| So you're looking to build your home's equity and | | | | 5. Updated Hardware: If you can't go for the gusto and |
| you're wondering what will be the best way to go | | | | re-do an entire kitchen or bathroom, replacing old, |
| about recouping renovation investments and | | | | dated hardware is a good start. Stainless steel is a |
| maximizing your home's sale price. Look no further, | | | | very popular choice, and goes well with many styles |
| here are the top ten upgrades that can promote your | | | | and colors of cupboards. |
| house to a top dollar sale. | | | | 6. Curb Appeal: Don't leave this important aspect of |
| 1. Paint: A fresh coat of paint and ideally in the neutral | | | | your property unattended to. This is what will draw |
| color palate, can do wonders to enliven a space. Think | | | | folks into your home. At the very least have your lawn |
| about how color can tie in your entire home design. | | | | as green as can be, clipped and tidy. Your garden |
| Think about using one one color of paint, or painting | | | | should be free of dead or decaying growth and should |
| within the same family of neutral colors. | | | | ideally have some annuals planted for a burst of |
| 2. Flooring: Hard wood flooring has garnered a very | | | | eye-popping color. |
| general popularity that doesn't seem to be going away | | | | 7. Screening: This means privacy. Installing a fence that |
| and it is a great way to go, especially in dining rooms, | | | | creates a screen and some privacy from neighboring |
| living rooms, bedrooms and even bathrooms. A less | | | | properties definitely adds value to your home. Likewise |
| expensive alternative is laminate. There are many | | | | adding a deck can be a great use of yard space by |
| laminate products on the market to choose from that | | | | extending living space into the outdoors. |
| offer a great look and for a small price. | | | | 8. Main Bathroom: Although many older homes have a |
| 3. Lighting: Go ahead and replace dated fixtures with | | | | bathroom on the second floor, a current day essential |
| new ones - maybe even consider making a statement | | | | is a small bathroom on the main floor.( toilet, sink and |
| with a fixture. The dining room fixture is one that you | | | | mirror) See what you can do about converting a main |
| can be creative with. Find a beautiful chandelier or | | | | floor closet into a small washroom. |
| something funky and modern. These touches go a | | | | 9. The Ensuite: More and more, a full-service spa like |
| long way to light up your home. Also, upgrade switch | | | | bathroom off the master bedroom is a real draw for |
| plates and electrical outlet covers with the latest | | | | buyers. Think jet tubs, heated tile flooring, granite, |
| versions and install dimmer switches in the main rooms. | | | | marble, plush white towels, and great storage features. |
| Energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs are all the | | | | 10. New Kitchen: Last but certainly not least is the |
| rage. | | | | renovated kitchen. The most preferred features |
| 4. Entrance: Make your entrance bright, clean and | | | | include stone countertops, stainless-steel appliances, |
| sleek. Clear away all excesses and hang a nice light | | | | ceramic sinks, and an over-all neutral to earth toned |
| fixture. For accents you might consider a long bench, | | | | color scheme. |
| or demi-lune table. | | | | |