When I purchased my second home after outgrowing my starter home, I was absolutely in love with it. However, after moving in, I quickly realized how much I missed having a master bathroom. I didn't think I would miss it, since the nearest bathroom is right down the hall, but since I frequently have guests over for long weekends, I realized that we were "fighting" for much-needed bathroom space. I then looked into my remodeling options and a contractor told me that adding a master bath would be a very easy task to complete. The remodeling process didn't take long, and my home is now perfect. I am very eager to share what I learned about home remodeling with others who need the tips on my new blog!
Before you sell your home, you may want to consider making a few fixes or updates to make the home more appealing to buyers. However, you probably have a budget in mind for these repairs, so you'll have to pick and choose what you do and what you leave carefully. Here are five problems that should be at the top of your list of things to fix before putting the home on the market.
Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters put your home's roof in jeopardy. Someone looking at the home may be turned off by the sagging gutters because they figure that the faulty gutters may already be leading to roof damage. They certainly don't enhance the home's curb appeal, either. Luckily, having your gutters repaired or replaced is a rather affordable endeavor.
Wood Paneling
Few elements of home decor are more dated than wood paneling. If you have paneling in your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom, it is worth hiring a remodeling contractor to remove the paneling and restructure the walls. If you cannot afford to have the paneling removed, at least paint over it. Painted paneling barely looks like paneling and is so much more stylish.
Leaking Bathroom Fixtures
If any of your faucets or shower heads are leaking, have them replaced. The leaks will make potential buyers suspect the plumbing system may not be in great shape. Plus, if you have hard water, the drips may leave unsightly mineral deposits on the sink. Updated faucets can make the whole room look new and bright without a big investment. Choose a modern finish like brushed nickle or chrome.
Peeling Paint
Peeling paint will turn off buyers, and it's easy enough to paint a room. If you're in a hurry and on a tight budget, you can just have the paint store color match your current paint colors and then paint over the peeling and chipping areas. If you have a little more money to spend, consider re-painting the rooms a neutral shade like gray or beige. Home buyers will enjoy the neutral color and fresh look.
Damaged Tiles
If there are any damaged tiles in the home, have a remodeling contractor come replace them. Damaged tiles not only look unsightly, they also make the floor hard to clean. Your contractor should be able to re-apply some new grout and put the tile back into place without building you a whole new floor.