If you’re preparing to sell your home, you might feel overwhelmed with the work it needs before you put it on the market. Renovating to sell is not uncommon, and it can help your house move faster in a competitive market. Be cautious of DIY renovations before selling as often; they can deter buyers rather than attract them. Hiring a reputable and experienced general contractor to help get your home ready to sell can help you get a better return on investment.
Here are some projects that a general contractor in Calgary can help you tackle:
Kitchen Upgrades: Cabinets, Countertops and Flooring
Kitchens are one of the most important rooms when it comes to impressing potential buyers. As the social hub of many homes, buyers have lots of expectations when it comes to the kitchen. Sometimes a few simple upgrades can help, but in a competitive market, you might need a full renovation.
If you need a minor kitchen renovation, focus on the big three items: cabinets, countertops, and flooring. If your cabinets are still in good shape but dated, cabinet refinishing is a very cost-effective way to improve the look of the kitchen. For countertops, don’t bother with high-end materials unless it’s the norm in your specific real estate market. Sometimes solid surface or even laminate that mimics the look of natural stone will do the trick. For flooring, vinyl tiles are becoming more popular. They look great and are waterproof, and can be installed on top of your old linoleum. Do you plan to repaint? Then use neutral and light colours that appeal to the most considerable number of people.
For a minor facelift, a few simple upgrades can do the trick. Consider upgrading all the hardware. Modern knobs and pulls on your cabinets can spruce up the space. You can also install new light fixtures and a new faucet for the kitchen sink.
If you’re unsure about what should stay and what needs to go, talk to your general contractor. They’ll create a plan to turn your kitchen into a potential buyer’s dream space and handle hiring and managing the trades needed for the work. You can be sure that everything will get done professionally and quickly to avoid any delays in getting your house listed.
Increase the Living Space
You don’t have to invest in a massive home addition to increase the home’s living space. There are things you can do with space you already have that might be underutilized.
For larger budgets, developing an unfinished basement to include a living space and a bedroom can improve your home’s resale value and make it more attractive to buyers. Or, if you only have one bathroom, adding a second bathroom in the basement or off the master bedroom can make your home far more competitive. Most people want more than one bathroom in a house.
Other cost-friendly living spaces could include a deck addition or backyard patio. Any real estate agent will tell you how attractive a functional outdoor space is to buyers. A simple deck off the back door could help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
With years of experience doing smart home additions in Calgary, they’ll see what your home may be missing. Your real estate agent can also be a part of this discussion as they have firsthand experience with what sells and what doesn’t. They’ll even know what is worth the cost and what won’t recoup a good return on investment.
Consider a Window Replacement
An energy-efficient home is high up on the priority list of potential buyers. Window replacements may be a more costly remodel, but they are one of the first things a buyer will look for when investigating a home for sale. Depending on your specific market and how other homes are selling, it might be a wise choice for an upgrade. If all the other homes in your neighbourhood are selling with new windows, and yours is priced competitively with old ones, you might be miss out on offers from buyers.
Old windows are a significant culprit for heat and energy loss, which will drive up monthly bills. According to Canada Resources, Energy Star certified windows save an average of 45% on energy bills. Add energy-saving windows such as these to catch the buyer’s attention. There are a lot of options to consider, though, so use a window cost calculator to help breakdown your options. The right windows will also improve curb appeal, which will also help attract buyers.
A general contractor can help you, either directly or by pointing you towards a trusted window company to work with. You’ll have help choosing the right materials and window types, and ensure a professional installation. If you have a strict budget as well, they’ll suggest options that you can comfortably afford. That might mean replacing the larger windows and leaving the bedroom windows. Having part of the project complete might be enough for some buyers.
