Windsor Real Estate Blog

VIRTUAL TOUR – 1971 Francois Rd. Windsor

Wonderful family home in centrally located quiet mature neighborhood. Newer roof, windows and deck. Fully finished basement, 1.5 car detached garage. New vinyl siding installed in 2008. Landscaped backyard with pond. Includes gas stove, fridge, washer, dryer and freezer. This incredible value offered for sale at $119,899. For more information visit windsor real estate or call Chris at (519) 817-5588 or email chris@prudentialselect.ca

It’s not surprising that two of the most popular rooms for home makeovers are the kitchen and bathroom. When potential homebuyers are searching for homes, they generally are more attracted to homes with updated kitchens and baths. These same rooms rank high in return on remodeling investment at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost-vs-Value 2008-09 Study.

However, both can be pricey ventures. According to the same study, the national average for minor kitchen remodel was $21,246. A sample remodel at this cost includes replacing cabinet fronts, flooring, laminate countertops and oven and cooktop; installing mid-priced sink and faucet, adding wall cover and repainting trim.

The national average for a mid-range bathroom remodel was $15,899, which included replacing fixtures, installing a porcelain-on-steel tub, new shower and ceramic tile flooring.

If you’re like many consumers today, you are more budget conscious and may not be able to afford thousands of dollars on a remodeling project. Here are some alternatives that will give your kitchen and bathroom a fresh, modern look without breaking your piggy bank.

Kitchen
Cabinets—Give your cabinets a fresh look by either refinishing or refacing the fronts at a more economical cost than buying new ones. You can even take the center face out and install a glass front.
Hardware—Replacing your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, can give your kitchen an entirely new look.
Paint—A fresh coat of paint is always a sure bet. And it is one of the least expensive ways to give a room a makeover. To further transform the room, choose more modern hues, such as a warm yellow or deep red.
Countertops—The price of natural quartz or stone countertops can quickly eat away your kitchen remodeling budget. Less expensive, yet still attractive alternatives are solid surface materials such as Silestone® or granite and ceramic tiles. An even more affordable choice is laminate, which is easy to install yourself and comes in a variety of colors and styles.
Faucets and Sinks—Add a fresh new look by replacing your sink and faucet with a high-arched spout in an updated finish, such as brushed nickel, brushed chrome or stainless steel.
Backsplash—Another option to modernize your kitchen’s look is adding a backsplash. But rather than having ceramic tiles, consider creating a mosaic with ceramic or glass or install a faux backsplash panel.
Window treatments—Switch out older valances with options that let the natural light in.
Lighting—By adding under cabinet lights or even track lighting, you can create a dramatic look to your kitchen.

Bathroom
Paint—As with the kitchen, a new coat of paint is a low-cost way to renew a room’s look. Choose a warm color to give the room an intimate feel.
Showerheads—Change out old showerheads with a new rain showerhead.
Shower Doors – If you still use shower curtains for your bathtub, you can update the look by installing glass doors. Frameless doors are preferable. However, if the walls aren’t flush to the tub area, framed doors will still give you the modernized look you’re seeking.
Hardware—Just as with the kitchen, replacing the knobs and handles can give your vanity a fresh new appearance.
Lighting and Mirrors—In addition to the vanity, the lighting and mirrors above that area can combine to make the perfect focal piece for your bathroom. If changing the vanity is not in your budget, consider swapping out your unframed glass for a more decorative mirror and add a new lighting fixture.

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add pizzazz to your kitchen or bath. Just changing one or two elements can make a huge difference in its appeal to you and a potential buyer down the road. For more helpful ideas to improve the value and salability of your home visit windsor real estate book your free personal home consultation by e-mail at chris@prudentialselect.ca

Arranging for an inspection prior to purchasing a home can bring peace of mind when taking such a big financial step. Knowing what to expect both inside and out will help you make an informed decision about the value of the home and its future upkeep. Nice landscaping and tastefully decorated sunny interiors are some of the great selling points of a home, it is however critical to know what condition the structure and mechanical systems are in before committing your heart and hard earned dollars to your new home.

When presenting an offer, always consider including a clause that the sale is conditional upon a satisfactory structural inspection, and specify when the inspection is to be carried out to protect yourself. A home inspection accomplishes two important goals. It gives you a chance to determine the condition of the house, its structural soundness, and the condition of its mechanical systems. Furthermore, it brings any problems to the seller’s attention at a time when they can be resolved before closing the sale.

A comprehensive inspection consists of a visual examination of the structure from top to bottom, including but not limited to the heating, air conditioning systems, the interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, the foundation, basement and pools. It is highly recommended that you plan to attend the inspection. An inspection may typically require about 2 to 3 hours depending on the size and age of the building. Following the examination, the inspector provides a report that not only points out possible defects, or areas of concern, but also the positive aspects of the structure and type of maintenance necessary to keep the home in tip top shape. The home inspector should be willing to answer any questions you might have and to clarify the limitations of the inspection to avoid misunderstandings.

Buying a house may seem like an endless series of critical, important decisions. When you find the house that is right for you, you need to find a Home Inspector to educate you about the condition of your new home. This is a commonplace and a wise decision, even when buying a newly constructed home; the additional peace of mind that a professional home inspection offers is invaluable.

For more information and professional guidance through the home buying and selling process visit windsor real estate or contact me at (519) 817-5588 or e-mail to chris@prudentialselect.ca I am on your side.