As long as the inside of my house looks good, who cares about the outside?

       

                 The picture to the left is what my house looked like when purchased almost two years ago. The previous owners liked tall bushes that attracted bees and other insects. I did not. So this past spring, I had the two tall holly bushes pulled up. I also had the azalea bushes split up because they were too close and choking each other out. Of course the seasons are different, but I hope that it shows I spent a lot of time and money in my yard.
                 Also when I was redoing my flower beds, I pulled up the black plastic, only as personal preference as it bothered me having to dig through it to plant additional plants. I have since added several new flowers, moved bulbs and bushes. In addition to adding mulch, which even if you had an empty flower bed, the right kind of mulch would set it off. I added flowers around the trees and mulch to give my yard more color, mostly lilies and daisies as they are my favorite.
                 Another way to look at this topic is this If I were going to sell my house, would someone buy it based on the outside…would someone even stop to look? A home’s curb appeal is very important when it comes to buying and selling a house. It is the first impression. I like to think the outside of my home looks welcoming and homey because that’s how it is to me.
                 My research presents a more defined explanation of curb appeal or the allure and attractiveness of a house from the street (L.J., 2011). If you're trying to sell a house in a difficult market, buying a fixer-upper that needs a little TLC or just want to improve the look of your home, a well-designed landscape will go a long way in not only increasing value in your home but improve your home’s curb appeal (Joe, L. 2011). There are two major areas that can be improved to add instant curb appeal: the front garden and one of the most neglected and overlooked areas, the space between the street and the pavement (Joe, L. 2011).
                 The space between the street and pavement is known as the “nature strip” (L.J., 2011). There can be lots of utilities running underground in these areas, so always contact the appropriate local agency to have it locate and mark any buried lines (L.J., 2011). The ``strip'' is a challenging location for plants. They get battered by traffic, pruned by car doors, exposed to exhaust and road chemicals, and passed by dogs and pedestrians. You need tough, durable plants that take punishment and recover quickly (L.J., 2011). Start with short shrubs that won't block the visibility of drivers or pedestrians, especially if your strip is near an intersection. Install dense, low-growing groundcover to choke out weeds (L.J., 2011). Add flowering bulbs, and use inexpensive annuals to fill in the open spaces until the permanent plants get established. Trim tree branches high enough so people won't need to duck under them. With a car parked at the curb, open a door to see how far back to set plants (L.J., 2011). Adding a small border of brick or stone will show visitors where to step as they get out of the car is also suggested (L.J., 2011).
                The front garden you will have more freedom with. Hardscape features create a finished, homey look. Think about upgrading the shape of the garden with a terraced area behind a low stonewall, or a simple island berm that breaks up an uninteresting expanse of lawn (L.J., 2011). Soften the sharp edges of buildings with curved beds (L.J., 2011). Define the property with a low fence that marks the transition between public footpaths and private yard in a friendly, welcoming way. Lock in on a strategically placed focal point, such as a small fountain, large specimen tree or even the front door painted a bright, welcoming color to draw attention (L.J., 2011).
                In addition, containers are an easy way to establish a flow and rhythm that bring continuity to the landscape (L.J., 2011). Mark the ends of a path or define corners and boundaries with large, identical containers. The repeated shape, size and color unify the design, even when filled with different plants. Hide the eyesores such as; air conditioners, electric and gas meters and cable connections with ornamental grasses, small shrubs or a three-sided lattice structure (L.J., 2011). But be sure utility-meter readers can get to devices easily. Adding curb appeal to your home doesn't have to be a budget-breaker. Start small and let the project evolve over time. You'll find new enthusiasm for your garden and increase your home's value tremendously (L.J., 2011).
               I found this article to be very informative when it comes to landscaping a yard. It has given me additional ideas on how to add color to my yard, for instance the annuals. Typically I am against annuals as to me it seems like a waste of money, however; they are inexpensive and in the off season will produce color until my other bulbs and plants bloom. It also gave me something to think about when it comes to breaking up yard and giving it a focal point.
               I am to have my outdoor heating unit installed soon, as the weather is starting to get cooler. I am now able to hide this eyesore as the article suggests. I never really was much into planting, weeding or cutting grass. There is something about having pride in something that is yours that has changed the way I feel about these things. I am glad I stumbled across this article. Hopefully I have provided someone enough information and given a few ideas on how to increase their home’s value and increase curb appeal.

 References:

L. J. (2011). Gardening make an entrance first impressions count, so improve your home's curb appeal. Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved October 19^th, 2011 from Newspaper Source Plus Database.

The small renovations...can I handle them and do they add value?

               I know that I have touched on this subject lightly before, but now I want to go in depth. The pictures above are of my kitchen; before and after. Before I mentioned natural light and that a lot of prospective home buyers look for natural light and the brightness and cleanliness of a space. The picture to the left is what my kitchen looked like upon moving in. The picture to the right was taken only a few weeks ago after the cabinets were primed and painted. Since this picture I have also updated the hardware. The hardware alone makes a huge improvement but can be a little pricey. I also added a pendant light about the sink. These are small, inexpensive and fairly simple renovations that can be done to improve the appeal and value of a home. Below is a summary of the information I found.

                Some examples of low cost projects are: replacing or getting a dishwasher, preferably an energy-star appliance (Esswein P. 2009). Even replacing an outdated sink, would give you a more modern look and most likely be more efficient. You could also add slide out shelves to cabinets or you could spruce up the black splash with peel and stick 3x5 tiles (Esswein P. 2009).

Another way this article recommends sprucing up the kitchen is by replacing the flooring (Esswein P. 2009).  The flooring in the kitchen is important because it must withstand heavy traffic. Luckily, when it comes to flooring; the options are endless (Esswein P. 2009). Your choices range from hardwood, bamboo, ceramic or linoleum. It really depends on how much you are willing to spend and if you have the ability and knowledge to do it yourself. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, then it’s suggested that you hire a professional (Esswein P. 2009).

                When it comes to selecting a contractor, there are a few things you should do to be well informed and prepared. First, you need to do your research (Taylor C. 2008). You can use word of mouth from people you know or do research on the web to look up any reviews or complaints.  If and when you decide on a contractor, make sure you have a contract well written and make sure it leaves nothing out (Taylor C. 2008).  Verify that the contractor has all necessary licenses and insurances. Last but not least, be prepared and expect the unexpected. Expect the cost to come in at 25% over-budget at a minimum. Other things such as weather or delays in shipment can take your renovation off schedule (Taylor C. 2008).

Another item you would need to consider and remember when thinking about renovation is how much really needs to be done versus what is acceptable. According to my research spending no more than 25% to 30% of your home’s value is a rule of thumb (Taylor C. 2008). You should keep with the style and scale of other homes in the neighborhood.  To come up with a reasonable renovation budget, you need to figure out how much equity you have in your home (Taylor C. 2008). If you have been living there long enough to build up significant equity, you’ll have more leeway. However, if you have only been in your home a couple years and taken 90% or 100% financing, you won’t have enough equity to work with and will more than likely have to scale back your renovations (Taylor C. 2008).

Since the cabinets in the kitchen have been painted and had new hardware installed, I love walking into my bright clean looking room. Before the renovation, there was always a shadow and a lot of low light in that room. If I had people over, we ate in the living room, now I have a room that I would be proud to have people gather in.  Since the cabinets were painted I also had a new hood put in above the stove and it looks amazing and it has added a great look to the room as well as additional lighting.

I never needed to hire a contractor. Fortunately, I always knew and trusted someone to be able to do the work. I originally had carpet in the den, noted in my previous blog. The carpet was pulled up and adhesive linoleum was put down. It cost me about $350 for the floor, but the room is everything I wanted it to be. The linoleum was fairly simple to put down and so far has been durable against moving furniture and my puppy’s feet. Something as simple as a ceiling fan, a new light or even hardware on cabinets, add value and make your home more appealing.

Articles Cited:

Esswein P. (2009, November). Home renovations for $1,000.00 or less. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Retrieved October 12th, 2011 from the Academic Search Complete Database.

Taylor C. (2008, June). Profitable renovations. Black Enterprise. Retrieved October 12th, 2011 from the Academic Search Complete Database.

Should I make any renovations or should I leave it the way it was when I bought the house?



Before

 

Primed



Painted and new floor

           When it comes to purchasing a home, you should look at what it could be. A house is full possibilities specific to each individual. You must decide though if the changes you want to make will benefit you in some way and the effect the changes will have on the value of the home. Once you decide what if any renovations you want to make, the next step is to decide if you are going to do the renovations yourself or call a professional.

After I purchased my home, I watched DIY Network and HGTV like nobody’s business. Sometimes they hired a contractor or sometimes they did it themselves, hence the name. I never thought twice about doing the renovations in my house myself, or with the help of friends and family.

You would be extremely lucky to find a house that was exactly what you wanted. Sometimes a change of color or a bigger space is needed or desired. I completely changed a room that had been added on to the house. What the initial owner had the room listed as was of no use to me. The house already has three bedrooms and it’s just me there. I would have no use for four bedrooms. So I changed the addition or fourth bedroom into a den. The color scheme I chose is personal and went along with my idea for the room. I am fairly certain if I were to sell or rent the house the colors would for sure need to be something more neutral. Below you will find what is suggested be done and why.

Renovations can increase the comfort level and practicality of a home (GR, 2011). Also, it increases the chances of being sold if you were planning to move. My research warns against anything too outrageous or dramatic as in trends, because it could very soon be outdated (GR, 2011). The most important rooms in a home are the kitchen and bathroom. Open space in a home is important (GR, 2011). Below are a few other simple things you can do to make your home more practical or appealing to a buyer.

Further research indicates that natural light is important and well worth the investment (Add, 2011). A skylight is one way to do this. Turning two rooms into one is another way of making practical use of space; a kitchen and dining area for example (Add, 2011). If you chose to hire a contractor, you may want to consider moving out of the home as the renovations can be loud and messy or if your electricity or water needs to be turned off (Add, 2011). All of these things should be thought of prior to making any arrangements for renovations (Add, 2011).

After being a home owner for two years now, I feel the information provided above give a prospective buyer a good idea of what to look at and how to look at a home. I wish I had done a little more research to know exactly how much work and effort goes into making even a tiny renovation to a home; instead of thinking it would all be so easy. I will say I am very lucky to have people in my life who know a thing or two when it comes to renovating houses. I would never have had the money to invest otherwise.

                References

Add value with renovations (2011, July). Add value with renovations. Press, The. Retrieved October 5^th, 2011 from the Newspaper Source Plus Database.

This article lists steps and thoughts you should have before making arrangements for contractors to come in and start any renovations and lists easy and small renovations to improve the comfort and practicality of your home.

References

GR. (2011, May). Renovation 19. Newcastle Herald, The (includes the Central Coast Herald). Retrieved October 5^th, 2011 from the Newspaper Source Plus Database.

This resource gives examples of renovations to increase the appeal of your home if you are planning to sell.