Archive for the ‘Remodeling With Style’ Category

A dreary, outdated bathroom can be a home sale deal breaker.

Remodeling magazine says the average price of a mid-range bathroom remodel in 2007 was $14,445. But $500 worth of nips and tucks can upgrade the room, says Lytel Young, host of HGTV’s “Save My Bath.”

“There are three important things in a bathroom,” Young says. “Clean, simple, and orderly. That’s the key for every budget, whether it’s $500 or $40,000.”

He recommends these inexpensive steps to sellers whose baths need a facelift:

• Rip out the dated medicine cabinet and replace it with a big mirror.

• Replace the lighting with new sconces on both sides of the mirror plus a new overhead fixture on a dimmer.

• Re-caulk the tub and shower.

• Repaint with a neutral color, but decorate with big, fluffy colorful towels.

• Hang some framed art.

Source: The Washington Post, Terri Sapienza (04/24/08)

Sellers whose kitchens are old and outdated, but who don’t want to spend money gutting and remodeling, should consider these tips from interior designers for updating inexpensively.

• Buy new lighting. Replace fixed ceiling lights with modern movable track fixtures.
• Replace the hardware. Handles on today’s cabinets are large and sleek instead of small and ornate. Also, brass is out. Replacing the outmoded ones can make the whole room look more modern.
• Buy a new faucet. A stylish faucet can make a big difference.
• Update the backsplash. Colorful mosaic tiles are better than plain boring tile.
• Buy new seating. If sellers can’t afford that, then they can certainly reupholster or replace the cushions.
• Clean up the clutter. Get rid of the canister set, the breadbox, and all the appliances on the counters. Leave only one bowl of fruit and a plant on the countertops.

Source: The New York Times, Stephen Milioti (03/06/08)