Typically, the holiday season brings a real estate slowdown—who wants to move amidst family dinners and work parties, when school’s out and you’ve got about a thousand other things on your plate? However, this year is definitely an exception. Holiday season is well under way, but you’d never know it based on the active real estate market; both buyers and sellers are on the move!
Moving? Your Contractor Can Help with These Home Renovations
Did you decide to take the plunge and make a move in 2020? Whether you’re buying or selling (or both), odds are, your home could probably use a few touchups. Here are some home renovations you might want to consider for your old home and for your new home… and how a great contractor can help.
Before you sell: Update your bathroom & kitchen
Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, so they’re worth the cost of updating if yours are stuck in the past. However, you don’t have to completely redo your spaces to reap the rewards. In fact, minor updates often yield a higher financial return than major renovations.
Enlisting the help of a contractor ensures professional, efficient, and quality work completed to modern standards. A contractor can help you determine the most cost-effective upgrades—like updating countertops, resurfacing cabinets, installing new hardware or fixtures, and improving lighting—and ensure they’re completed in a timely manner.
Before you sell: Paint in neutrals
In general, when painting for buyers, you want to focus on neutral colors that can easily be matched with a lot of decor and color palettes. Avoid anything too bright or bold that might clash with furniture or deter picky buyers. And try to keep colors light and bright—think: beiges, greys, light blues, pale yellows, and creams.
You can likely tackle an indoor paint job on your own, but for hard-to-reach places (like two-story rooms), it’s worth bringing in a professional for your safety and sanity.
Before you sell: Maximize curb appeal
Don’t underestimate the value of a good-looking home! Buyers will judge your home based on first appearances, so it’s worth spending a little time and money to ensure your home’s exterior is doing it justice. Some projects you might be able to tackle on your own—like keeping your lawn neat, adding some landscaping, or power-washing your siding.
However, don’t be afraid to bring in some help if you really want to ensure your home is ready to wow buyers. A contractor can help you with outdoor projects like updating or refinishing your deck or porch, hanging shutters, or installing a new door.
After you buy: Add style
You just bought a beautiful new home—now it’s time to really make it yours. Adding details, like crown molding or shiplap accents, can give your spaces an elegant and upscale feel. And there are a lot of options out there, so you definitely have the ability to invite in your own personal style.
Hiring a contractor opens a door to a world of unique, fun, and high-end styling options. Crown molding, chair rails, and wainscoting usher in a sense of the luxurious. Barn doors or shiplap accents provide a more trendy, modern flair. You can even update your mantle for a small but effective approach.
After you buy: Add storage
We’ve all got stuff… which means we all need a place to put it! Disorganized closets are the solution for way too many of us; instead, splurge on a built-in for your new living room or custom shelving for that awkward space under the stairs.
Beware though: built-ins can require planning and precision, as well as some specialized tools, that the average Joe probably doesn’t have. If you want your finished built-in project to look as spectacular as it does in your mind, it’s probably a good idea to bring in a contractor.
After you buy: Create something unique
Really want to make your home feel like home? Let’s craft that dream den/mancave/hobby room/office/home theatre you’ve always wanted! No, really—make this home yours!
A project of this caliber definitely requires the expertise of a professional. A good contractor can help you visualize your dream (maybe even with a 3D rendering!), plan it out, and create a one-of-a-kind design tailored to your home. Whether that’s a billiards room, a wine cellar, or even just a built-in gate to keep pets and kids off the stairs, a good contractor should be able to help you get the job done!
Ready to Tackle Your Pre- or Post-Move Renovation?
We’re here to help! At Raleigh Woodworks, we’ve got quite a few years of design, renovation, and construction under our belts. Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying right where you’re at, we’d love to hear more about your dream home project. Nothing is too big or too small; we do it all! Contact us today, and let’s get started building.