Tim’s Tips
Written by Tim Ryan
January 8, 2022
The market in Hampton Roads is still very hot. With inventory down over 40% year over year and pending sales up over 40%, properties are moving fast. But if you are looking to sell, don’t think that you can just put your home on the market as it is and get top dollar. The details still matter. The fastest sales and the highest comparable values consistently go to the homes that that have the most updated finishes, are in the best physical condition, and that are neat and tidy.
5 DIY Improvements to Update Your Home
First, let’s tackle getting your home updated. While older homes can offer the comfort of established neighborhoods and closer proximity to key work destinations, they are often dated inside. Their competition, the newer homes, have the latest colors, finishes, and fixtures that catch buyer’s eyes but may require a little longer commute. As the owner of an older home, you can offer buyers the best of both. Taking on a few DIY projects can give your house that extra sense of style while saving you money. No need to cringe at those three little words: "do it yourself." Here are five fast, easy and affordable projects you can do on your own to spruce up your home and get top dollar when selling.
1. Paint
A fresh coat of paint can brighten and refresh the appearance of your home. Painting is often the highest impact per dollar spent of anything you can do to prepare your home for sale. A few hundred dollars on some neutral paint, brushes, and a DIY weekend can often add thousands in buyer appeal. Make sure you “keep the lines tight” though. If painting is not your forte’ then hire it out—a bad paint job is sometimes worse than none at all.
2. Replace Your Light Fixtures
Switching out an old or basic light fixture for a more elegant one is an easy way to shift the ambiance of a room. By adding a sophisticated light fixture, you can control the intensity of the light and character of your room. And you don't need to pay a pretty penny for expensive new fixtures - you can buy used fixtures online.
3. Replace your bathroom faucets and other hardware.
Nothing says 1990’s like gold bathroom faucets, vanity lights, towel holders, and other hardware. Today’s trends lean toward brushed nickel or silver fittings. Replacing all the hardware to match can cost as little as $200 for each bathroom and take just a few hours to install. But these updates can reap ten-fold in returns on the appeal and final selling price of your home. For the most uniform look, make sure not to forget to change out the bathroom doorknob and hinges to match.
4. Paint an Accent Wall
Painting an accent wall can add a pop of color and showcase your personality. Usually a low-risk project, a homeowner of any skill level can tackle this project in a day. You just need some painter's tape, a brush and the color that suits you! Just make sure the color you choose is complementary with the other colors in the room. Stay consistent between warm and cool tones.
5. Install Decorative Molding
Adding decorative molding around your home can add an extra touch of elegance. Install molding to the ceiling by capping walls, columns and cabinets, or add chair molding lower to the ground. With detailed molding you can add character to your rooms while also making them feel taller and more finished.
Adding a refreshed look and a touch of class to your home doesn't have to break the bank! Just be sure to start with one project at a time, allowing yourself to complete one before starting the next. Otherwise, you'll fall victim to chronic project incompleteness syndrome - not a good look!
Now that you know about these five inexpensive DIY projects, which will you try?