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The 10 Best Remodeling Projects For 2022

Written By:  Holli McCray

The 10 Best Remodeling Projects for 2022

Earlier this month, the National Association of Realtors released a study called the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report.  It’s a compilation of surveys completed in 2021 from various consumers and home remodelers all over the country.  The focus of the report was to take a deep dive into the reasons homeowners remodel their homes, and the overall happiness that is achieved once a project is completed.  

From the report… 

“While most consumers (83 percent) cite they would have remodeled regardless of the pandemic, 86 percent of consumers report remodeling one area of their home made them want to then remodel other areas of their home”

“When consumers remodel, it is to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials (30 percent); to add features and improve livability (20 percent), and because it is time for a change (16 percent). Most consumers are pleased with the overall result and 57 percent would tackle the project the same way, while 35 percent would make a few different choices such as finishes or materials. After remodeling, 84 percent of owners have a greater desire to be in their home. Sixtynine percent have increased enjoyment in their home. Fifty-seven percent feel happy, and 39 percent feel satisfied when they see their completed project, with a typical Joy Score of 9.6. Sixty-nine percent feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think of their completed project.”

Key highlights from the study…

  • Painting a home’s interior, adding a home office, installing hardwood flooring, and closet renovations all received a perfect “Joy Score” in the new NAR/NARI joint study.
  • Eighty-three percent of consumers say they would have remodeled homes, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The highest percentage cost recovered from a remodel job was from refinishing hardwood floors – 147%.

The 2022 study calculated a “Joy Score” for specific remodeling projects by having participants rank each project between 1 (least satisfying) and 10 (most satisfying).  

Here are the top 10 “Joy Score” projects…
  • Painting the entire interior of the home (Joy Score: 10)
  • Painting one interior room (10)
  • Adding a new home office (10)
  • Hardwood flooring refinish (10)
  • New wood flooring (10)
  • Closet renovation (10)
  • Insulation upgrade (10)
  • Attic conversion to living area (10)
  • Complete kitchen renovation (9.8)
  • Kitchen upgrade (9.8)

The study also compiled how well homeowners were able to recoup their costs from various renovation projects. 

Here are the top 10 “Cost Recovery” projects…
  • Hardwood flooring refinish (147 percent cost recovery)
  • New wood flooring (118 percent)
  • Insulation upgrade (100 percent)
  • Basement conversion to living area (86 percent)
  • Closet renovation (83 percent)
  • Attic conversion to living area (75 percent)
  • Complete kitchen renovation (75 percent)
  • Bathroom renovation (71 percent)
  • Kitchen upgrade (67 percent)
  • Add a new bathroom (63 percent)

If you’re thinking about making updates to your home, this report is an excellent tool to help you decide which projects you should pursue.  We’re also available to provide staging and remodeling advice that makes sense for today’s real estate market.  Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Posted in: Home Design Trends, Home Improvement, Home Selling Tips Tagged: home design ideas 2022, home remodeling, home remodeling ideas, home renovation ideas

Home Design Trends For 2022

Written By: Chris Ladd

Spring is right around the corner, and as we begin to thaw out from the winter, many of us start thinking about creative ways to update our homes.  Below are a few design trends we’re seeing that we recommend if you’re looking to improve your living environment or get your house ready to put on the market…

 

Biophilic Design

Biophilic Design…

connects inhabitants with nature.  They incorporate plants and nature into a homeowner’s everyday space.  They can reduce stress, enhance creativity and expedite healing. Not only do biophilic designs emphasize natural elements, such as natural lighting, but they also focus on creating a healthy and productive space.  Recent studies showed biophilic designs have positive effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being. 

 

 

 

Curved Furniture

Curved Furniture…

has a way of softening a room, letting you take a break from décor that has hard edges and angles, like built-in shelving, coffee tables, and fireplaces.  Curved lines are a fantastic way of breaking up the straight lines of your home as well as adding softness to the space.  Curves act as artwork and a great conversation starter whenever you have guests visiting your home.  They are meant to be seen and to make a statement as soon as you enter the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainable HomesA Sustainable Home…

is one that reduces the overall impact on our environment.  This includes updates that are energy-efficient, avoiding environmental toxins, and using materials in a responsible fashion while having a positive physical and psychological impact on the inhabitants.  Renting furniture or shopping second-hand for home products and décor is a fantastic way to practice being sustainable and can also save you a lot of money.  Facebook Marketplace is our favorite platform for finding quality second-hand furniture and products. 

Opting for eco-friendly construction, such as environmentally friendly flooring is another great sustainability option.  Purchasing these construction materials locally saves time and reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing the distance they need to be shipped.  

Installing solar panels on your property is not only the gold standard for sustainability, they can greatly reduce your monthly utility costs.  While many strides are being made to make solar panels more affordable, they are still pretty expensive and cost-prohibitive for most.  Check with your local utility company to see if they offer any incentives or credits for installing solar at your home.  

Recent studies show that 85% of consumers have gone greener in recent years.  By doing so with your home, it will absolutely help it stand out when it comes time to sell it.  More and more homebuyers are searching specifically for greener homes…

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Furniture…

is becoming more popular as a way to spend more time entertaining guests outdoors, and creating true extensions of our home’s interior.  The recent pandemic has made homeowners and renters reconsider the importance of their outdoor space.  Whether it be a giant garden or small balcony, now enjoy more time outdoors and make the most of what they have.  Homeowners are looking to extend their spaces and have more spacious areas to relax and take in some fresh air.  Natural fabrics and colors are becoming more common.  Colors sage green, cashmere, and cream are particularly popular for outdoor living areas.  

 

 

Dark KitchensDark Kitchens…

are making a comeback!  Interior designers we work with are using more black floors, black marble countertops, black appliances, and shiny black cabinets in their kitchen designs.  A dark kitchen design provides a unique and elegant look, especially with gold or brass accents. 

 

 

 

70's Home Decor70’s Home Décor…

is making a comeback but with a modern twist.  Instead of the bright orange color, we are focusing more on warm earthy tones.  Bold colors, curvy shapes, velvet, and rattan furniture are coming back in 2022 but better than before.  Expect to see lots of retro furniture, warm hues, and leather accents along with geometric patterns.  Decorating with items from decades ago can make your home feel unexpectedly edgy and fun.  Bringing in older furniture is a sure way to add depth and visual intrigue that your home may be lacking. 

 

WallpaperWallpaper…

is a trend that started a few years ago but has been growing and is expected to be huge in 2022!  Tropical and botanical prints are leading this trend for wallpaper designs.  Dramatic graphics, huge wall murals, florals, and archival designs are also popular.  Not only will these design types capture the attention of guests, but they will also provide a unique feel for any room.  Wallpaper is an affordable way to really make a space your own and allow your home’s interior to stand out.  

What’s more, many of today’s wallpaper products are now peel-and-stick as opposed to the old school days of having to use messy wallpaper paste.  This also makes things MUCH easier to take down as well.  

Natural Textures

Natural Textures…

brings something cozy and inviting throughout your home.  Dried flowers and grasses remain widely popular decorative accessories.  Faux or fresh plants blur the boundaries between outdoor and indoor living.  In 2022, we expect to see an increased usage of natural materials – ranging from décor to furniture.  Calm, nature-inspired colors especially in more communal spaces like the living area.  Natural shapes, greenery, and raw materials are all elements that really help ground the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If updating the interior design of your home seems completely foreign and intimidating, we’re here to help!  Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to provide staging and design advice…

Posted in: Home Design Trends, Home Improvement Tagged: home design ideas, home updates, how to sell my home, interior design ideas, interior design trends, kitchen design trends, sustainable homes

YouTube Videos To Inspire Your Home Renovation Project

Written By:  Holli McCray

7 YouTube Videos For Your Home Renovation Project

Be it an older home that needs some upgrades or a newer place that’s missing that special feel, home renovations can turn a drab domicile into a fabulous new abode. Strategic home renovations can add value to the home for future resale while giving the owners the dream home they’ve always wanted.  They can also provide a living environment you can’t wait to come home to!

Unfortunately, the glut of home remodeling TV shows and programming don’t typically capture the full amount of effort needed to get the results you’re wanting.  They’re made for entertainment purposes and not as a resource to help you complete home renovation projects.  And while we recommend hiring professional help when taking on projects that you’re not familiar with, these YouTubers provide some great ideas and inspiration to get more out of your home.

Check out our list below, and be sure to watch the videos for home renovation ideas…

Homemade Home

What to look for:  How a lost cause home can be brought back up to snuff.

Tiny homes have become exponentially more popular over the past few years.  But as this particular YouTube video shows, not all tiny homes look like the ones you see in online lists or demos of such properties. Please keep in mind that the renovations in this video aren’t recommended for beginners (unless you’ve at least got some professional help in your back pocket!)

Watch:  https://youtu.be/zBCbbXlVOhs

House of Valentina

What to look for:  How to address older features and make them current.

This YouTuber wanted to show viewers how the insides of an older home can be made over with the most contemporary tastes in mind. The real lesson in this video is that underneath a home’s dated looks, there’s likely a solid foundation and unique features worth saving.

Watch:  https://youtu.be/ooTvWuVxTTE

Alexandra Gater

What to look for:  How to work within tight confines and non-ideal conditions without having to gut the whole space.

Can one get more space out of their home? They can with some careful planning and clever tricks. Those tricks might include tossing out the original purpose of certain rooms, and playing to a home’s natural strengths. That’s kind of the great thing about this particular YouTube video, is that it shows how that can be done without overcomplicating things.

Watch:  https://youtu.be/wxz37DF5DzU

Austin Flipsters

Great for:  Showing viewers how to make the updates that they’re dreading.

Another YouTube channel that shows what a master renovator can do. The videos on this channel are made by seasoned pros and offer some great process shots and education on how they’ve pulled off their latest reno. The videos from the “Austin Flipsters” are also incredibly eye-catching and recommendable for people who are even slightly interested in how the remodeling process might work.

Watch:  https://youtu.be/6Lj54C0KPck

William McNeil

What to look for:  How one should preserve classic styles in homes.

The aesthetic of some homes just shouldn’t be messed with. And for those homes that got it right the first time, this YouTube video figures out the right marriage between great, older places and the need for a fresh dwelling.

Watch:  https://youtu.be/JkASmC1ZVss

Kaylah Stroup

What to look for:  How to update older, bigger homes.

When purchasing a home renovation project, some buyers will go for the older, bigger homes that they long to repair to their former glory. This video provides commentary on what to do when one discovers a home’s features or how a buyer may properly honor the history of a bought home.

Watch:  https://youtu.be/1fbxyseWWjQ

BeeNeh Builds

What to look for:  How to get the most with the least.

Even at a great price, homebuyers may regret certain parts of their purchase.  What matters is that they keep the right perspective by staying focused on the home’s overall potential.  This video shows a housing nightmare, and how a novice home buyer might be able to turn a bad situation into a great one.

Watch:  https://youtu.be/lQBc2UtpUco

 

Now, Go Get Started!

With some effort, research, and some great ideas, anyone can make the upgrades they want to their home.  Starting with a sound home improvement plan is the first step toward achieving the results that you want. Once that plan is in place, take a steady approach to avoid getting overwhelmed. Tackle one project at a time… 

If you’re in the market for a fixer-upper or need to get in touch with some Knoxville-area contractors to help start your renovation project, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Posted in: Home Improvement Tagged: DIY home projects, DIY videos, home improvement ideas, home improvement videos, home renovation ideas, home renovation videos, home update videos, how do i update my home

3 Smart Home Improvement Projects

Written By:  Holli McCray

3 SMART WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME

Most people take on home improvement projects for 2 reasons…  The first is to improve their living situation.  This can be something as simple as painting a few walls to as extensive as adding on an addition to accommodate more living or working space.  The other motivation behind most home improvement projects is to improve the resale value of one’s home.  A smart investment in updating and remodeling a home can yield thousands in additional profit at the closing table.

That said, it’s important to make sure that the improvements you’re making to your home fit the current trends buyers are looking for when purchasing a home.  New home improvement trends occur every few years…  Knowing these trends cannot only create a wonderful space for you to enjoy but can also put your home at the top of buyers’ lists when it comes time to sell.

 

Finish and Remodel The Basement

Livable basement space is in high demand these days.  A space for the kids to play away from the adults, a quiet place for a home office, or a dark spot to watch a family movie are all high on many homebuyers’ “wish lists”.  When finishing/remodeling your basement, the added value, and benefit typically outweigh the costs to complete.  Before you get started, make sure that your basement is encapsulated and/or sealed before adding any drywall to avoid any moisture buildup that could result in mold growth. 

Other things to consider are replacing the electric wiring and ensuring that it is up to date. Adding a light neutral paint color can bring a bright and spacious feel. Use light fixtures that match the rest of the home.  Designer carpet squares, stained concrete, and engineered hardwood are all in demand right now and can offer a high-end elegant look for your basement.

Basement remodel projects can take months to complete, but it adds an unbeatable resale value and provides countless options for enjoyment inside your home.

Update and Maintain Your HVAC

HVAC is your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system.  When done correctly, it keeps your home’s interior temperature at an efficient and accurate level.  It will also keep from paying unnecessary utility costs to properly heat and cool the home.  When it comes to selling your home, a new and/or properly maintained HVAC system will provide reassurance to the buyer that they won’t be inheriting any expensive issues when they move in.  The problem is that most people don’t check on these issues, and it causes the HVAC system to deteriorate faster and not work properly.  That said, if you have a system that is more than ten years old, we highly recommend upgrading your HVAC to a new more efficient system.

When it comes to your home’s ductwork, having it cleaned routinely can not only improve the longevity of your system, you will also have cleaner air running through your home.  For those who have allergies, this should absolutely be part of your home maintenance plan. 

If you do decide to install a new system, choose one with a high energy-efficient rating, confirm it’s the right size, and add a heat pump.  If you choose a unit that is too tiny, it will have to work harder to reach the right temperature, which will reduce the life of the unit and cause frustration when your home isn’t remaining at the desired temperature.  Additionally, units that are too large will cause you to have higher utility costs that are not necessary.

From a resale standpoint, homebuyers may not notice a new cabinet, but they will notice an old HVAC system, and it can cost you top-dollar. While being a more expensive project, installing a new HVAC system generally adds substantial value to a home.

Proper Insulation

Insulation is a crucial component for every house. Adding the proper insulation remains one of the best and easiest home improvement projects that homeowners should complete to add value and quality to their home.  Though the costs of proper insulation have risen recently, it will save you loads of money in reduced energy costs.  In a single year, you can save hundreds of dollars in utility expenses!

There are many different areas of a house to insulate properly though the most common are the basement, exterior doors, and attic. Pay close attention to the R-value of your insulation. The R-value is how much your insulation will resist heat flow.  The higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation.  Foam insulation is also recommended, especially in attics because it is very energy efficient and is water-resistant if you happen to have any moisture in the attic.  For those who have stone and mortar walls (particularly in the basement), polyurethane foam is best on these types of surfaces.  

When you go to sell your home, make sure to mention that you have energy-efficient insulation installed in the marketing.  This will not only make your home more appealing to homebuyers but will also help them justify paying a higher price.   

 

If you need help completing any home improvement projects, don’t hesitate to contact us.  Over the years, we have vetted dozens of contractors, so we can recommend a reliable company to work with. 

And if you need some guidance on what home improvement projects make sense for your home in today’s market, we’re happy to help!  We can provide some ideas that will improve your home’s resale value even if you aren’t planning to sell right now.

Posted in: Home Improvement Tagged: home improvement ideas, home remodel ideas, home selling tips, home update ideas, how to sell my home, selling my home knoxville

Gardening For Home & Lifestyle

Gardening for Home & Lifestyle
Gardening for Home & Lifestyle

Written By:  Holli McCray

Spring has sprung in Knoxville, which means it time to get out those gloves, trowels, rakes, and wheelbarrows!  Getting outside and planting a garden is a fantastic way to get away from all the struggle and negativity in the world right now.  If you’re like me and don’t have much of a “green thumb”, we provided some tips and ideas below on how to get started…

Deciding which type of garden you want to grow depends on the lifestyle you want to live. Some gardens require daily work, whereas others can be quite low maintenance. Regardless of the garden you choose, proper preparation is the key to success.

Essential Tools

​Before jumping into your Spring gardening routine, you’ll want to stock up on a few tools of the trade. While gardening can be a wonderful hobby, it can quickly turn into a painful experience without the right pair of gloves. Look for gloves that fit well, are water-resistant, and breathable. You’ll also want to pick up a hand trowel which is perfect for transplanting plants and flowers or taking out those pesky weeds. If you have large trees in your yard, you know how handy a rake can be for whisking away leaves and debris.

For moving around soil, compost, or anything heavy, a wheelbarrow is worth the investment. And let’s not forget your watering can—so many sizes, shapes, and styles to choose from, it will be hard to pick just one. According to Garden Design, there are 12 essential gardening tools you’ll want to keep in your shed year-round.

Gardening like a Native

​April is our traditional planting season here in Knoxville, and we are strong advocates for going native. Using native plants in landscaping is not a new concept. Native plants tend to thrive in their natural environment. They work well with pollinators in the area, provide food or shelter to local wildlife, and bring biodiversity back to areas that need it. You may think Elderberries are only found at IKEA, but they are actually native to the Knoxville area. Not only do they have lovely white flowers, but their dark purple berries can also be made into jellies and wines. Plant this shrub in the shade and watch it thrive. Virginia Bluebells are not just for Virginians! This classic Midwest foliage features light pink bud clusters that open up into light blue trumpet-shaped flowers.

And if you’re butterfly fans like us, you can’t go wrong with Milkweed. While its name is less than desirable, these green leaves are the only leaves a Monarch caterpillar will eat. The brilliant orange flowers attract Monarch butterflies who deposit their eggs on the underside of the leaves. Pick and choose your favorite native plants at Stanley’s Greenhouse, an award-winning family-owned and operated greenhouse and garden center located right here in Knoxville.

Gardening Like a Chef

​Herbs have been used for centuries around the world. Herbalists treasure the healing qualities of certain flowers, leaves, and roots, whereas cooks love the unique flavors that herbs can add to their favorite dishes. An “herb” is considered any plant that is considered useful—but it’s not all about function, some gardeners have grown herbs simply because they are beautiful. Most herbs thrive in typical garden soil with good drainage. They can become stressed in a windy or exposed location, so planting herbs near your home or next to other buildings or walls can increase your chances for success. Basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, and sage can all be sown with a seed-starting tray and are considered easy to grow.

These herb gardening tips from  Better Homes & Gardens are sure to make beginning a breeze.

Gardening for the Future

Did you know the two biggest users of water in your home are toilets and landscaping? Now more than ever, being water-wise is not only smart for your wallet, it’s doing your part for the planet.

One of the easiest ways to lower your water usage is to collect rainwater. Rainwater is the best choice for your plants and can be collected in barrels or cisterns. Using your downspouts (aka rain gutters), a 1,000 square foot roof can yield 625 gallons of water from just one inch of rain. Installing a drip system and/or using a soaker hose can ensure that the water you do use is getting where you need it and not rolling down your sidewalk or driveway. Another great way to be water-wise is by making smart choices with your landscaping.

Using larger pavers or stepping stones can be strategically placed to reduce green space thoughtfully. In addition, using mulch on top of your soil can add interest to your landscape and cut back on unwanted weeds. Check out additional ways to be water-wise with these tips from The Spruce.

Gardening without a Green Thumb

Worried that your thumb isn’t quite green enough to pull off a Spring garden? Have no fear! Good Housekeeping has compiled a list of 30 gorgeous indoor plants that are almost impossible to kill. Having plants inside your home is not only beautiful to look at, but they also help purify the air you breathe. Some of our favorites include “Mother-in-law’s Tongue” which can go for a month without water, “Philodendrons” which prefer low light and need little water, “Ponytail Palms” which thrive in a sunny window, and “Aloe” which loves indirect light and a good soak every week or two.

Posted in: Home Improvement Tagged: gardening, gardening advice, home improvement ideas, how do i plant a garden, landscaping tips

6 Decorating Tips for Your Home in 2020

Written By: Holli McCray

Here’s to new living spaces in 2020!

6 Decorating Tips for 2020

It’s a new year, which means new opportunities to design and decorate your living space the way you want to live. Many people relish the idea of decorating, while others dread the very thought. Whether you’re the proud owner of a new home or looking to spruce up your forever home, you’ll want to avoid these common design mistakes.

Sentimental Décor

Everyone loves their grandma, but maybe not her outdated collection of figurines.  Not only is sentimental décor a pain to dust, it typically adds clutter to the room which can add unwanted stress to your life, so ditch the kitsch. According to organizing guru, KonMari, keep only the items that bring you joy.

Displaying Art

If you’re an art lover, you know, there’s no such thing as too much.  But practically speaking, too much art and/or family photos on display can crowd a room.  We believe in keeping family at the center of every home, so save your table space and opt for a gallery wall (or two). Displaying your favorite photos or artworks on a gallery wall instead allows you to switch them out whenever you’d like.  The experts at HGTV suggest organizing the rest of your photos in albums by decade or event and keep them nicely arranged on a bookshelf.

Dried Flower Arrangements

Years ago, dried flower arrangements used to be a lot more common. But if you ask a design expert like Nate Berkus, “how exactly do you clean them?” Instead of collecting dust and aggravating allergies, opt for house plants and fresh flowers.  Adding a little green can also clear toxins in the air and bring a space to life.

According to Rutgers, studies have shown that fresh flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods.  Study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers. Flowers also create intimate connections. Giving and receiving flowers creates positive contact between family and friends. (Hint: Remember this tip for Valentine’s Day!)

Matchy Matchy

Too much of a good thing, can be a bad thing. According to Young House Love, Ideally, you want a room to “coordinate” but not “match.” Rooms that coordinate have varied textures, prints, materials, and tones that work together and appear balanced and cohesive.  Rooms that look collected over time (and feature a variety of tones, textures, and materials) always look eons more stylish than rooms that look like they could have been purchased all at once from one store.

Dark Walls

If you’ve been on Pinterest lately, you know that dark walls are in. Kitchens, dining rooms, powder rooms, and more are enrobed in rich shades from gray to navy to black. You may even be tempted to paint an accent wall to change things up, but we’d like to caution you against going too dark. According to Country Living, deeper hues, while warm and cozy, can have the unwanted effect of making a room feel small or cave-like.  Dark colors can also heat up quickly in the sun—and that sunlight can cause fast fading.  Plus, they’re pretty unforgiving when it comes to imperfections (meaning you’re going to see every lap mark and drywall chip) which can be difficult to touch up or paint over if you eventually decide you want to lighten up again.

Outdated Kitchen

Don’t let your rooms feel dated by hanging onto dated (or even worse, damaged) cabinet hardware. Make small changes like switching the hardware on your kitchen or bath cabinets for a big impact.  Kitchen cabinet hardware affects the look and feel of not just your kitchen cabinets, but the entire room. The shape of and finish on your pulls, knobs, and handles can put the final touch on your kitchen design.  The very same cabinet might have a vintage feel with porcelain knobs, or a contemporary look with brushed nickel pulls.  You can give your kitchen a very personalized treatment with something custom, like artistic glass knobs, or handworked metal in oil-rubbed bronze. Think of the hardware like jewelry for your cabinets. Let it speak for your style – be that contemporary, modern, vintage or traditional.  Check out some of Bob Villa’s favorite examples here.

The most important thing to remember about designing and decorating your home is to remain true to you.  Fads and trends may be hip, but you’re the one who’s going to have to live with it.  That said, we are always here to help you with decisions about updating your home and how it can affect its resale value.  Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us!

Posted in: Home Improvement Tagged: home decor, home design 2020, home design ideas, home improvement tips, home style 2020, interior design, real estate agents knoxville, realtors knoxville

4 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Ideas

Written By: Holli McCray | 5 Minute Read

Make these simple and affordable home improvements now to help boost the value and appeal of your home!

 

Even if you don’t plan to sell your home anytime soon, The Holli McCray Home Marketing Group always recommends staying current with home updates and improvements.  These 4 budget-friendly “DIY” home improvement ideas will not only boost the appearance and appeal of your home, but they can also help your home sell faster when it comes time to put it on the market.  Here are a few tips to get you started…

 

1. Add A Backsplash 

It’s incredible how much a new backsplash can change the look and feel of a kitchen. Many DIY backsplashes even have adhesive backings to make it easier than ever to add this upgrade to your kitchen. The Spruce has some helpful hacks to get you started! 

And backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens!  Consider adding a backsplash in the bathrooms to dress them up a bit. 4 inches is the standard height of a bathroom sink backsplash, but some may be much taller.  Adding a backsplash behind the bathroom sink is a simple way to add color, texture and more visual interest into a room that may otherwise be overlooked!  The Home Depot is here with some tips to make this bathroom backsplash project as easy as possible. 

 

2. Re-Caulk & Clean Grout In The Wet Areas 

DO NOT overlook the potentially grimy caulk and grout around your home even if it seems like a daunting task to refresh it.  It’s not that difficult!  You might be accustomed to what it looks like, but it may be a turnoff to those who visit your home.  Start by cleaning the grout and then add straight, clean lines of caulk around the tub and sink.  This task does require some elbow grease, but it’s simple, affordable, and you’ll be amazed at what a big difference this can make to the overall look and feel of your home for just a few dollars. The Coupon Project tells you how to re-grout a shower for under $50.

 

3. Add Extra Outdoor Seating

Create an outdoor seating area by adding a table and chairs to your deck, patio, front porch, or fire pit area. This creates an illusion of more space and brings the eye to an area where future potential buyers can picture themselves entertaining family and friends.  Peruse Knoxville Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or a local consignment/thrift store before buying new furniture. You’d be surprised at how many budget-friendly furniture options are out there and they can make SUCH a big difference in your outdoor space.

 

4. Paint Trim & Baseboards

We came across this helpful article by DIY Decor Mom on painting the trim and baseboards around the home. This small project can make a HUGE difference in the look of your home, giving it the appearance of a lighter and brighter space.  If you aren’t sure which color to choose, we generally recommend using a bright white with most homes. 

The best part about this project?  All it takes is some time, a few rolls of painter’s tape and a gallon or two of semi-gloss paint!

 

If you’ve been working hard to update your Knoxville area home and are curious if now may be the right time sell hit, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Posted in: Home Improvement Tagged: boost the appeal of my home, home design ideas, home improvement ideas, home selling tips, home updates that add value, interior home updates, updating my home

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