We are in strange times that we have never experienced before: a global pandemic, shifting economy which is changing daily, and social movements influencing everything. The Seattle Real Estate market just keeps charging forward. If you can afford to sit and wait to watch where it settles, sometimes that is the best move. If that is your status, I wanted to share some ideas to add value to your home now.
My family is currently doing just that! We are adding a bathroom to our primary bedroom to relieve the future issue heading our way of our babies getting in line to also use the current only bathroom. We are also adding a nice outdoor porch area. While we have plans to do a much larger renovation down the line, in this time we saw it prudent to improve the value of our home now. It works to be more functional until we can make the larger improvements and also brings value in the event that an unforeseen occurrence forces us to sell our home. These are wild times and it’s best to have options that work in your control.
One last thing before I get to the recommendations is to consider that these Pandemic times will pass and we will return to a more social time again. It is realistic that some of these pandemic influences last and how we use our homes may change permanently. Think ahead with that in mind.
8 Changes to improve the use & value of your home:
1. Electrical system: One of the most common renovation tricks I see when shopping homes with clients is flipping the home by updating the kitchen and bathroom with cosmetic fixes like countertops, paint and new appliances while leaving the guts of the home alone. Those guts are where the best value is and will be found in the inspection. Fix the electrical system. Update it to modern safe standards with a good electrician. Bring comfort that your house is safe and useful. Our society isn’t moving to less need for energy usage. Look at all options that could match up with developing technology to modernize your home. I can refer you to a few electricians in the area to make sure your bid is honest and competitive.
2. Plumbing system: Plumbing is the other ignored updates that flippers avoid most often. If you have any issues with your plumbing, put the investment here. It seems that plumbing problems always show themselves at the worst time. In the winter right before the holidays or right when you need the heat as cold temperatures enter our lives. Bring back that strong water pressure and make sure your water is clean. A sewer scope is a great place to start. Again, I can refer some strong plumbers if needed.
3. Home Offices are more important than ever and will be a lasting reality for many of us. We will be working from home more and more as our professions update with the times. Make that office functional with power/technology updates. I’m not suggesting you add a stock ticker wall mounted to keep up with the economy (unless you are a broker), but who doesn’t love having multiple screens to enhance their productivity? Putting in Zoom friendly camera stands to keep with the times can help. If you are like me, I like to not be distracted by my home life while I work. Decorating it with more occupational related art and having the tools I use handy have deeply enhanced my home office. Get productive, stay professional all while staying home!
4. Beautify the Kitchen: We all use the kitchen the most of all rooms in the house. Our meals and beverages are prepared there. So much activity that it is often the most trafficked room in the home. It quickly becomes one of the messiest rooms in the house. New floors are often the first move and this helps show off the clean beautiful home around the kitchen. Clean kitchen floors dress up a beautiful kitchen like no other aspect. Build on the floors with a layout that can maximize moving around the kitchen. Tight spaces turn off move home shoppers quickly. Design a kitchen with a counter located in the middle of the room. Baking, cooking and cleaning will be more comfortable and successful. Installing countertops. Think easy to clean and shine surfaces.
5. Dining areas end up being the next most enjoyed room in the home, especially when there are guests. Having a brilliantly lighted dining area that shows off the beautiful and delicious meal will be a huge reward to a homeowner. Light will add so much depth to the enjoyment of the experiences in the dining room. Adding a beautiful table and chairs will top this off to tie it all together. Think more open when designing, as we all love space and safety these days.
6. Patios are great additions. We are also adding a patio area to our current house. With our current needs to have outdoor spaces, we decided having a space to have a socially distant setting was worth the investment. I can have an outdoor meeting at my house, have a coffee with a guest/client or a beer with an old friend. We can also have meals outside when the weather allows. Using an exterior concrete floor that is durable will bring value to most homes.
7. Consider adding a rooftop deck if it’s possible and fits into the design of your home. We want more outdoor spaces to enjoy these times. Add a functional space by renovating the top area of your home. Try to find that peak-a-boo view or stunning sunset spot. Including functionality to the space design is key. It’s always depressing to look at a small outdoor space that actually doesn’t fit a table to eat at.
8. Bathrooms can extend the enjoyment and value of your home. Spacious, clean, relaxing and comfortable are what we all want in the restroom. I love a bathroom that makes me want to call it a “WC” as if I were in fancy Britain. Build one with a refreshing and modern look. Minimalist styles are the in thing and using concrete floors/walls can help achieve that.