When preparing a home for resale, homeowners have plenty to consider. Remodeling can improve the appearance and functionality of a home, but deciding where to spend time and money is not always easy. A full renovation is not necessarily the answer. In many cases, smaller, strategic improvements can help a home feel more updated and well-maintained while making a stronger impression on potential buyers.
Kitchens and bathrooms are often some of the first spaces homeowners consider, but there are plenty of other areas that can influence how a property is perceived. Fresh paint, updated lighting, well-maintained flooring, restored stone and tile, updated cabinetry and small repairs can all contribute to a home that feels move-in ready. For homeowners working with a limited budget, knowing which projects to prioritize can be especially important.
The goal is to make improvements that appeal to a broad range of buyers without putting more money into a project than the home can reasonably support. Overly personalized designs or major upgrades that do not fit the home may not provide the return homeowners are hoping for. Instead, focusing on cleanliness, maintenance, functionality and timeless updates can help a property stand out when it is time to go on the market.
When it comes to remodeling for resale, there is no single project that will work for every home. The best place to start is by looking at the current condition of the property and determining which areas are most likely to affect a buyer’s first impression. From larger updates to simple cosmetic improvements, local professionals can help homeowners determine what is worth addressing before listing their home.
Homeowners have plenty to consider when it comes time for remodeling or reselling. Edgewater Construction (edgewaterconstruct.com) shares some insight into which projects are worthwhile for your home.
When homeowners remodel with intentions of selling Edgewater Construction believes the projects that tend to make the biggest impact on buyer appeal and resale value are the kitchen and bathroom.
“Prioritize replacing outdated hardware, installing new countertops and upgrading lighting,” said Kyle Smith, owner of Edgewater Construction. “Additionally, replacing worn flooring with hardwood or high-quality LVP and enhancing curb appeal with fresh landscaping provide the strongest return.”
Along with what buyers look for, many trends are arising in the market to make a home feel more market-ready and competitive, which overall can make a home feel more like a home.
“Buyers currently prioritize move-in ready, low-maintenance spaces,” said Smith. “Key trends include open-concept layouts that maximize flow, the integration of smart home technology and the use of modern; warm-neutral paint palettes that make homes feel brighter and more spacious.
Beyond what is trending and what helps drive up value, there are still projects you should make a priority if you are planning to remodel, resell or both. If you do have a smaller budget Smith recommends focusing on cosmetic refreshes.
“A full interior paint job in neutral tones offers the highest ROI,” said Smith. “Supplement this by replacing dated light fixtures with modern LEDs and completing a “honey-do” list of minor repairs, such as tightening hinges, fixing leaky faucets and replacing cracked outlet covers, to signal a well-maintained home.”
Smith shares remodeling mistakes that homeowners should avoid is over-improving. Steering clear of niche design choices, bold colors and prioritizing aesthetic upgrades over essential maintenance is important for a proper remodel.
If you need a professional assessment of your home’s specific needs, feel free to contact Edgewater Construction at (402) 419-3208 or visit edgewaterconstruct.com.
While proper maintenance is important, restoring your stone, tile or grout surfaces will help potential buyer interest for a couple of reasons according to Lifetime Stone Restoration (lifetimestone.com).
First it shows buyers that you maintain your home and take care of some of the more expensive items. It also helps show that these areas are not ones they need to worry about fixing or replacing once they move in.
“If a potential buyer sees a dirty shower, cracked stone tiles on your floor or chipped granite counters, they know they will have added expenses if they buy the home,” said Don Mlnarik, owner and operator of Lifetime Stone Restoration.
When selling your home restoration is better than replacement of surfaces. Restoration is cheaper than replacement. Refreshing a surface—whether a counter, shower or floor—will make the area look clean and possibly even new.
“You could replace something for a lot more money and potential buyers might not like what you picked out and will want to tear it out and replace it themselves with either a product or color they like better,” said Mlnarik.
Some of the main issues Mlnarik sees before homeowners list their house for sale are removing hard water deposits and re-polishing around their kitchen counter sink.
“I also get called to clean tiled showers by removing mildew, soap and re-caulking around the base and corners,” said Mlnarik. “If they have stone floors they usually want these cleaned and possibly polished back up.”
There are many things to keep in mind when reselling. Don’t let your stone be one of your worries.
Please reach out to Lifetime Stone Restoration with any questions you may have, call at (402) 916-1700 or visit them at lifetimestone.com.
For homeowners thinking about resale, the kitchen is one of the most important spaces to consider when deciding where to make improvements. Buyers pay close attention to the kitchen and an updated, functional space can help make a strong first impression while improving the home’s overall marketability.
Cabinetry can play a major role in that impression. Outdated cabinets can make an otherwise well-maintained kitchen feel older, while new cabinetry can give the entire room a refreshed look.
Cabinet IQ (cabinetiq.com) specializes in new cabinetry rather than refinishing or re-facing existing cabinets. For homeowners already planning a kitchen update, replacing the cabinetry provides an opportunity to rethink the space.
However, preparing a kitchen for resale does not always require a complete remodel. Smaller changes can go a long way, especially when your existing kitchen layout already functions well. Replacing hardware, adding or updating lighting and installing new countertops can help modernize your space without changing everything.
Homeowners who want new cabinetry while keeping costs under control can also consider a “pull-and-replace” approach. This removes the existing cabinets and installs new cabinetry while essentially using the same layout. Keeping plumbing, appliances and other major elements in their current locations can help reduce the project’s scope and overall cost.
Ultimately, the goal when remodeling for resale is to make improvements that the buyer will notice without unnecessarily overhauling parts of the home that already work.
In a space as important as the kitchen, updates like these can help create a cleaner, more modern look and make it easier for potential buyers to picture themselves at home.
For over 42 years, The Painting Company (gopaintingcompany.com) has built a reputation on a simple principle. Do what you say you’re going to do, and do it well.
Over four decades in the industry, they have earned seven Best of Omaha awards and the trust of clients ranging from homeowners to Hilton Hotels, Bellevue Public Schools, Harley Davidson, Swanson Foods, Hampton Inn, and the Omaha Children’s Museum. From detailed residential work to complex commercial projects, they’ve always prioritized quality and accountability. Job sites are kept clean and professional. Customer communication is clear from the first call to the final walkthrough.
After 42 years, longevity comes down to reputation. You’re only as good as the work that you leave behind and the way you treat people.
You can request an estimate on painting services through their website at gopaintingcompany.com or by calling (402) 205-8900.
Preparing a home for resale involves many details, from addressing necessary repairs to making thoughtful updates that help the property feel fresh and welcoming and more attractive to buyers.
From the bones to the beauty of your home, there are always improvements that can be made. The right remodeling company can help you identify these potential fixes that will increase your home’s value and the pull it has with buyers.
Kitchens and bathrooms are by far one of the most looked at and, let’s be honest, criticized parts of homes. It needs to fit the families or individual lifestyle of the buyer. Do they need extra counter space, fridge space or a full pantry to store food and drinks?
However, you can’t possibly determine what is a perfect space for the perfect buyer so landing somewhere in the middle, making common sense upgrades and renovations is the best way to go about and having the right remodeling partners makes sure you’re making the right upgrades for the right price. It’s important to remodel for the potential buyer and not for yourself.
Yet, small improvements can make a noticeable difference. While in some cases a total renovation might be necessary, it’s not in all cases. Things like new fixtures, lighting, mirrors, counter tops, flooring, paint or hardware can refresh a room and give it an entirely new look.
Those are the big renovations people think about, but the little details people overlook about are just as important to update.
Taking the time to evaluate which projects are necessary and which updates may offer practical benefits can help homeowners make informed decisions throughout the process.
By paying attention to both the visible details and the underlying condition of their property, homeowners can work toward creating a space that is well-maintained, comfortable and ready to welcome its next occupants.