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If you’re thinking about putting your home up for sale in the future, it can be difficult to know what you should update before selling to present it in the best possible light. Of course, we always recommend calling your trusted real estate agent to conduct a full evaluation of your home, but in the meantime, here are 13 items you shouldn’t think about updating if you’re planning on selling your home anytime soon. A new roof “While buyers like to see a new roof, it doesn’t necessarily add value to the home. Appraisers don’t place an additional value on the age of the roof and when we provide an analysis to our clients, we don’t add any monetary value as it is part of maintaining a home. “Kelly Cahill Cahill & Miller Group, Ft. Mill, South Carolina Landscaping “Don’t spend a lot of money on extensive landscaping. A little personal effort is usually enough to spruce up most homes and get them ready to go on the market. Spend some time outdoors and trim back overgrown shrubs, edge your driveway, walkways and natural areas, and add mulch or pine needles where needed. Finally, put in some beautiful seasonal flowers and a new doormat at the front door. First impressions are lasting, make them memorable for all the right reasons.” Cindy Hope, Matthews, North Carolina Formal Dining Rooms “If you have a formal dining room, I wouldn’t renovate it, I would just simplify it. I would remove the table and chairs if they are large and obtrusive so that buyers have a flexible room and can determine the best use for this room. Buyers today need office space(s) and they need playrooms or homeschooling rooms for the kids, so create a blank palette and let the buyer decide what they want the space to be.”Pam Matthews, Winston-Salem, North Carolina Kitchen splashback “Everyone knows that a renovated kitchen helps sell, but I don’t recommend anyone change the backsplash before selling. It’s a very personal touch in a kitchen and, along with the hardware, is like a piece of jewelry for an outfit. Don’t do that if you haven’t already and let the buyer decide what’s best for their own taste.” –Kelly Ramsay, Cashiers, NC Air conditioning “Buyers expect a properly functioning HVAC system, but just because it’s old doesn’t mean it needs replacing. You won’t recoup the replacement cost when you sell. Any concerns that arise at the time of sale can usually be resolved with a loan or home warranty”. Chris Carlin Lake Norman, North Carolina Kitchens or bathrooms “While kitchen and bathroom renovations can be expensive, they also have the potential to yield the greatest return on investment. However, if the kitchen and bathroom are functional and in good condition, it is often better to simply clean them up and make any necessary cosmetic repairs, rather than embark on a full-scale remodel.” Michael Jones Charlotte, North Carolina Wallpaper or special paint “One thing I’ve seen people do that I wouldn’t recommend is adding special paint or wallpaper to a home before selling it. It’s really essential to accentuate the home as a whole and keep things simple. The simpler and more straightforward the decor, as well as the paint, the better!” Additionally, “many sellers believe they need to repaint the entire interior of their home before listing it for sale, which can be very costly if you don’t have the time or talent to do it yourself. However, if you feel like you need a fresh coat of paint, stick to neutrals. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on bold or “trendy” colors that you think look great. A buyer may see this as another expensive or time-consuming renovation they’ll have to do, but a neutral color palette is a blank canvas for buyers to visualize their own style. Also, avoid repainting altogether by simply cleaning and removing any small or large scratches with a magic eraser and maybe some touch-ups of paint. If your paint colors are on the darker side, maybe opt for some additional lamps in the room for more lighting to brighten things up. The main thing is that you don’t want your home to look unkempt.”Melissa Shelar, Oak Ridge, North Carolina Personalized items “One of the main general rules is “Will the renovation have universal appeal? and will the change increase the purchase price by at least what you paid for it? If you’re thinking about selling your home, now is not the time to install custom wallpaper, steam showers, solar panels, or hot tubs and pools. If you want to make extravagant improvements to your home, keep in mind that custom luxury home improvements typically only recoup a fraction of the project costs.” Ellen Suther Charlotte, North Carolina “Know the difference between investing in a novel renovation and a utility one. Solar panels, for example, may require maintenance that a buyer may be put off by and that can hinder future renovations, such as a new roof or home additions. Consider investing in updating kitchen appliances, worn or damaged flooring, or painting or replacing the front door.” Tammy Steele Summerfield, North Carolina Accessories “Typically, buyers will look for, depending on price, stainless steel appliances. If the price of the home is in line with comparable properties that have upgrades that include stainless steel appliances, we will suggest upgrading the appliance selection. However, we almost never recommend clients go for luxury, ultra-high-end appliances unless the price of the home requires it. Many times, sellers believe that if they get the most expensive appliance upgrade, they will get a return on their investment; however, our approach is to maximize the return on investment, align the home with comparable properties, and not over-upgrade to the point that the seller loses money because they chose appliances that are too high-end.” Jeremy Ordan The Ordan Reider Group, Charlotte, North Carolina The main bathroom “A master bathroom renovation would be something that would be of interest to the new owner. It is a

Last updated on September 5, 2024 According to HOUZZ, these 6 trends are rapidly growing in popularity in the luxury home market. Organic modern spaces A neutral space, adorned with white or cream walls and natural elements, can best be described as “organic modern.” This simple decorating approach is captivating homeowners as the desire to create a serene living space increases in 2024. Dark and gloomy interiors Bold color combinations have been a major trend in 2024, and design experts don't see that trend going away anytime soon. Darker colors used to be reserved for smaller rooms like offices or studios, but now homeowners are opting to use these moody hues in main spaces. In a clear shift from the white walls that have dominated spaces for the past few years, it seems moody colors are here to stay. Wellness at home The home gym trend is only set to grow in 2024 as homeowners look to add an ever-growing list of wellness amenities to their homes. The latest in popularity are cold-water baths, indoor saunas, and home spas. Closely related to wellness, homeowners are also looking for more ways to let the sun shine into their homes by adding larger windows and skylights. Reading rooms More and more homeowners are interested in reading rooms. These cozy living areas can also be used as secondary living rooms or offices with space to store book collections. Leisure spaces It is becoming more common to create spaces for homeowners to relax and entertain at home. Spaces to relax and immerse themselves in music are increasing in demand, with homeowners looking for music rooms and rooms with space for grand pianos. As for recreational spaces within the home, bocce courts are popular, as are bowling alleys and game rooms. Japanese influence Japanese design embraces minimalism in interiors, natural elements, and harmonious living spaces. This popular decorating style has recently seen a resurgence in demand, with more and more homeowners seeking Japanese-style living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. Continue reading: 5 painting trends you should try Allen Tate is North Carolina’s largest real estate firm, with more than 70 offices and 1,800 real estate agents in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner in Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate brokerage in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title and escrow offices and 15,000 sales associates and staff in 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com. Visited 95 times, 94 visit(s) today

Last updated on August 21, 2024 Painting your front door with a colorful coat of paint is a fun weekend DIY project and an easy way to modernize your curb appeal. Bring your home's personality to the front porch so your guests feel at home before they even step inside. Go green Green offers subtle hints of spring and foliage and is the color of good luck. Green is the perfect color to experiment with, both neutral and vibrant shades. A pale, muted green creates a refined look, while a vibrant green is more cheerful and bold. Try Benjamin Moore's Bunker Hill Green. Cheerful yellow Whether you opt for a pale cream shade or a more vibrant and bright hue, yellow is the best way to make a bright first impression. Add a bit of honey charm with SW 6903 Cheerful. Sealing wax If you're looking for a bolder shade of red, opt for a deep red, like tulips, which is sure to be the cherry on top of your porch. Try Benjamin Moore Caliente. Bold black Black is a classic and timeless choice for an entry door. Try Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams. Beautiful blue You can't go wrong with a beautiful blue door. For a similar look, try Smoky Azurite by Sherwin Williams. Timeless grey If you want a timeless color for your front door, but want something other than black, why not try charcoal gray? Try Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray. Continue reading: All about the paint color trends of 2024 Visited 8,641 times, 24 visits today

Last updated on August 15, 2024 Back-to-school season doesn't have to be chaotic! With a little preparation, you can set the stage for a smooth transition into the new school year. Use these tips to help you prepare your home for back-to-school: Studies show that we tend to be more productive and less stressed when our work has its own space. This improves our concentration and helps us maintain a routine. So, separate work from leisure! Give your children their own space to study and do their homework. Home offices are fantastic, but if you have limited space, designate a corner of the bedroom, living room, or kitchen with a desk and chair. Fill the area with essential supplies like pens, pencils, and other stationery. Adding a laptop stand and a place to organize charging cords can improve the functionality of the space. You can even use chalkboard paint on the wall for your kids to write and erase notes and math problems. Clean the refrigerator and pantry. Make room for pre-made school lunches and after-school snacks! Create a small grab-and-go section in your fridge or pantry for busy mornings. Leave room for healthy, pre-made meals to ensure your kids have nutritious options on hand. You can even add a whiteboard to the fridge to jot down notes for your grocery list or lunch and dinner schedule. Organize school supplies and backpacks Avoid chaotic mornings by organizing school supplies and backpacks ahead of time. Utilize the hallway with labeled bins and designated spots for school supplies, such as backpacks and extracurricular activity equipment/materials that could easily be forgotten. You can install backpack hooks by the door to have bags ready to grab on the way out. Keeping everything organized by the door will reduce the risk of forgotten items! Organizing bedrooms and closets Does your child's room look like it's been through a tornado? Do you have clothes strewn across the floor and unread books piled up on the dresser? It's time to get their rooms in order. An effective way to decide what's worth keeping is to organize items into a “keep,” “donate,” or “throw away” system using different labeled bins. You can then organize the items into your “keep” pile and toss the rest. If your kids love to read, add a bookshelf and a pouf in a corner of the room to create a cozy reading nook. This will keep your readers happy and their books will be where they belong. Next, tackle your closet. Having your school uniforms or outfits on hand will make mornings much smoother. Get rid of clothes you no longer need to free up space in your closet. Sort clothes by type, season, or day of the week to make outfit selection quick and easy. Add a schedule It can be difficult to establish a back-to-school routine after a long summer of fun and games. If you have multiple kids going back to school, it's hard to remember who has what extracurricular activity on what day, what science fair project is due, and who's in charge of chores. Adding a dry-erase board to your refrigerator with a weekly or monthly schedule is beneficial to keep the whole family informed! Set up a charging station for devices Don't send your child to school with a dead laptop! It's important to have a designated area for charging school-related devices such as tablets, laptops, and phones. Organize cords to keep the area tidy, and make sure all devices are plugged in so they're ready for the school day. Add an achievement wall Let your kids know you're proud of them! Recognizing their accomplishments will boost their self-esteem and motivate them to keep doing well. Designate a space on the refrigerator, a corkboard, or better yet, an entire wall to display your kids' accomplishments. You can hang awards, stellar school projects, and artwork to make your kids feel confident! Pencils, pens, markers, and glue sticks are likely to run out or get lost as the school year progresses. Take care of that problem now by creating a shelf to replenish supplies! Designate a shelf in your home that holds a large supply of supplies for when your family needs them. You can add drawers to hold different colored construction paper and a rotating organizer for pencils, pens, and craft supplies. When that blue marker goes missing, you'll be set! A successful, stress-free school year starts at home. If you take the time to organize, declutter, and create functional spaces, you're setting your family up for success! Continue reading: 10 DIY ideas to update your home instantly Visited 115 times, 4 visits today

Last updated on August 8, 2024 Fortunately for buyers, there are more homes on the market now than there were a year ago. Compared to last summer, inventory is up 37.1%, but despite the increase in inventory, some buyers are still finding it difficult to find a home. While inventory is growing, it is still not where it needs to be to have a balanced market. In addition to inventory issues, one of the biggest problems in the housing market is the fact that first-time homebuyers and seniors looking to downsize are often competing for the same homes. The latest data from the National Association of Realtors shows us that first-time homebuyers are the largest buyer segment in the market today, making up 32% of the homebuyer population. If you’ve been looking at homes for a while and are tired of being outbid, here are 5 tactics you can employ to get your next offer accepted. Keep a wish list While you’re unlikely to find a home that ticks all of your boxes, keeping a wish list and notes about each home you visit will help you objectively know when you’ve found the right one. As you continue your search, keep track of each home’s listing and sales price, which will help you spot any trends. Familiarize yourself with the Recent Comps Understanding comps, or comparable sales, is an important part of the puzzle when it comes to offering the right amount. Even before you’re ready to make an offer, when you’re still early in your home search, it’s a good idea to look at past comps within the last 6 – 9 months for neighborhoods you’re interested in. You can do your homework and look at homes that have sold recently, studying various factors that influence the sales price, such as square footage, how up to date the home is, recent upgrades or additions, location, curb appeal, and more. Having a solid idea of ​​how much to offer to win the bid starts with having a solid understanding of the comparisons in an area. Think beyond the price It’s time to get creative and think beyond price when making an offer in today’s real estate market. A good real estate agent will help you determine what’s important to the seller so you can carefully craft a more competitive offer. You may need to be more flexible to make this work in your favor. For example, you can win the deal by offering a competitive price and adding amenities for the seller. An example would be accommodating the seller’s future plans by offering an ideal closing date. Beyond the closing date, lean on your real estate agent for the best due diligence and escrow strategy in your current local market when crafting your offer. Start with your best offer first In the old days of home buying, many buyers expected a negotiation process, and while there will still be some negotiation, it’s not exactly like it was in the past. You should submit your best and highest offer first. In the current market, well-priced homes sell quickly and receive multiple offers, with low offers unlikely to be considered. Find a real estate agent with connections, experience and serious negotiation skills. Don’t let this real estate market discourage you when looking for an experienced real estate agent with strong community connections and serious negotiation skills. A tip: Don’t give up on inspections In an attempt to get their offer accepted, a growing trend among buyers has been to forgo home inspections. We recommend that you do not forgo home inspections, as they are not worth the risk in the long run. Remember that a home inspection protects you (the buyer) as a qualified inspector reviews key areas that are crucial to a safe and efficient home. Visited 670 times, 21 visit(s) today

Last updated on August 1, 2024 A move-in ready home is highly desirable and tops most buyers' wish lists. However, if your home needs a lot of TLC, you may be wondering what your options are when it comes time to sell. Should you offer discounts on your home or invest time, energy, and/or money into updating certain spaces before listing it for sale? In today's post, we'll examine your options, taking into account the conditions of the real estate market right now. The homes on the market today fall into one of two groups Right now, there are two groups in terms of homes that are on the market. In the first group, we have houses with fair prices and in good or excellent condition. These houses sell in an average of 10 days. In the second group, there are homes that are not priced fairly and are not in good condition, and these homes sit on the market for 60 to 70 days and often sell after one or two price reductions. Are sellers offering concessions for homes that aren't move-in ready? In reality, we don't see many concessions for cosmetic improvements. Our real estate agents advise clients to price homes correctly from the start, meaning that the price reflects the state of the work needed. We are seeing more concessions being made on closing costs than recently, but that is generally to cover necessary repairs to a home. Does it make sense to improve my home before putting it up for sale? Our agents get this question very often and unfortunately there is no clear answer. Generally, the houses that are in the best condition are the ones that sell for much more than the asking price. However, the types of updates or repairs are different for every home, and the best thing you can do is contact your real estate agent many months before you plan to list your home to start a conversation about how to maximize the value of your home. Our agents offer a Physical startwhere you will be given a rough estimate of the value of your home in relation to the current market, as well as recommendations for repairs or improvements that will give you a return when you sell it. For example, many homeowners are surprised to discover that a large-scale kitchen or bathroom remodel doesn't make sense in terms of recouping their money years from now when they sell. Minor improvements to the kitchen or bathroom often pay off better than investing a lot of money in those areas. Exterior improvements are also always a good idea and often pay for themselves when the house is sold. It's never a bad idea to replace an old entry or garage door. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule in terms of what you should or shouldn't upgrade, and these vary by area and even by neighborhood, so you should always contact a real estate agent who specializes in your general area first. Keepp reading: 14 items you shouldn't renovate before selling Visited 742 times, 35 visits today

Last updated on July 30, 2024 Any pet owner knows that their furry friends are like family. Your pets want to enjoy the outdoors just as much as you do. Creating a pet-friendly outdoor space ensures a safe environment for your pets to roam and play. And, as an added benefit, improved outdoor spaces can increase the market value of your home when it comes time to sell. So, whether you’re looking to update, renovate or just improve, here’s how to make your outdoor space pet-friendly: Build a fence Build a fence to protect your precious pet and prevent it from wandering away from your home. It will give you peace of mind as your pets run and play freely! Arrange a pet-friendly layout To prevent your furry friend from jumping on furniture and knocking things over, create clear paths for them to move around your outdoor area. Choose durable furniture and materials Your pet may love to lounge on your furniture. Choose furniture that will stand up to wear and tear, such as weather-resistant wicker or solid wood. Add cushions designed for pet comfort—perfect for lounging and napping! Create a designated bathroom area Avoid accidents! Designate a place for them to do their business with gravel, a small patch of grass or easy-to-clean synthetic turf. Keep it in an area away from the path you walk on! Plant green plants that are safe for pets Choose plants that are attractive to look at and safe to consume, in case your pet decides to nibble on them. Pet-safe plants such as baby tears, Boston ferns, and catnip are best. Be wary of plants that attract birds and other wildlife – they can either entertain your pet or drive it crazy. Designate play areas Include spaces for physical activity and mental stimulation. Cats may enjoy a fenced-in “cat room” with places to climb, posts to stretch on, and places to hide. Dogs, on the other hand, may love sandboxes to dig in and puzzle toys to play with. Add a pool or hydration station For water-loving pets, set up a kiddie pool where they can cool off and splash around. Also, set up a place where your pet has easy access to drinking water, whether it’s a water bowl or a pet-friendly fountain. Staying hydrated is critical to their health and well-being! Ensure access to shaded areas Make sure your space has shaded, easily accessible areas to protect your pets from the summer heat. Use umbrellas or create natural shelters with trees and bushes. Making your backyard pet-friendly will definitely bring more joy to your pet’s life. A thoughtfully designed outdoor space will also impress potential buyers when you’re ready to sell, especially those who have furry friends of their own! Visited 263 times, 258 visit(s) today

Nothing says “summer is here” more than a sparkling, crystal-clear pool. And nothing says “yuck!” more than a stained pool filled with cloudy water and floating debris. We're here with ten tips to keep your pool from becoming a problem. Join us as we dive into pool maintenance tips that any homeowner can tackle with confidence! Tip the scales in your favor That white stain you see on the sides of your pool? It's called calcium scale, and it's a sign that your pool's calcium and pH levels are out of whack. Prevention is your best friend when it comes to scale, so be sure to test your water chemistry regularly (more on that in Tip #3). If you already have scale problems, the first step in fixing the problem is to determine whether calcium carbonate or calcium silicate is the culprit. Place a few drops of muriatic acid on the deposit (be sure to follow safety precautions whenever working with acids). Calcium carbonate will react with the acid to form foam, while calcium silicate will not react. To treat calcium carbonate stains on concrete pools, first loosen the deposit with a calcium descaling spray, then scrub away the lime with a pumice stone. Keep the area wet the entire time you're scrubbing to prevent scratching. To remove calcium carbonate deposits on a vinyl pool, use a descaling gel. If the lime is calcium silicate and you have a concrete or tile pool, use a good dose of elbow grease and a pumice stone to remove it. If your vinyl pool has visible calcium silicate deposits, professional treatment is required. Once you have removed any visible deposits, test your water to ensure that the treatment has not upset the chemical balance, and test periodically to prevent future calcium scale formation. Vacuum regularly What do swimming pools and living rooms have in common? Both are ideal places to host a party and both need to be vacuumed regularly. Vacuum your pool once a week, using the same strategy you use for your living room: Work in a straight-line grid, slightly overlapping your previous route to ensure you cover the entire area. And just like in our living rooms, people who invest in robot vacuums swear by them! Put your water to the test It's essential to regularly check the chemical levels in your pool water, as improper levels can lead to cloudy water, skin and eye irritation, and bacteria growth. The good news is that you don't have to be a chemist to keep track of things. You just need to have good testing kits on hand and perform a test at least once a week during peak season and every month or two during off-season. The three main levels to consider are pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer. A pool with properly balanced levels is clear, odorless, and leaves almost no residue on your skin. Consult your pool professional about the best schedule for shock treating your pool. Pump, pump Circulating your pool water is an essential part of pool maintenance and will help you avoid problems that cause headaches down the road. Experts recommend running your pump at least eight to twelve hours a day, and it's okay to split the run time into several chunks throughout the day. Investing in a pump timer helps simplify this important step of pool maintenance. Take your vitamins Vitamin C, specifically… it turns out that vitamin C tablets can remove unsightly pool stains caused by metals in the water. For small stains, rubbing a vitamin C tablet back and forth may be enough. Larger stains can be treated by spraying ascorbic acid evenly over the surface of the water (one-half pound per 10,000 gallons of pool water). Turn the filter on to circulate for 30 minutes and repeat this process until the stain is gone. Bonus tip: To prevent metal stains, first test the water source, such as your hose, for metals. If metals are coming from the water source, add a filter to the source so they don't end up in the pool. Experts also recommend checking pool pipes for rust and maintaining pH levels in pool water, as low pH levels cause water to be acidic and corrosive. Scratch the surface Cleaning the pool surface every day will catch floating debris before it ends up on the bottom of the pool, where it can get stuck and make the water dirty (plus it will be harder to find and clean). Cleaning the surface regularly also increases the efficiency of the pool's circulation system, saving you money in the long run. Bonus tip: To make the net even sturdier, line it with a pair of old socks. This fabric will catch fine debris and dirt that would otherwise filter through the net. Oil and water don't mix This is probably our favorite tip because it couldn't be easier or cheaper. Drop an old tennis ball into your pool and the wool and vinyl fibers of the ball will absorb the oil from suntan lotion, hair products, and skin. Preventing this oil from building up will help achieve that summery glow we associate with clean pools. Simply replace the tennis ball when it starts to show signs of wear. Save on scrubbing Brushing pool surfaces regularly is a must, as it helps minimize calcium deposits and algae growth. Be sure to get a professional recommendation on the best brush to use on your specific pool surfaces. Don't forget corners, ladder hardware, and lights. While there are many expensive pool cleaning solutions and substances on the market, you can save money by using a paste of baking soda and water. Another level to check We've talked about the importance of monitoring chemical levels regularly. It's also important to monitor the actual water level. Rain, evaporation, and overuse can all affect the water level. Having too much or too little water can seriously damage the skimmer. What's the perfect level? The water line should be

Last updated on July 20, 2024 Buying a home can be overwhelming and often times buyers can get caught up in the emotional aspect of the process and spend a lot of time worrying about how the home makes them feel. While we believe that the right home should speak to the buyer on an emotional level, it's also smart to think about things from a practical perspective, so you don't end up with a major case of buyer's remorse. So, since kitchens are often spaces where homeowners spend a lot of their time, buyers need that space to be functional for their needs and preferences. If you're looking for a home, here are four elements we think you shouldn't overlook in a kitchen. Illogical arrangement The kitchen is the most expensive room in the house to renovate; in fact, the latest Cost vs. Value report shows that homeowners can expect to spend $155,000 on a major kitchen remodel. If you're not planning a major kitchen remodel, it's very important that your kitchen layout is functional for the use you'd be putting the space to. Think about the work triangle in the kitchen in relation to how you tend to operate while cooking or entertaining. Typically, you want the sink, stove, and refrigerator to be close to each other. Another element to think about is countertop workspace. Unless you're planning a major renovation, buying a home with a kitchen that doesn't have adequate countertop space for your needs will leave you with regrets. Lack of entertainment space If you like to entertain a lot of people, make sure the home you're considering has enough space and the right flow to accommodate a crowd without any issues. When it comes to renovations, adding square footage or changing the configuration of a room is often quite costly. Not enough storage Ample storage space is highly coveted, especially in a kitchen. Adding additional storage space is not impossible if the space in your home allows for it, but it will cost quite a bit. Cabinets are the most expensive items in the kitchen, so it is preferable to have enough storage space at the beginning. Appliances too small For those of us who cook most of the time, appliances that are too small to be functional should be a deal breaker. A kitchen with a four-burner stove may be too inadequate for someone who cooks for a large family most nights. Likewise, a counter-depth refrigerator may be too confining for a larger family. Want more cooking content? Find out which type of kitchen renovation generates the highest return when selling. Visited 1,317 times, 12 visits today

Last updated on July 12, 2024 A mid-range bathroom remodel, which costs homeowners an average of $24,000 and allows for 70% of the money to be recouped at closing, is a project with a pretty good rate of return. Compared to a high-end bathroom renovation, where you can expect to spend nearly $72,000 and recoup only 42% when you sell your home, investing in a more modest bathroom remodel makes more financial sense if you plan to sell your home in the next 3 to 5 years. Are you interested in a bathroom remodel that fits your budget? Here are the most cost-effective ways to update your space: Subway tile Subway style tiles have been a staple in kitchens and bathrooms for decades. Homeowners can't seem to get enough of the clean lines and classic look of subway style tiles. If you want to save money on your bathroom remodel, choose inexpensive subway style tiles for your walls and shower surround for a timeless look and a money-saving option. Using leftovers Instead of dismantling a still-functional vanity just because it has an outdated countertop, keep the existing cabinets and use scraps from a flagstone patio for the countertop. Project costs can quickly add up when you start changing your bathroom space. To make the most of your smaller budget, work within the confines of the existing space and use smart storage solutions to solve space issues. Don't be carried away by the personalized A custom-made vanity can easily go over your budget. Shop around at big box stores and look for online options to find a more affordable vanity that fits your space and save thousands of dollars. New doors and drawer fronts Another option to save money on an old cabinet that is in good condition is to simply replace the doors and drawer fronts and paint everything in a color that complements the hard finishes/decor in your bathroom. Maintain the garden tub Instead of removing the garden tub and opting for a sleek freestanding tub, consider keeping the garden tub and updating it. Remove the dated tiles surrounding the garden tub and choose a neutral stone that will stand the test of time. Find out more Inspiration for your home here. Visited 814 times, 815 visit(s) today