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Category: <span>Home &amp; Garden</span>
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Bathrooms of Wonder: How to Transform Your Powder Room

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,news,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

Once, it was the room that no one would show in movies or even mention in polite company—but these days, a fabulous bathroom is a prime home feature, and for many proud owners, the subject of major bragging rights. They’re luxurious! They’re high-tech and functional! They’re beautiful! Plus—and here’s the real point—today’s HGTV-savvy homeowners know that upgrading their bathroom is likely to impress buyers and boost home valuations.

Bathroom remodels now rival kitchens in popularity. The bathroom is reinforcing its place as an important room in a home. But unlike the increasingly public kitchen, the bathroom has evolved into a private haven—a tranquil space for relaxation and self-indulgence.

A spa experience in your home

Bathrooms are getaways that have the power of revitalizing and soothing body and soul. To create the feel of a spa, keep the design and features minimal, use a neutral color palette, and make sure there’s lots of natural light, he advises. Also, avoid clutter. After all, “an elegant and relaxed bathroom needs a little space.”

Indoor-outdoor flow—and we don’t mean the water

You might think that the top things you’d want in a bathroom are a reasonable degree of privacy and some good ventilation. And you wouldn’t exactly be wrong. But let’s add another factor to the list: Bathrooms that embrace their natural surroundings offer exciting design possibilities. After all, what better way to enjoy nature than showering outdoors? That is, assuming the neighbors aren’t close by. These days privacy is “not so much a matter of hiding ourselves from others, but about shielding ourselves from the outside frenzy.” As a matter of practicality, of course, floor-to-ceiling windows allow the feeling of being outside without little inconveniences like dead leaves in your freshly washed hair. Even simpler, maximize a view of a natural landscape.

Decor that could fit in the living room

When it comes to planning, design, and decorating, bathrooms are just as important (if not more) as any other room in a home. Think beyond your towel colors. The Houzz survey found that 15% of respondents put a chandelier in their master bathroom for a luxe look. Vintage fittings are a popular trend; vintage features such as Venetian mirrors and Victorian bathtubs and washbasins. For those who prefer a more contemporary style, there are streamlined fittings made of stone, marble, or even high-quality recycled plastic or translucent resin.

Technology with a gentle touch

Technology is already making its way into the bathroom, but very subtly with features such as touch-sensitive taps and toilets that fully wash, dry, and deodorize you to become more common. Already, homeowners in the Houzz survey favor making their bathrooms cozy with radiant heat flooring (26%) and towel warmers (11%). Towel warmers are an affordable indulgence that come in various designs and configurations to accommodate any possible needs. No matter what, though, high-tech features should not interfere with a quiet soak in a hot tub. No beeps or blinking lights!

Fashion that doesn’t leave function behind

At the end of the day, whether your dream bathroom resembles a spa, a Moroccan bathhouse, or, oddly enough, Mamie Eisenhower’s powder room, it has to serve your needs. Organization and accessibility are key. Make best use of the available space. A functional bathroom that looks good will still be practical and look sharp a decade later. Sure, you’ll probably change some details over the years, but invest now in organization solutions and a layout that works. It’s also smart to think long term about accessibility—the Houzz survey found that baby boomers are big on features such as grab bars and curb less showers. Bathrooms are the second costliest room in the home for renovations, experts say. So, when you’re planning your remodel, make sure you’ll end up with a bathroom you’ll love for years to come.

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WHAT TO DO WITH AN UNFINISHED BASEMENT

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

Although currently dimly lit and a little rough on the eyes, your unfinished basement still has a lot of potentials. With just a little love and the help of the following ideas, you can spice it up in no time and get some great use out of the space.

  1. Add a pop of color. Give your basement a whole different look without a big renovation by adding some color to space. Consider painting and sealing the floors, opening up the room by painting the rafters white or a light color, or creating a bold accent wall.
  2. Divide the space. Want to make your basement a multi-use room? Partition out the area by installing an inexpensive curtain system. This can be done either with a curtain track or a simple wire, some hooks, and curtains will suffice.
  3. Add foam mats. Whether you’d like to use the basement as a home gym to get a quick workout in or a place for the kids to play and rough house, adding some foam mats into the mix is a great and easy solution. They come in various colors and can quickly be picked up and tucked away if need be.
  4. Use a large rug. As an alternative to adding mats, find a large, eye-catching rug to be used as a focal point, and furnish the area around it.
  5. Add lighting. Basements often offer very little built-in lighting and few outlets around the room. Consider stringing café lighting across space from the rafters to give a nice ambiance and glow without any difficult electrical work.
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Found a Buyer on Your Own? Here’s Why You Still Need an Agent

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Home Buying,Home Selling,Information,Listings,news,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends

Let’s say you’re selling your house. And before you even get a chance to snap listing photos and put it on the market, a buyer comes along. Perhaps the buyer makes you an offer you just can’t refuse. Congratulations, you just cut out many steps of the home-selling process—showings, open houses, and haggling over price.

With an offer in hand, you might be asking what commission an agent would receive if the agent were to get involved at this stage of the home-selling process. But keep in mind what may seem like a straightforward transaction between a seller and buyer once an offer is accepted is usually not all that simple. You still have a marathon to finish before getting to the closing table. We’ve broken down the home-selling process into steps to see what an agent could help you with.

Commissions explained

Neither federal nor state laws govern commission rates, which means commissions are fully negotiable. And negotiating the commission is between you and your agent.

To crunch some general numbers, if a home sells for $250,000 at a 6% commission, the seller’s agent would get $15,000. However, keep in mind commission rates usually vary depending on the state you live in and among brokerages. Always talk with several agents about your particular home-selling needs. Find out if and how they would want to handle the sale to a buyer found by the seller.

The offer

In this scenario, a buyer made you an offer and you accepted. However, it’s time to take a step back: Keep in mind verbal offers are not legally binding in real estate transactions. Agents usually supply a variety of forms such as Residential Purchase Agreements to get offers in writing. These forms vary to conform to state and local laws, and eventually become a binding sales contract. The forms are also known as a purchase agreement, an earnest money agreement, or a deposit receipt. It’s also essential that an offer contains every element needed to serve as a blueprint for the final sale.

An agent can also handle a buyer’s earnest money—usually 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price—by depositing it in an escrow account held by a third party such as a real estate closing company, an attorney, or a title company agent. Remember, escrow protects sellers. You get to keep that money if a buyer bails on a transaction that’s underway.

The terms of the sale and contingencies

While it may seem the hard part is over if a seller found a buyer on their own, many obstacles can occur during the contract period that will require an agent’s skill to keep the deal together. For instance, an agent will ask if you and your buyer agree on not just the sales price but also the terms of the sale. Terms within a purchase agreement include basic information such as the names of the parties involved, the legal description of the property to be transferred, and the agreed-upon price. But terms also list crucial details such as what personal property will be included in the sale (e.g., appliances or fixtures). Leaving any terms of sale out of the purchase agreement can come back to haunt the buyer, the seller, or both.

An agent will also ensure contingencies are added to your contract. Standard contingencies include a buyer securing financing, a home inspection, repairs, and an appraisal—which is crucial to the mortgage process.

The closing

Remember, you need multiple legal documents for the closing, including a clean title. This step is usually done by an attorney, who collects a fee at the closing. But a real estate agent usually handles getting to the actual closing table by setting a date, coordinating everyone’s schedule, and ensuring all the needed paperwork (which is usually a mound of documents) is ready and correctly signed.

The bottom line

If a real estate professional can assist you, their compensation is a matter of negotiation between you and the agent. Hiring an agent to write the offer and guide it toward the closing table is a smart move.

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What Is a Wet Bar vs. Dry Bar—and Does Either Belong in Your Home?

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends

What is a wet bar and what is a dry bar? Both are designed to make entertaining at home easy by providing an area to prepare beverages for guests, but the big difference is a wet bar has a sink so glasses can be more easily rinsed. The difference between a wet bar and dry bar may seem like a simple concept, but there’s more to it than plain old plumbing. Here’s what homeowners will want to know when they consider having these features in their house.

What is a wet bar, and why would you want one?

Wet bars are convenient if you entertain on a different floor than your kitchen, or outdoors. In the 1970s and 1980s, home bars became popular as people outfitted their basements as rec rooms. Who wants to go all the way back upstairs to mix a batch of frozen margaritas? Or to rinse out the pitcher for another batch, for that matter? Now, as outdoor kitchens become more popular, wet bars are moving alfresco as well. With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a miniature resort.

Wet bar ideas: How to entertain in style

Having a sink in your bar means you’ll not only be able to rinse glasses between mixing drinks, you’ll also be better equipped to handle spills and cleanup. As long as you’re going through the trouble, you could optimize that plumbing with a few more add-ons. You could include a prep area for mixing cocktails that either also drains into the sink (to capture spills) or has its own drain. If you’re into beer in a big way, you could install taps with gutters below that capture and direct drips. That said, a wet bar doesn’t have to be large and elaborate. You can fit one into a tiny nook.

Are wet bars outdated?

Many think that wet bars are less popular today than they were in the past. If personal enjoyment is the goal, then it’s worth it, though. However, experts caution homeowners who want to add this amenity only as an investment, since it could make the home seem dated. Particularly in open kitchens and living spaces, it’s usually not worth it to install a second sink when the kitchen sink is within easy reach.

Dry bar ideas: Entertaining made easy

If you aren’t sold on installing a wet bar, a dry bar may be a better alternative. You’ll still have a dedicated spot for barware, spirits, and a beverage refrigerator, but without dealing with plumbing. All you need is a short counter and cabinet space. The trend is leaning toward a dry bar where favorite liquors and glassware are artfully and conveniently displayed. Most people now are just doing a liquor cabinet since space is often an issue, and bars take up a lot of it. Keep in mind that a dry bar can be multifunctional. For example, you could keep party supplies in a cabinet. Another alternative is simply modifying the back of your kitchen island or a counter with some shelves or rollout drawers for easy access.

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15 Essential Items to Include in an Emergency Survival Kit

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Information,news,Real Estate Market Trends

You can’t predict the future—or control the toll that a fire, hurricane, or flood takes on your home. But you can take steps to ensure that you’re prepared in the event you get stuck in your house after a natural disaster strikes. When it comes to being prepared, having insurance is crucial, and relatively affordable. But to be fully prepared for a natural disaster, you also need an emergency kit.

A useful survival kit has more than just flashlights and some bottled water (although you should have those things, too). Your kit should contain supplies that will last you at least three days. And you should start cobbling it together now, so you aren’t caught off guard in the event of a crisis. It’s easy to lose focus on what you need to do in a disaster; having an emergency kit will allow you to focus on other tasks while knowing that you have the best emergency supplies handily packed in a kit. Make sure all household members know where the kit is stored. And, since your emergency kit might be the only thing you can take with you when you eventually leave the home, keep everything in an easy-to-carry container.

As for what should go inside the kit, follow this comprehensive checklist. (Heads up: Because some items can expire—and your family’s needs can change over time—look at your emergency kit at least once a year and make any necessary updates.)

Prescription Medications

If you have multiple prescriptions, make sure each is in a labeled bottled.

First-aid Kit

In addition to basic bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes, your first-aid kit should include an antihistamine, antacid, anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, fever reducer, antibiotic ointment, eyewash solution, instant cold compress, and hydrocortisone cream.

Flashlight and Battery-powered Radio

Don’t forget extra batteries!

Bottled Water

Lauritzen recommends 1 gallon of water per person per day. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade are also good for replenishing electrolytes.

Food

Purchase nonperishable, easy-to-prepare snacks and meals with high protein (e.g., dried fruit, peanut butter, beef jerky, power bars, granola bars, canned vegetables, nuts, and canned tuna). These foods work well if the power goes out and you’re unable to cook or heat your food. (Don’t forget the can opener!)

Important Paperwork

Make sure you have at least two sets of any important documents—one at home that you can grab quickly if needed, and another in digital form that you keep stored in the cloud. The deed to your house, Social Security cards, medical records, and passports are just some of the paperwork you don’t want to forget.

Pet Supplies

Pack food and water, as well as a collar, leash, carrier, crate, and bowls.

Sleeping bags

Buy one sleeping bag per person, and pack additional bedding, such as warm blankets, if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Activities for Children

Keep the kids entertained (and distracted from the situation at hand) with coloring books, board games, a deck of cards, and puzzles.

Hygiene Products

This includes toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, body-cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and tissue packs.

Cell Phone Charger

If you’re lucky, your home won’t lose power. But you might forget to grab your regular cellphone charger if you’re in a rush.

Candles and Matches

Keep the matches in a waterproof container.

Change of Clothing

Pack three days’ worth of clothes for each person and include sturdy shoes.

Special Items for Infants or the Elderly

Baby formula and food are obviously a must, but older family members—particularly those who have physical challenges—might need additional supplies.

Cash

If there’s a widespread power outage, stores won’t be able to run their card machines, and banks and ATMs won’t be operating. You’ll want some cash on hand if you need to buy necessary items or put gas in your car to leave town. How much cash you should stow away depends on the size of your family, how well-stocked you are, and your comfort level. Some experts recommend three to five days’ worth of spending money, while others suggest $1,000 to $2,000. In the end, whatever you’re comfortable socking away could save you in an emergency.

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Home Energy Cost: The Real Deal on Big Bills That Come With a House

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,Local News and Events,Resources

Home energy cost is not something people always think of when it comes to buying a house. But don’t get consumed by the details of finding and buying a house without considering the potential bills you’ll have to pay every month for heating, cooling and more.

Home energy cost considerations

Even an affordable mortgage payment could quickly tip into the pain point if your new home comes with a monthly utility outlay that you weren’t expecting. So what factors should you consider? Everything from your electric bill to your heating are part of your home energy cost.

How to do that math:

You might want to hire a professional to determine the home’s overall energy costs before committing to a down payment. Energy audits cost a few hundred dollars but could save you from countless headaches (and costs) down the line. Not only will they give you a good idea of what’s in store, they will also point you toward fixes you can install so you’re not facing the same bills as the previous owner. The federal government’s Energy.gov site has guidelines for home energy audits, and tips for a DIY version. If you don’t want to go that far, here are some specifics to consider:

Heating and cooling systems

Heating and cooling can consume 45% of a house’s energy costs. The layout of the house will be a factor in energy costs. Vents located under windows are inefficient, and some rooms may not even have vents. In colder climates, remember that heat rises. High ceilings can result in wasted energy and added heating costs every winter. In tri-level houses, the upper floors will be warmer while the ground floor will be colder.

Consider how much alterations might cost. In-floor heating can save you up to 40% of energy costs, depending on the system. To have a professional install a hot water radiant floor heating system would cost about $6 to $15 per square foot.

Get all the information available on the house’s furnace and air conditioner. Find out the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for the house’s air conditioning system. For gas furnaces, you need to know the Annual Fuel Utilization Ratio (AFUE). If the house’s heating and cooling systems are 10 to 15 years old, or have a SEER of less than eight, it may be necessary to replace them.

Appliances energy costs

Did the former owner of the house throw in some appliances as part of the package? Although this gesture may save you money in the short run, be aware that older appliances can be much less energy efficient than new ones. Inefficient appliances eat up energy and can cost you hundreds of dollars over time. Research the make and model of any used appliances and assess whether they will incur higher energy costs than if you bought new ones.

Tax credits

State and federal programs might offer tax credits or other deals, such as grants or discounts, if you replace older appliances or heating or cooling systems, like an aged boiler, with newer, more energy-efficient versions. Some localities offer free energy audits, too. It might be worth asking about such programs if you are looking at an older house. Maybe the efficiency ratings are low, but if you love the house, and there’s enough deals available that you could upgrade relatively painlessly, it might still be worth purchasing. The key here is knowing the facts so you can judge what your bank account can handle.

Infrastructure

Check features such as windows, doors, insulation and siding for efficient energy usage. You can hire a professional to use a thermal camera to see where heat escapes, or conduct a blower-door test to identify air leaks by using a large fan with an airtight skirt that blows air out the door, although those tests could prove expensive. Insulation in the attic should be thick enough to hide all of the studs. Weathering and material aging can cause problems with siding, such as cracking, rotting or cupping, so check its condition too. Leaky windows glazed with putty can be reglazed, or consider buying double-pane windows. These will run you about $600 for moderate quality or up to $800 for high quality.

Architectural features

Big homes mean bigger energy bills too, so consider size in relation to your ongoing energy bills when you look at homes. A big stairway in the entryway means a lot of wasted heat each time the front door opens. Beautiful cathedral ceilings can bump up energy bills too. Walls of windows can afford a lovely view, but the added sunlight can strain your air conditioning bills in the summer, while leaks will raise your heating costs in the winter.

Energy costs: an informed decision

Only you can decide whether a home’s energy costs are worth the selling price. Your dream home may not be so ideal if the energy bills deplete your savings. But it could be worth investing some money in upgrading the house’s systems and features.

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Need to Replace Pet-Damaged Carpet?

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,news,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

As a pet owner, you know that accidents happen. There are a variety of reasons why our four-legged friends do their business or act out inside the house and on the floor. Maybe they’re marking their territory, or their anxiety may be manifesting in their clawing at the carpet. However, your home is probably your biggest investment, so you want to maintain its resale value—and keep it from looking and smelling like a litter box. So, what are the best options for pet-resistant flooring that would also appeal to future buyers? Check out the expert’s top recommendations.

Hardwood

If you have your heart set on beautiful hardwood floors, you’ll be happy to know that there are a few types of hardwood that are durable enough for Fido. Real wood floors are extremely durable and designed to withstand the traffic of busy families, including man’s best friend. Your dog’s claws will be less likely to scratch harder wood varieties like oak, maple, walnut, or—one of the strongest options—bamboo. The hardness of bamboo makes it more resistant to scratches, liquids, and mess, which helps out with pet accidents. If you’re considering bamboo, be sure to get medium- to high-priced bamboo flooring since the cheaper options aren’t as sturdy or scratch-resistant.

Porcelain tile

Your delicate porcelain dinnerware may lead you to believe that this type of material is not the strongest flooring option, but the experts say otherwise. The simplest floor to maintain—not only for pets but also for spaces with heavy traffic—is porcelain tile. Porcelain tile that has a glaze on it will not absorb any hazardous bodily fluids from pets and is easy to clean. An additional note is that sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping with a damp mop is all that’s needed to keep it sparkling. And, there’s an additional benefit to porcelain: It will not absorb odors. It is also recommended to use a grout that is nonabsorbent which will prevent liquids from seeping between the tiles and provide excellent stain resistance. However, you might want to avoid porcelain tile if your pup is older and has a hard time getting around. Many dogs do not have good traction on slippery surfaces, and older dogs may get injured and not be able to walk on surfaces without some tactile grip.

Luxury vinyl tile

Vinyl, in general, has come a long way since the days of disco. Luxury vinyl tile is a great, pet-friendly option as it’s scratch- and stain-resistant. Some varieties are even waterproof. Many people choose luxury vinyl tile because it can replicate popular (but less resilient) flooring options like hardwood or marble, and it costs way less. The cleaning is quick and easy and luxury vinyl tile doesn’t stain like carpeting.

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What Might Your Homeowners Insurance NOT Cover?

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Information,Resources

There are things that can happen to their homes that their homeowners insurance policies don’t cover. Fire is the basic coverage provided by an insurance policy, while other common perils are water damage, theft, wind and liability. Earthquake and flood usually require a separate policy. In some states you can add earthquake coverage as an endorsement. It is important to discuss the risk you face and purchase the proper coverage. Just so you’ll be forewarned, here are eight other perils, besides damage from an invading squirrel, for which you probably aren’t insured.

1. Floods

Damage caused by flooding is excluded under standard homeowners insurance policies, according to the institute’s primer on what disasters are covered by insurance. That’s why it’s prudent to obtain flood insurance, either from a private insurer or through the U.S. government’s National Flood Insurance Program.

2. Earthquakes

When a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia shook the U.S. east coast in 2011, it caused as much as $300 million in losses and varying degrees of damage to 600 residences. Many of the owners may have been chagrined to discover that their homeowners insurance didn’t cover the cost of repairing the harm to their houses. Coverage for earthquakes, which can damage foundations and collapse walls, requires a separate policy, though a standard homeowners policy generally will cover damage from fires caused by quakes, according to the institute.

3. Sewer Backups

Sewer backups can be pretty messy, and they’re not covered either by homeowners insurance policies or flood coverage, according to the institute. Instead, you’ll need to purchase additional sewer coverage.

4. Maintenance Damage

Maintenance damage. Homeowners policies don’t cover damage caused to your home by your neglect of basic maintenance, according to the institute. Similarly, you’re not covered if your house becomes infested by termites and other pests, or develops mold.

5. Backyard Trampolines and Pools

Sure, they’re fun. But according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, both trampolines and pools are dangerous enough that some companies may not insure your property if you have them, or else may exclude liability for any injuries related to them. They also may even cancel your policy if you don’t inform them when you get a trampoline or a pool, or don’t follow the policy’s safety guidelines.

6. Dog Attacks

If your family pet bites a visitor, you’re typically covered for legal liability up to your policy’s liability limit — usually $100,000 — according to the institute. The average dog bite claim is around $39,000, so you should be OK. But it’s a bigger problem if you own a breed with a reputation for being aggressive, because some insurance companies won’t cover you at all.

7. Really Expensive Jewelry

Typically, homeowners’ policies set a limit on how much bling they’ll cover — usually around $1,500, according to the institute’s article on jewelry and other valuables. If you’ve got a lot of costly rings or necklaces, you’ll want to consider getting a floater policy, which covers any sort of loss, including dropping your ring down a drain. That’ll require you to get the items appraised professionally.

8. Your Stuff in Someone Else’s Basement

If you’ve got a friend or neighbor who allows you to store some of your possessions in his or her basement, you could lose out in the event of a disaster, according to Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a California-based consumer advocacy group. That person’s insurer isn’t going to cover your losses, since you’re not the homeowner. “You’d have to try to collect money from your friend,” Bach says.

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25 Cheap Ways To Upgrade Your Home

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

1. Add some character and add texture to your walls with peel-and-stick wall panels.

2. Create a charming accent wall with peel-and-stick paper.

3. Upgrade your countertops to faux granite with a DIY paint kit instead of spending a fortune to replace it.

4. Reseal all those cracks in your tub and tile with caulking and make your bathroom look new again.

5. Update recess lighting without doing any electrical work with magnetic shades.

6. Install crown molding to help make your home look historic and charming.

7. Adding a fresh coat of paint to get that pop of color (or get rid of it) will give your home a touch-up without costing you a fortune.

8. Get the stainless-steel appliances you’ve always wanted at a fraction of the price with paint.

9. Add privacy and a touch of elegance, and make your windows look super expensive, with with “leaded-glass” film.

10. Paint your cabinets to give your kitchen that just-remodeled feeling for pennies versus what it would cost to replace them.

11. Add a new tile backsplash to give your kitchen (or bathroom) that gorgeous custom look.

12. Add a medallion to your light fixtures to instantly elevate your ceiling game.

13. Paint your ugly vinyl floors to get rid of the eyesore without ripping up the floor.

14. Bulk up your baseboards with paint and extra trim instead of replacing them.

15. Install shelving systems in every room to add storage.

16. Upgrade the fixtures in your bathroom to give yourself a mini spa experience.

17. Swap the handles on your cabinets and drawers to update your kitchen.

18. Add a doorbell to your home if you don’t already have one, or upgrade your current one.

19. Update light switches to give your home a fresh look and a tech upgrade.

20. Add some curb appeal and a pop of color by painting your front door.

21. Forget interior designers! Find matching fabrics, paints, and materials with a color match tool.

22. Get even more curb appeal by sanding down and painting rusted railings.

23. Consider these useful tips for upgrading your bathroom.

24. Cover door scuffs and prevent new damage with a metal kick plate.

25. Add adhesive mirrored tiles to the underside or top of your cabinets to subtly reflect light and make your space look brighter.

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How Homeowners Are Ditching The Tub

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

Homeowners are looking for large, high-tech bathrooms with sleek color palettes and finishes, according to the Houzz 2017 Bathroom Trends Report.

On average, homeowners spent $21,000 to remodel bathrooms exceeding 100 square feet. That cost drops to about $12,300 for homeowners with smaller bathrooms that are less than 100 square feet. When it comes to age demographics, those aged 55+ spent the most on remodeling their bathroom since the majority of them reported that they don’t plan to sell their home anytime soon.

Meanwhile, millennials, who see their home as a short- to medium-term residence, are choosing to invest less in bathroom renovations. Out of the 4 percent of millennials who renovated their bathrooms this year, most spent $9,200 to 12,500.

Homeowners of all ages were willing to shell out the extra dough for showers (42 percent), cabinets and vanities (40 percent), faucets (35 percent) and countertops (35 percent). On the other hand, it seems that homeowners weren’t so willing to spend extra money on an upgraded toilet.

Beyond updating showers, toilets and faucets, 90 percent of homeowners decided to change the entire style and color scheme of their bathroom during renovations. Contemporary is the most popular style at 25%, followed by transitional and modern. Contemporary is most popular among baby boomers, while Gen-Xers and millennials favor modern styles with clean finishes.

When it comes to wall colors and cabinet, countertop and floor finishes, homeowners of all ages favor a white and gray palette over neutral or more colorful options. Although baby boomers and Gen-Xers are more partial to using wood grain and darker tones, Houzz says paying attention to millennial design preferences is important, especially since they’ll be leading the housing market for the foreseeable future.

Beyond design and decor, homeowners (27 percent) swapped out bathtubs for large showers, and 73 percent of homeowners chose to add high-end features such as rainfall shower heads (55 percent), dual showers (24 percent), curbless showers (21 percent) and body sprays (18 percent). Also, 29 percent of homeowners purchased a high-tech toilet — a 19 percent year-over-year increase.

The most coveted features among toilet techies were self-cleaning (12 percent), optional bidet (8 percent), overflow protection (8 percent) and motion activation (6 percent). The least important features were a self-deodorizer (4 percent) and hands-free flushing (3 percent). Baby boomers also looked for increased accessibility with comfort-height toilets (68 percent).

Previous studies have shown that bathroom renovations yield some of the highest ROIs. It showed that blue and periwinkle bathrooms sell for an average of $5,400 more and that buyers tend to favor homes with clean, neutral colors.

“Color can be a powerful tool for attracting buyers to a home, especially in listing photos and videos,” said Zillow chief economist Svenja Gudell. “Painting walls in fresh, natural-looking colors, particularly in shades of blue and pale gray not only make a home feel larger, but also are neutral enough to help future buyers envision themselves living in the space.”

 

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