prbladminYou’ve probably heard the classic adage, “the kitchen sells the house.” This is because it’s usually the central part of the home where people congregate. In the long run, an average remodel will pay off more than a high-end remodel.
The cost will come down to the materials you use.
Quartz countertops are most desirable, followed by granite. When it comes to backsplashes, ceramic, and porcelain tile are preferred over glass, stone, and quartz.
If the floors need updating, hardwood is the preferred choice, however, tiles and engineered wood – such as laminate can give a similar look on a lower budget.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with kitchen remodels is not changing the layout. If it’s not functional as it is, consider what pros consider the ‘kitchen triangle.’ This is the sink, stove, and refrigerator. These areas see the greatest activity and require careful planning and unobstructed access.
You may need to hire a plumber to relocate the plumbing to accommodate the best placement for the sink. The sum of each leg of your work ‘triangle’ should not be less than 10 feet or greater than 25 feet.
Keep in mind, the latest kitchen trends and high-end equipment may not be the best choices. Be mindful that trendy colours and designs have a short half-life.
Taking on a big project like a kitchen if you have no experience will end up wasting time, money, and energy. Leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.
The average cost of a kitchen renovation is GYD $3-4 Million. Minor tweaks can start at $300,000 and major changes can go to $500,000 – $1,000,000 or more.
Here’s how to keep your kitchen remodel basic:
- If you’re only changing one thing, go for the countertops.
- Cabinets can be repainted or refaced.
- Update lighting for a more modern feel – it makes a big difference.
- Modern faucets can add appeal at a low cost.
Like kitchens, bathrooms can age fast. Bathrooms are the next most common thing to renovate after kitchens. Remodelling data shows that the average mid-range bathroom remodels costs just over $800,000 GYD and that an upscale remodel can run around $2,500,000 GYD or more. However, the average cost of a bathroom remodel is around $1,500,000 GYD.
Big walk-in showers with double or handheld showerheads are very desirable. Freestanding tubs are also a plus. Keep in mind, in some cases, it’s less expensive to add a new bath than to remodel your current one. New cabinets or vanity can give the room an instant facelift and increase your storage.
When it comes to flooring your options are plenty! Porcelain tile is preferred. However, for a more affordable fix, vinyl, and linoleum flooring have come a long way. Consider if fixtures need to be moved, new plumbing is one of the most expensive items when remodelling a bathroom, and it may not even add value!
Be sure to have a detailed remodelling plan so the remodel comes out as expected. Having to redo anything will cost you. Don’t hire a pro without a fixed budget. Discuss and put in writing a detailed agreement that specifies an itemized list of tasks and materials. Make sure to have a clear change in order policy as well.
The function should come before beauty. It’s easy to get carried away with design and forget about functionality.
- Make sure the materials you choose are highly durable and water-resistant. Simply adding a new coat of paint can liven up a boring room, and it won’t cost much.
- Updated light fixtures can bring a bathroom into modern times. There are tons of affordable options available. The same goes for faucets.
- Clean or update tile grout for a quick facelift. If the current grout is cracking, it can be replaced.
- Replace caulk and shower doors.
- Installing a new shower head is an easy and affordable update as well.
Creating a more open floor plan can be a big task but is one of the most common types of renovations and is desirable to buyers. In fact, according to the Homewyse site, you can recoup as much as 91% of the remodelling costs.
Changing the focal point of the main living space can make a huge difference. As mentioned before, new paint is a quick fix. Even installing an architectural detail can also update a boring place.
Window treatments can be costly, but good treatments and layout can pay for themselves over time by keeping your air conditioning bills down. A good layout allows for much of the natural airflow to cool your home.
Let’s get realistic, COVID has forced us to appreciate our homes and their entertainment features a bit more than usual. So now is a good time to really assess what you want from your outdoor space.
More potential buyers are also looking for outdoor spaces, so work with what you have. Outdoor kitchens can make a home very desirable, but again, if you won’t be using them it’s not worth installing brand-new.
If you have a pool, make sure it’s working properly and looks nice. New decking or pool resurfacing can provide an updated look. Wood decks have also been ranked among the top five projects that appeal to buyers and also add value to a home for resale. Check the structure of your existing deck before making changes. Adding a new coat of paint to an unstable foundation won’t pay off in the long run.
Other outdoor features to consider include exterior paint, having a seating area, updating old fences, and landscaping.
Have you given thought to replacing doors? A new front door is great for curb appeal and offers a high return on investment. Replacing old interior doors and closet doors can also give an instant lift to the overall feel of the home.
Ceilings can be overlooked by homeowners, but not buyers. The ceiling is the prime area to step up your space. Remove outdated tennis or popcorn ceilings.
It should be noted the trend of PVC ceilings in some over-the-top designs – remember to keep it simple as your tastes may not match that of potential buyers.
Consider adding some crown moulding for a more classy, simple yet ornate look. Sheet Rock also adds an affordable and neat finish but be sure to get fire retardant ones – this will be a great selling feature for your ceilings.
Unless you plan on staying in the home to enjoy the following renovations, you can skip unless they require major repair.
- Upgrading the garage door
- Installing hardwood floors
- Top of the line appliances
- Luxury items, such as heated floors, over-the-top waterfall faucets, and foreign tiles
- High maintenance landscaping
- Room additions
Tin-tile backsplash in the kitchen is a fairly easy project you can do yourself. Tin-tiles can brighten a space, come in a variety of finishes, and are easy to clean. Stick on Tiles are also an affordable option and they retail for about GYD 150 apiece but keep in mind that you’ll need to have smooth walls so that the adhesive holds to as much surface space as possible.
You can install hook racks and shelving to increase storage space.
A good first-time DIY plumbing project is to switch out faucets. New faucets have a lot more functionality and update the aesthetic.
Cabinet hardware is a great way to upgrade your look and are easy to install. Look for hardware that is the same size as current hardware. If you’re adding hardware where none exists, ask the hardware store where to find an installation guide template to ensure uniformity.
Painting is something most homeowners can do themselves, as well as changing out old light switch covers, installing roll-out cabinet shelves, and making closets more functional by installing additional shelving.
Once again, before starting any DIY project, do your research whether it be through Youtube videos or talking to your contractor.
We hope this information has you pumped to get your renovations started! Remember to check with your real estate agent for specific details on what’s popular in your area to avoid overspending. If the renovations are purely for your enjoyment, go with your heart’s desire (within your budget!).
Renovations can be fun, just make sure to plan for the unexpected, because I can almost guarantee there will be something.
Please contact us any time with any questions at info@demerararealty.com or via Whatsapp at +592-640-5555. Happy renovating!
