work and the bathroom tub had dropped through the joists. Each of the faucets leaked and, in one bedroom, I found a pile of dead rats swept into a pile in the center of the ground. This was not a home that could be readily fixed up. Not even a coat of paint would have helped sell this location. We priced it low enough that it attracted multiple offers and sold with zero days on market.

Since flipping is much more popular than ever, a house that needs work – especially certain kinds of work – may be attractive enough to investors which you don’t have to do any job in any way. “A fantastic rule of thumb: If your home needs toilet or bath remodels, a new roof, or base repairs, there’s an 80%-plus chance your purchaser will be an investor,” Bruce Ailion, a broker and REALTOR® in Atlanta, said on Realtor.com.

Obtain an honest assessment – and be able to hear it
If you’ve lived in your home for quite a while and/or have not kept up with upgrades and fixes, your real estate broker’s assessment of its condition and the recommendations he or she makes to get it market-ready might be eye-opening. They might also make you mad. Try to listen to and keep an open mind, even in the event that you are feeling offended. In the long run, you share the same goal, which is to get your home sold for the best possible price.

Be sensible on pricing
“Finding out your home’s value is not as straightforward as subtracting the cost of repairs from your home. In addition, you have to factor in’annoyance expenses,’ said Ailion. “Quite simply, turnkey homes often sell at a premium to traditional buyers because they do not have to do some work. If your home requires some sprucing up, you’re likely going to get to incentivize buyers to dig in and get their hands dirty.”

It can be that fixing your home up makes the most sense because of the financial upside. In presenting you with comparables, your real estate agent should be able to show you other properties in your area in varying conditions (depending on the amount of active listings or recently sold homes around you). This will help advise the pricing for your house and give you some idea of how much you’d have to put into it to get high dollar.

Choose your updates wisely
A 30,000 kitchen renovation may not be in the budget and may not give you the return on investment you’re looking for, but there are smaller updates you can do to your own kitchen to make it appear fresh (and, you can use the same principles in other important places, like bathrooms). Better Homes and Gardens includes a great collection of upgrades you can make for under $2,000, including hanging a ring which”illuminates the sink region” and swapping out a tired sink for a”farmhouse sink (this ) adds personality to the space.” Also think about painting cabinets and installing new hardware, also, if you’re up to the task, including an eye catching backsplash.

Make necessary repairs
Investors aren’t expecting perfection, and their supplies will be dependent upon the state of your house and the potential profit they can make after it’s fixed up. Non-investor types searching for a deal may not necessarily be scared off by some cosmetic problems, but significant repairs which are required are yet another story. If you’re looking for the smartest place to set your pre-sale renovation dollars, this may be it.

WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE

November 21, 2020 by chorton Leave a Comment

Looking for some ways to increase the value of your home? Whether you are thinking about listing your home for sale, or you’re interested in putting a fresh face on your home you proudly own, consider these ways to increase your home’s value:

1) Repaint your front door. A fresh coat of paint can add personality, hide scuffs and dirt, and give your home an entirely NEW curb appeal. This weekend project is inexpensive and a great way to increase your home’s value!

2) Spread some fresh mulch in your front yard. It’s an inexpensive and high-impact way to improve the look of your landscaping. Cover up the gray, weathered mulch covering your shrubs now – it will do wonders.

3) Paint your kitchen cabinets. Are your cabinets needing a fresh stain or paint? This can do wonders for the overall color of your home – painting old cabinets a light cream color can have a brightening affect on your whole house.

4) Update (or paint) your hardware in bathrooms, kitchens, on door handles, light fixtures… think dark on white, modern paired with rustic.

5) Add crown molding… this gives a home a warmth and some character. Consider crown molding in your living room – the difference it makes can be shocking.

6) Turn any room into a bedroom by adding a closet. If you have an opportunity to create a true “closet” in an office or spare room, DO IT because adding a closet to a room means adding a bedroom to the total bedroom count of a home. This expands your reach on search engines and can draw in an entirely new group of buyers.

7) Add visible storage. Floating shelves in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms can be a simple weekend project that turns out to be “so worth it” and not just for re-sale purposes. Chances are, you have something on the floor in your laundry room which could be hung up.

8) Swap out your outdated light fixtures with fresh new ones adding personality and color to any room!

9) Go for neutral paint colors if you are planning on re-painting -light, airy colors that go with anything. Avoid anything evoking one certain season (rich reds of winter, dark browns of autumn) and remember to paint your trim something complimentary.

10) Update window frames. Consider adding crown molding to the tops of your window frames; this has a HUGE visual impact and costs less than adding crown molding across your entire ceiling.

11) Add mirrors to your wall decorations, this makes the space feel bigger, plus mirrors are neutral and sure to please anyone’s tastes.

12) Rather than removing an older bath tub, consider painting the one you currently have. This less expensive alternative LOOKS like a new bathtub (especially if you update hardware).

Hopefully these ways to increase your home’s value proved helpful! Call our Real Estate Team, Preferred Properties of Texas, for more information about listing your home for sale. 254-965-7775

Tips for Managing Water Heater Installation

November 19, 2020 by chorton Leave a Comment

Getting a new water heater installed at your house isn’t something that you have to do very often. With that in mind, it’s important to ensure that any installation is done properly to keep it from causing damage to your home or wasting energy.

Ideally, a new water heater should last around ten years with proper maintenance. Whether your old one is breaking down or you just built a new house, you can use these tips to manage the installation process:

When to Install a New Water Heater

When a water heater breaks, all kinds of things can happen. A faulty unit can leak water all over the floor and ruin the building materials. You could be caught by surprise by a cold shower when you least expect it. Many people choose to install a new water heater once theirs reaches a certain age or fails an inspection. You may also need to arrange for a replacement if yours makes strange noises or springs a small leak.

Figure Out Your Preferences

There’s more that goes into purchasing a water heater than you may think. For instance, newer tankless models provide an endless supply of hot water. This upgrade might be your best option if you have a large family and are constantly running out of hot water. There are also electric and gas styles along with different sizes. A water heater contractor can help you determine the one that’ll best fit your household’s needs.

Choose a Professional Installer

At first glance, replacing a hot water heater might seem simple. However, there’s far more that goes into a proper installation than meets the eye. Hot water heaters have the potential to be dangerous. Faulty installations can lead to explosions that can cause scalding water and debris to go flying. A professional installer also knows how to make sure that all of the connections and hoses are sealed tight. This prevents potentially damaging gas and water leaks.

Schedule the Installation at a Convenient Time

Unless there’s an unusual situation, it only takes a few hours to install a water heater. However, a typical installation does require the water that leads to the unit to be turned off. This means that the best time to have the heater installed is when you don’t need to bathe or wash dishes. Most people find that the later morning to midday hours work best for convenient installations.

There’s nothing like enjoying a hot bath or shower. And hot water is also essential for keeping your house sanitary. If you suspect that your home’s current water heater is having issues, then start arranging for a new one to be installed today. Acting now can prevent serious damage from a faulty unit, and you’ll love having a steady stream of hot water for bathing and cleaning!

From Formal Dining Room to…a Home Office?

November 18, 2020 by chorton Leave a Comment

A formal dining room can feel like a step back into a bygone era. Many homes have this formal space but not every modern family hosts large sit-down dinners or holiday gatherings. There is no rule that your dining room has to be used for that singular purpose. If you’re considering turning your dining room space into a useful space for you and your family, following are some ideas to get you started.

Playroom

If you have small children, this could be the perfect room to convert into a playroom. Creating an indoor play area that keeps the toys and childhood clutter away from other rooms in the house is a smart move for many families. You can let your imagination run wild to design a fun space where children can play and create.

Media Room

Perhaps your dining room is the perfect place to set up a media center. This could be a room where you can watch movies, play video games, or listen to music. You can even use it as a studio space to play live music, if that’s what you love to do.

Game Room

Games are a popular activity for family and friends. Whether you host a regular game night for role-playing games or poker or just play board games with your family, a dining room is a great space to set up a gaming table.

Home Office

If you need a home office, your dining room could fill that role perfectly. You can convert the space to include a desk as well as your organizational furniture. Depending on the dining room’s position within the home, it can provide a distraction-free environment without cutting you off from other home activities.

Schoolwork Station

Just like you work better with a dedicated home office, many children work better with a dedicated space for schoolwork. Although they could sit at the kitchen table or a desk in their bedroom, having a space that is solely used for schoolwork can get them in the right mind-set for learning and help them be more productive.