Renovating for Return
- March 27, 2015
- Slice of Style
Looking for improved resale value? This month’s Slice of Style is for you! Today we are talking about what rooms will give you the most bang for your buck when renovated. It’s fairly simple, actually.
Master Bathroom
The master bathroom is an oasis for most people, providing the only “alone time” one receives in a busy day. Installing a soaker tub or a large shower provides a spa-like feel that can appeal to all buyer types. Large format, light, travertine tiles are popular tiles for that spa feel. If top-of-the-line stone is outside your budget, Tile and Stone Source has a wide variety of builder grade travertine as well as porcelain and imitation travertine. We have something for every budget.
Don’t forget to bring some heat to those feet with heated floors! Heated floor is an inexpensive way to really put extra value in to the house. If you’re installing new tiles as part of your renovation, that is the best time to put in heated floors. It would be a shame for someone to move in and rip out your hard work to add in-floor heating. In-floor electrical heating really helps close the deal when selling, as everyone wants it once they have felt it.
Kitchen
The Kitchen is a no-brainer for an upgrade. Families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and therefore the average buyer wants improved size and quality finishes in the kitchen. Making the kitchen feel large and open is an important factor to consider when renovating, so get the sledge hammer ready and break down some walls (if you are not an expert, consult a knowledgeable contractor to ensure you do not do any structural damage to your house).
There are many ways to upgrade a kitchen on any type of budget. Small budget? Try simplifying the back splash and paint colour to a nice, clean, bright neutral. Large budget? Change out the counter tops to a premium marble, the back splash to something trendy and chic, the floors to large format tiles (24×48) and upgrade all the appliances.
Entrance
The front and back entrance should be done properly, as it’s the first thing the home buyer will see upon walking into your home. Make sure it’s uncluttered, the floor has good grip, hides dirt well and (if in a larger home) makes a statement.
You have many options when doing your entrances, but the most important is that it looks good and serves its purpose. If you have a garage entrance, is it set up like a mud room? If not, could it be? If you have a large foyer, does it have a intricate tile job? If not, is there something that can be done to draw the eye in?
Each house is different, but regardless, each house has the potential of making a statement on entering. Pretend you are a home buyer coming in to the house for the first time. Note down your “first impression” pros and cons and make a plan to cross out the cons.
Exterior
When looking at your house from the street, does it look like all the other houses on the street? Better? Worse? Well, first impressions are everything, so if it looks worse than your neighbours’ houses, then it’s time to get cracking. Mason stone or splitface is an easy way to increase your curb appeal. If you have a stucco exterior, all you would need is 4 feet of stone from the ground up, and a quick paint job to make a significant difference to the entire look of the house. Mason stone or splitface can be applied to columns, accent walls outdoor fireplaces or even a water feature! Also, keep in mind landscaping improvements. Trim up any existing shrubs and trees so that your house can really be seen.
If you are going to put money into your home, you want to be able to get it back out. Stone tile can and will increase the value of your house, as it carries a timeless look that is appreciated by everyone.
Please stop by Tile and Stone Source and speak to any one of our talented sales associates for answers to your questions and great deals! Mention this add and receive 5% off you next tile order!