Thursday, July 9th, 2015
A Plumber Is Your Partner In Boosting Home Resale Value
Conventional wisdom suggests that bath and kitchen improvements are a de facto goldmine when looking to add resale value to one’s home. But if your situation changes unexpectedly, and a complete bath/kitchen makeover is beyond your means, a good plumber can help with budget-friendly improvements that will impress a potential buyer. Below are a few tips:
Bathroom
Things You Can Do
Put a fresh coat of good paint on the bathroom. Visit the big box home improvement store and purchase their top-of-the-line paint. It’s about $40/gallon and most bathrooms only require about 1/2 gallon. Good paint goes on smoothly, doesn’t show brush marks, and is durable – it scrubs without coming off the wall. Install a new shower head – fairly straightforward; unscrew the old one and screw on the new on. Video tutorial (runtime: 1:44): https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fiv4Zq9v4co
Things the Plumber Can Do
• Install a new lavatory and/or faucet.
• Install a new/replacement toilet.
Savings Tip: Purchase your own fixtures and hire a plumber (such as Allied Reddi-Rooter) to install them.
Kitchen
Things You Can Do
De-grease and clean everything. This is an all- weekend job. Kitchens are notorious for collecting greasy dust on top of fridges, cabinets, and exhaust areas. When you think it’s clean, look again from a different angle: sit on the kitchen floor and prepare to be horrified at the grime, drips, and chunky stuff on and under lower cabinets. After that, stand on a ladder and look down on the cabinets from above. Repeat the “upper deck” cleaning process. Paint, if needed. Tip: Use the leftover bathroom paint. Color continuity from room-to-room is a good thing.
Things the Plumber Can Do
• Install/re-route a gas line, enabling you to replace a costly electric stove with a more efficient gas model.
• Replace a worn kitchen sink with a shiny new modern version.
• Attach/repair ice maker lines.
Laundry Area
Things You Can Do
This is a hot button area for busy moms. A laundry area needn’t be large, but it must be easy-to-use, thoughtful, and organized. Ensure there is enough counter and storage space for cleaning supplies, detergents, baskets and clothes waiting to be put away. Good lighting is a must – consider replacing dated lighting with newer versions. If your home doesn’t have a formal laundry “room”, ensure the area is clean and tidy.
Things the Plumber Can Do
• Re-arrange plumbing so the washer and dryer are side-by-side.
• Ensure that floor drains are in good working order.
• Install a conventional sink instead of a basic laundry sink.
Ergonomic Tip: Give consideration to the direction your dryer opens, so you aren’t lifting wet laundry over the dryer door when placing it into the dryer. If the dryer door hinge is on the right side, place the dryer to the right of the washer. If the dryer door hinge is on the left, place the dryer to the left of the washer.
Garage
Things You Can Do
Organization Rules the Day. Whether your garage is detached or attached, make sure it’s uncluttered enough to hold at least one car. If possible, put a fresh coat of paint on the floor and protect the paint job from parked-car-fluid-leaks (use a clean tarp or large piece of cardboard). A potential buyer will appreciate that you take care to protect the floor. For those who are handy and have a suitable garage layout, consider framing in a bathroom area. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional. A garage bathroom is a great way to keep yard dirt out of the house.
Things the Plumber Can Do
• Ensure that floor drains are in good working order.
• Install a toilet and a lavatory (for major bonus points with male buyers, especially on a detached garage…a.k.a. man cave).
Water You Waiting For? If you are planning to move soon and would like to get your house sale-ready with the least possible expense, Allied Reddi-Rooter can help. Call Ray today for estimates on your improvement needs. His team is enthusiastic, professional and can advise you on the best approach to meet your needs. Coupons apply. Call or Contact Ray today (513) 396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.