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What To Expect When You Buy A Fixer Upper

January 20, 2022 by khproperties Leave a Comment

It feels like you can’t turn on the TV and flip through the channels without seeing a home improvement show, but don’t be taken in by their simplicity. Remodelling your home is far more complex and usually more expensive than TV pundits lead you to believe. When they even bother to price the items of a project, the labor costs are often conveniently forgotten because they can be 50% of the total expenditure. Contractors don’t appear out of nowhere, and gardeners won’t just magically appear with half a forest for the backyard. You’ll learn an incredible amount about property ownership if you purchase a fixer-upper and set about a major renovation. But if you’re a first-time buyer who’s looking for a bargain to renovate, remember that while it’s a great strategy, you’ll need to be prepared for hard work before you enjoy the incredible satisfaction of creating a wonderful home.

Here’s a quick guide of what to expect to get you started:

Ignore TV shows: Nothing will put you in a world of renovation pain than believing the pricing you see in reality TV shows. Labor costs are a fundamental reality and rarely rate a mention. Budget for the real world.
Create a budget and then some: The most important aspect of remodeling a home is to create a budget that you can afford and then stick to it. But remember most renovations cost more than you think. Experts recommend you keep aside 20% of the project’s cost in case of problems.
Quotes come in writing: Always insist on receiving an estimate in writing rather than believing a verbal estimate that might be contested or ignored later. When the invoice comes in, you may find yourself with a nasty surprise.
Expertise counts: If your budget will stretch, call in the experts. An architect, lighting consultant and interior designer will transform your project. And given you’re investing in your most significant financial asset, consider the dollar value they might add.
Advice vs Opinion: Friends will offer their ideas and opinions, and architects and contractors will provide advice. Be sure to know the difference. Ultimately, the decisions are on you and you’ll need to live with the consequences of your choices.
Focus on you: Unless you want to flip the property, then remodel for your lifestyle and don’t worry about fashions or fads. If you’re flipping, the reverse is true. Make decisions that will maximize the sale price.
Minimize your role: Hire a general contractor who’ll coordinate sub-contractors for the entire project. Avoid the hassle of organizing tradespeople. One bad apple will throw out your timeline and cause friction with the others.
Stop and shop: It can be a good idea to avoid buying materials from multiple suppliers all over town. That quickly gets very confusing, especially when it comes to delivery schedules. Ideally, purchase from only one or two suppliers. Apart from construction materials, it’s also recommended to get a dumpster rental for a more efficient construction cleanup during and after the renovations.
Be tactile: Don’t rely on the internet when you shop. Faucets can look amazing online but turn out to be cheap and nasty when you open the box. Go to each store and literally touch the items you want to buy. Ask for swatches of cloth and colours, buy tester cans of paint, and take your time with all your decisions.

image courtesy of rocinante11

Time To Make Your Laundry Room Shine

January 12, 2022 by khproperties Leave a Comment

The humble laundry room is emerging as an influential part of the home for today’s buyers and renovators. Upstaged by new kitchens and bathrooms, many buyers rarely gave a thought to the laundry room beyond its practical function – until now. New interior designs and increasingly sophisticated washing machines have put ways of doing the wash at the front and center of many buyers’ thinking when viewing a home. Revamping your laundry room and making it a center or storage and organization can be a worthwhile upgrade before you put your home on the market. The room has become a hot button for buyers.

If you have a laundry room that needs a facelift, here are eight tips for a great renovation project.

Quality appliances: You can’t go wrong with installing excellent appliances. American and European brands are winners. Buyers love to see a front-loader washing machine next to a dryer.
Faucet favorites: The combination of a quality faucet and basin is critical to the success of a laundry. A swivel faucet is essential. You might also want to consider one where the hose can be pulled out and retracted. If you’ve got a dog, it makes washing them a breeze.
The look: Give your laundry room some style. You’ll find inspiration on the internet from sites like Pinterest and Houzz. If you’re selling your home shortly, keep the same colour scheme as the rest of your home or use neutral colors and tiles.
Storage savvy: The laundry room is often the dumping ground for items that don’t belong anywhere including sports equipment that is out of season. So, focus on storage solutions to keep your space clutter-free.
Closet caper: Staying on the storage theme, you probably keep mops, brooms and vacuum cleaners in the laundry room. Consider installing a thin vertical cupboard to put them out of sight with specialised grip fittings to hold them upright.
Workspace: A striking aspect of a modern laundry room is bench space. If you can supplement that with a fold-down ironing board attached to the wall, that’s even better.
Stay dry: A rail above head height to dry shirts and dress on hangers is another popular inclusion because not everything can be thrown into a tumble dryer.

6 Signs That It’s Time To Downsize

January 4, 2022 by khproperties Leave a Comment

It can be challenging to know the right time to downsize your home. It can be a very emotional experience. Your home is full of memories of raising a family and sending young adults out into the world. You spent good days and bad in there. You’ve laughed, cried, and celebrated. So, it’s understandable that when you’re moving towards retirement. you might be reluctant to leave behind the sanctuary that has played such an important role in your life. Knowing the right time to make your move is critical. Avoiding a decision can often result in health issues forcing your hand. Houses can become too big to maintain and take a physical toll when you mow lawns or climb ladders to fix a leaking roof or clear leaves from gutters. Based on real situations, we’ve been able to make a list of signs that tell you it’s time to downsize. We hope you find them useful.

Do you feel like you’re rattling around in your home?
Once everyone has moved out, it can often feel like the house has become too big. Rooms are never used and only cleaned because they collect dust. You may find you’re living in a particular part of the home, often to contain utility bills. If this is you, then it’s definitely time to explore your downsizing options.

Do you feel overwhelmed by your property?
This is another issue that crops up regularly. Feeling overwhelmed by the maintenance required in a larger home quickly creates stress and that’s not good. Everyday tasks such as cleaning or sweeping walkways and patios become burdens. The idea you have to climb a ladder for a simple maintenance task might fill you with dread.

If you feel you cannot look after your home as you once did, then downsizing is your wisest course of action. Once you decide to act, you’ll be amazed at the relief you’ll feel.

You can never find what you’re looking for?
This is a significant frustration for many. Their memory isn’t necessarily failing, but it’s common to struggle to find car keys or credit cards in a large home when there’s so much opportunity to put them down carelessly. Of course, you can overcome this challenge by being more organized. However, we all know that’s easier said than done!

Are the stairs becoming harder to climb?
Time catches up with all of us eventually, and you don’t need to be wielding a walking stick to start to find stairs are harder to climb or to descend first thing in the morning. Your home shouldn’t become an obstacle course. If you’re having trouble getting around the property, then it’s time to leave.

Will you travel more in retirement?
If you’re planning to enjoy long trips, especially in retirement, then carrying the cost of maintaining a large, empty property doesn’t make sense and becomes an added stress to come home to. It would be best if you considered a smaller home and even think about moving into an apartment or condo with security to reduce any concern on that score.

Parents can also set up a Junior ISA at thechildrensisa.com so they can enjoy retirement without having to worry about their children’s future. Those who have invested in real estate properties as part of their retirement portfolio must not forget to update their estate plans and plan ahead for the succession of these assets. Those who need help in estate planning for blended families may look for a lawyer who has sufficient knowledge and experience.

Do you have the “utility bill blues?”
Retirement is a wonderful time of life, but it usually cuts into your cash flow. Spending money on heating or cooling your entire home is wasteful when you use only a percentage of it. We have worked with many people who became more stressed by these quarterly bills than anything else. If this sounds familiar, it’s a smart move to act. If you buy wisely, a smaller home like a condo or apartment, especially one in a complex should reduce your outgoing cashflow. Your costs will be more consistent, too, and that will help with your household budget.

When you decide to downsize, you may need to rent a storage unit from a self storage facility for a short while until you determine what to do with your belongings that will not have space in your new home. You may ask your neighbors or your real estate agent for recommendations on self storage facilities.

Is An Open Floorplan The Right Style For You?

December 27, 2021 by khproperties Leave a Comment

Open floorplan living is often billed as the perfect floor plan, bringing family together in a single room where cooking, conversation and the screen share the same space. It has been a popular feature of a home for two decades and more. However, a small but noisy school of thought now suggests it’s time to revert to the old formula in which rooms have a specific purpose. As experienced agents, we have seen real estate fashions come and go and come again. Perhaps you’re seeking an open floorplan layout for your dream home, or maybe thinking that smaller rooms are easier to maintain, and heat and cool.

If you’re searching for a home right now, we’ve pulled together a list of benefits and drawbacks to open floorplan living. It might help you consider a broader range of properties if you’re aware of all the pros and cons of various designs and floor plans. You may also want to see the best grey vinyl flooring option here for a stronger, more durable form of vinyl planks that address all your flooring needs!

If you have a home gym, it is advisable to install high quality, fully compliant floors for sports, fitness and exercise? It’s also very important to have the very best quality sprung flooring installed as that makes a huge difference to the people using it, so we have the very best.

Open Floorplan Benefits

A living area where no boundaries lie between leisure and the kitchen will be a magnet for the entire family at least twice a day. Interaction is essential for a harmonious household – especially if you have teenagers – and open floorplan living helps you achieve this. However, if you’d like to update your kitchen with the latest design trends, then check out Gamma Cabinetry LLC to learn more!
Young families will benefit because it is far easier for mom or dad to keep an eye on young children. It also avoids the temptation to pack them off to their bedroom or playroom, where they won’t see you or talk to you.
For anyone who loves entertaining, open floorplan living is essential. You can slave over your stove while not being excluded from your guests or supervise homework while cooking the evening meal.

Open Floorplan Drawbacks

It’s usually the highest maintenance area of the home. With so many activities going on, there’ll inevitably be a mess at the end of the day. For example, folks often use the island bench as a dumping ground for bags and keys. If you love a tidy home, you might find yourself continually cleaning.
It’s a privacy killer. Without a sound barrier, it’s hard to read a book when the TV is on or there’s a conversation in the kitchen. When the phone rings, everyone else in the room is asked to keep quiet, or you’ll need to take the call elsewhere.
Decorating an open floorplan area can be tricky. Furniture needs to match and be of a similar size especially if you are using wicker furniture. The visual balance of an open floorplan area can be ruined if your couch is far larger than your dining table. If you need new furniture, you can find furniture online from Ideal Furniture Galleries and similar stores.

Nine Mistakes To Avoid With A New Kitchen

December 21, 2021 by khproperties Leave a Comment

No room carries more influence with a buyer than the kitchen because it’s where the everyone gathers and many memories are made. The kitchen can represent up to 20% of the entire value of a property, so it’s important to make sure it is both functional and attractive. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the common mistakes that we’ve seen in our daily lives as real estate agents to help guide you when you upgrade your kitchen.

Stay on budget
Set a spending limit. The cost of renovating a kitchen can go into six figures if that’s what you really want. So, be disciplined and work out what you can afford and what will offer a return on your investment. Talking this through with your agent can be a big help.

Going DIY
Unless you’re a kitchen designer, then put your new kitchen into the hands of experts. They know the tricks to maximize space and storage. They’ll also be familiar with custom cabinets and lighting solutions, which improve all the time. The best way to stay updated on latest design trends is to visit Gamma Cabinetry on design trends in 2021.

Follower of fashion
Don’t choose popular, fad colors that will date the kitchen in a few years. Keep your ambitions stylish and traditional, especially if you plan to sell in the short to medium term. Many buyers might not share your taste, and your hard work and money will have been for nothing.

Small countertops
It’s a mistake to try and create more floor space by sacrificing the countertop. You need to plan the use of every square foot of a kitchen, and priority needs to go on where you prepare your meals. Visit sites like www.granitetransformations.com/location/granite-transformations-of-redding/ to get the best countertop for your kitchen.

Storage shortage
It’s fashionable to take the gadgets off the countertops these days to deliver an uncluttered appearance. Every kitchen needs lots of storage, not just for equipment but food and drinks, too. Therefore, choosing the right wine cooler brand is vital to having great wine storage. Buyers will walk through your kitchen, opening and closing doors to see if the storage meets their expectations. They love corner-storage spaces.

Smoke gets in your eyes
Never forget the importance of ventilating your kitchen. A vent fan will push the smoke and smells outdoors so the rest of the home doesn’t take on the smell of old cooking.

Poor lighting
Illuminate the sink and areas where you will prepare food and eat. During viewings, agents will turn on the lights, as this makes the home feel bigger. Badly positioned lighting in a kitchen can be exposed.

No plug, no play
A common mistake is to have insufficient electrical sockets, especially around the countertop, where you will use a blender, juicer, coffee maker, and so on.

Waste of space
Be smart about where you place your trash. External bins on the floor are unsightly and unpopular. Your new kitchen should integrate a bin into a cupboard, preferably under the sink.

9 Ways To Avoid Housefires

December 15, 2021 by khproperties Leave a Comment

A fire in your home can happen at any time of the year, but with colder months upon us it’s easy to see how the danger increases with the setting of wood-burning heaters and the use of candles to create a cozy atmosphere. Most fires start in the kitchen and are caused by neglect. You set something on the stove and then get distracted by the phone, children, or daily life – it happens that easily. Heaters are the second most common cause of a house blaze and, of course, the risk of this increases in the winter months when we find ourselves trying to warm up just a bit.

You should also watch for faulty wiring, especially if you live in an older house. Signs that your wiring needs an upgrade include lights dimming when you use an appliance and regularly blown fuses or trips of your circuit breaker. If that’s the case, call a professional electrician immediately. Visit sites like callw3.com/ for professional help.

As we head into winter, here is a list of potential issues and how to ensure you and your family stay safe.

Install and test your smoke alarms. Make sure the battery is in good condition (change them every time you set your clocks back). When you’re sleeping, you won’t smell the smoke. Research suggests you might fall into a deeper sleep. You should also consider having a fire alarm system installation if you do not have one already.
Check your chimney to ensure there is sufficient airflow. If your chimney blocks up, smoke will pour back into the residence. The collection of dirt and soot represents a fire risk. It’s a good idea to clean your chimney annually. Even if you don’t use your fireplace very often, other problems can occur that could lead to a devastating fire, so have it checked out and cleaned.
Another annual exercise is a check of electric blankets if you have them. Watch for loose wires and cords that have frayed. If in doubt, throw it away. They’re not expensive to replace.
Portable heaters are a great cold weather solution but don’t put them near curtains or tablecloths. If you need to dry clothes, leave them at least 1m away from the heater. Think of it as social distancing for clothes!
Electrical overload is always a risk if you load up one power point. Avoid doing so and always unplug and disconnect appliances that are not being used and you should also consider an electrical panel upgrade in Charlotte, NC. If you find yourself having issues with your panels, visit sites like xpertelectricllc.com/electrical/electrical-panel-services/ for professional advice. You should also have generator installations done for when the power goes out or if there is an electrical failure.
Before you hire an electrician, ask if he can show you his electrician certification. It is important that any electrical installation work is carried out by people who have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to avoid the dangers that electricity can create.
Another appliance danger lurks in the laundry. Check your dryer for lint build up. Clean away anything that shouldn’t be there. It doesn’t take much for lint to light up. If you suspect there is lint trapped beyond your reach, hire a professional to clean your dryer vents.
Candles in the living room, or even when you’re soaking in a bath, are romantic and relaxing. But you must extinguish them when leaving the room for an extended period or going to bed.
Kids and matches are not a good combination. Always stow matches, lighters and fireplace lighters out of their reach. A common mistake is to keep a gas stove top lighter in a handy drawer.
Never leave cooking unattended, especially if you’re deep frying. Fat fires can destroy a kitchen in minutes and are one of the most common causes of fires.

Is It Time To Call A Plumber?

December 9, 2021 by khproperties Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, you’ll inevitably have to call in a Sydney plumber to deal with plumbing problems at some stage. It’s one of the ‘pleasures’ of owning property! Choosing the right contractor can feel a little overwhelming, but it is always important that you take swift action to remedy problems, or even ask a contractor to mitigate an issue before it arises. The same goes for gas pipes. Those pipes can rust over many years, and it’s better to update them rather than wait for a leak and all the distress it causes. A good plumber from an emergency plumbing service can deal with both of those problems. So here is a quick guide to help you select a plumber.

When seeking a quote, be clear on what you need. You can’t obtain comparable estimates if each plumber is asked to price a slightly different job. Always get a minimum of three quotes. You may get Craftsman Plumbing info on their website so you can contact their office and ask for an estimate.
There’s no set price for plumbing work. A plumber like Superior Plumbing will charge what they think is reasonable for the work requested, so don’t expect identical pricing.
Should you accept the lowest price? That will depend. The cheapest isn’t necessarily the best. Arguably, you’re best served by hiring the individual who listened to your issues, asked questions, and communicated their solutions clearly. To find plumbers in Greer, SC, visit their site.
Ask for each plumber’s license number. Texas has license obligations for plumbers and varying abilities according to license type.
Be very careful of unlicensed plumbers. If you take the risk, there’s a much greater likelihood you’ll have problems, and your insurance company will show zero leniency. Run an online check of each plumber’s license number to validate it.
A license isn’t the end of the paperwork. Plumbers must hold appropriate insurance cover, too. Ask for details of their public liability insurance – this will cover any breakages, accidents, or injuries incurred on your property.
Did you know that not all plumbers are equal? Here’s the deal: Some can work on gas supply, and others will be qualified in handling drainage and roof plumbing issues. These tasks are all separate skills above and beyond traditional home plumbing. If you need your grease trap cleaned, there are plumbing companies that specialize in grease trap pumping services.
Many plumbers work hard and will take on routine jobs on weekends. If they offer to come to your non-urgent job on a Sunday, check they’re not going to charge additional fees. You might also want to avail the services of professional plumbers in your area, you can visit sites like https://sharpplumbing.com/service-areas/hudson-ma/ to learn more.

8 Tips For First Time Homebuyers

December 1, 2021 by khproperties Leave a Comment

Being a first time homebuyer can feel quite intimidating – you’ve got to deal with agents, sellers, rival buyers, banks, and title companies. And it’s not always clear what role each of them plays in the process. We have worked with many first time homebuyers. It’s great to guide them on the journey of property ownership and help set them on the path to building their wealth through real estate.

Any first time homebuyer should appreciate that they always have access to many professionals who can help explain the various tasks and processes required to buy a home. It’s not like you’ll walk through the experience blindfolded.

To help you on your way and find out more, here’s a quick list of tips for first time homebuyers. You’ll find the act of buying property is not as intimidating as you might have feared.

Start saving: That means not only reducing your day-to-day spending but also working to reduce regular payments on debts for items such as a car or personal loan. These obligations will reduce the amount of money a lender will allow you to borrow.
Work out a budget: Investigate how much you might be able to borrow. Factor in the expenses of buying a home, such as closing costs and moving. You should then have an idea of what you can afford. Setting your expectations early on will focus your home hunting efforts and avoid disappointment.
Arrange financing: Spend time exploring your options. Some banks demand a 20% deposit; others are more flexible. Perhaps your parents will co-sign for the loan, or part of it. Consider using a local lender as they will guide you and recommend suitable loan options.
Pre-approval is good: A lender won’t give you a pile of cash based on your salary. They’ll grant “pre-approval,” which means you can make a monetary commitment with confidence. However, the lender will finalize its approval once they’ve valued and approved the property you intend to buy. Do not sign any document that waives your right to pull out of a transaction until you are approved or you risk your lender refusing you.
Get mentally prepared: With your finances lined up, you need to think about the dynamics of buying a home. If you find your dream place, you better believe others will love it, too. So, be prepared to move quickly to beat the competition.
Find a great agent: For a first time homebuyer, a great agent will make the experience smoother and less stressful. When selecting an agent, ask each one to share with you properties they’ve bought for other clients. This will indicate whether they can find what you’re seeking.
Go hunting: House hunting is fun but exhausting. In a hot market, it can get stressful because of buyer competition. Don’t be put off, and keep your focus. You may miss out on a few properties, but there are many more out there.
Be confident: When making an offer for a home, be confident. Don’t ask your agent to make low ball offers just to see if the seller bites. You risk being labelled a time waster and go to the back of the line. You have every right to make any offer, but be realistic if you want the property.

How To Choose The Perfect Paint Color

November 21, 2021 by Matt Stigliano Leave a Comment

Whether you’re about to sell your home or renovate, there are few better low budget ways to add some sparkle than a fresh coat of paint. Many agents like cabinet painters denver recommend homeowners break out the brushes before putting their property on the market because a good paint job helps to clean up the bumps and scratches that walls endure over the years. Choosing the right color can be intimidating. If you’re selling, opt for soft whites and creams throughout the home. These tones help make rooms feel bigger, whereas rich and bright colors will dominate and shrink a space. A vanilla style approach also avoids potential objections from prospective buyers who might not like your taste in color schemes. Incredibly, we’ve seen buyers reject perfect homes because they didn’t like the shade in a room. So, keep your paint colors inoffensive when selling. Of course, if you’ve just bought your home or you’re renovating, then you can be a little more expressive. If you struggle with color, an interior designer will be a huge help.

Here are some tips for selecting colors.

Light it up If you plan to change your home’s lighting design, do this before you paint. That way, you’ll have a more accurate assessment of how each candidate color will impact your home.
Paint with purpose If you’re testing colors for a wall, then paint on the wall or seek guidance from the painting contractor phoenix. Don’t use blank boards and hold them against the wall. (Many people do). The texture of the wall and boards will be different. The saturation of the paint into the surface affects the subsequent impression of color.
Test different areas If you’re looking to use the same color throughout the home or in multiple rooms, don’t restrict yourself to testing one wall. Try candidate colors in different areas.
Be brave If you’re going to paint a wall, then it doesn’t matter how many colors you test on it. Eventually, you’ll paint over them anyway. Paint a minimum of one square foot for each color. The larger the area, the better.
Keep colors together Paint the candidate colors close together on the wall as this will give you a more accurate impression of their impact. Between the colors, leave a small gap to place a piece of white paper between them. The white in the paper acts to balance the impression of each color accurately. It’s an optical illusion and a helpful trick.
Lay it on thick Apply two coats even when testing. If you’re going to paint new drywall or gyprock sheeting, take suggestion from painters in herndon and use an undercoat or primer.
Undercoat tip If you’re in love with bright colors or plan a feature wall, you’ll get the best result on all surfaces by applying a primer or undercoat.

image courtesy of Jessie Pearl

Ready To Sell? Use These 4 Feng Shui Tips

November 15, 2021 by khproperties Leave a Comment

If you know anything about the ancient wisdom of feng shui, it might be profitable to pay some homage to the art when preparing your home for sale. While there is a unique philosophy rather than science underpinning feng shui, many of its instructions about furniture arrangement make perfect sense. They can enhance the enjoyment of living in a home and improve the impression that it makes with buyers conducting a walk-through. Although some of its approaches can be instructive in terms of preparing your home for sale, there are some easy actions you can take to give your home better feng shui.

Doors: Make sure to have SWD Bespoke doors that open and close easily. This improves energy flow. Doors must not be blocked or pushed up against a piece of furniture when opened. Buyers will think the space inadequate if this is the case.

Energy: If your home has an unimpeded line-of-sight from the front to the back door, that isn’t good, according to feng shui. Energy that comes into the home escapes straight out the other side. Arrange furniture so there’s not a runway through the heart of your home.

Beds: Feng shui demands beds are strategically positioned. If your bed faces the door directly, you’re in what adherents call the “coffin position”. That’s because your feet are pointing out the door. And don’t put beds directly against a wall as this disturbs the balance of a room. It also makes a room feel smaller.

Desk: If you’re offering a home office as part of your home, don’t have the desk facing the window. If you do, your qi, or energy, goes out the window, too. And whatever you do, don’t put a desk in the main bedroom. It will make it difficult to sleep according to the feng shui masters.

We hope you’ve found this list fun, helpful, or both. If we can help you secure your dream home or sell your existing property, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can discuss buyer preferences, prices trends in your neighborhood, and the best ways to maximize your property’s value.