A Guide to Preparing Your House for Sale - A Contractor's Perspective

We've witnessed many homeowners wracked with anxiety over the daunting task of preparing their house to be sold. Of course, the aim is to get the highest price for the house in the least time. There are an abundance of resources that will help you figure out what to do first.

We've witnessed many homeowners wracked with anxiety over the daunting task of preparing their house to be sold. Of course, the aim is to get the highest price for the house in the least time. There are an abundance of resources that will help you figure out what to do first... Things like cleaning windows, planting flowers or baking cookies. But, what happens if the property still looks tired rough around the edges or just simply neglected. What can you do in blue world city Islamabad? What is more important, how much will it cost to get the property in the evidently a buyers' market? This guide is designed to guide you on what you should do and what your budget can allow.

The first and most important thing is to be honest and impartial. There are many people saying "the buyer will just fix it up their way anyway". This isn't going to work in this marketplace. Buyers are able to choose from various homes in your neighborhood and in your price level. The one that offers the lowest resistance is the one that is going to be the first to be bought. Simply because you like these faded shutters, it doesn't suggest that the person who purchases the next look will like them. Your most beloved colors of ryegrass and periwinkle aren't likely to be their top choice. The old foil wallpaper of the 70's is not going to excite even the most ardent retro fan. Changes must be made!

Where do we start? Let's focus on the inside first.

Beyond a shadow of doubt, all wallpapers should go! It's old-fashioned and out of style. Nobody wants that fixer upper at the price you're offering. Every single realtor we've met says this is the case. Believe it! How much will this go to cost? Much like everything else, it's dependent. How many layers of paper are hanging on the wall? Do you have paint between the layers? Be honest with the contractor when he is about to give you an estimate. This can result in a substantial price and time delay. Did the paper be professionally installed? Was the wall covered with sizing before the paper was hanging? If so, you'll have an easier job to do.

Back to the cost... An attorney will require you to sign up to the "time and materials" transaction to ensure his safety. If you're unable to answer the question about the number of layers. If the walls were cut to size and are only one layer of paper , you are probably going to spend about $350-$450 for each room. The cost should also include spackle and wall repair that may result from scraping the paste and paper residue off the walls.

The next step is to paint. The majority of realtors advise you to use a neutral non-controversial color. Off-whites and light shades will serve that purpose quite well. The one caution to consider when choosing the color is to make sure that it is a good contrast to the trim. This is especially important if you have the crown moulding, railings for chairs, or shadow boxes. They're made to be attractive architecturally, so make them stand out. As to the proper finish, once again make sure to keep an eye on the neutral. If there are a lot of flaws in your ceilings or walls, an eggshell coating will magnify the imperfections. A matte or flat finish will mask those imperfections to a great extent. Use the eggshell finish only for your bathroom and kitchen. Eggshells reflect light and creates a room that is more spacious and brighter. It's possible to spend between $300 and $500 for a room to paint.

The factors to consider are the extent of wall repair and the amount of coats that need to be applied. Cream or light tan colors do not cover medium-to dark colors in one coat. Any color change or change to the finish will require two coats. Don't put the primer and paint in the same can... It's an attempt to sell. You still will need two coats.

Do a thorough inspection of your kitchen. It may need replacing. Dark cabinets absorb light and results in dark, smaller rooms. That's not what's popular in the present. There are options for you. Cabinets are painted. Hardware can be replaced. Of course if you do decide to paint the cabinets they will lose the "wood look" will be diminished. The painting of cabinets is a four part procedure. The first step is to clean them. You'll be amazed at how much grease builds up on the cabinets, even in the room close to the cooktop. Once prepared then they must be primed. Then two coats of finishing paint must be applied. Make sure that the paint color matches with the appliances when selecting a colour. The cost of the project depends on the amount of drawers, doors as well as side panel. Count them and figure about 50 dollars each. The smaller ones can offset those with larger amounts to give an acceptable number. For instance, 24 doors, drawer fronts and side panels are likely to cost $1200. This doesn't include the ceiling, walls, or any other trim.

Another alternative to provide the appearance of a brand new kitchen is for your kitchen is to reface the cabinets. This involves replacing those doors or drawer fronts, the side panels and areas surrounding the doors and drawers. While definitely more costly than painting, this alternative offers the possibility of a completely new kitchen. The price will depend on the style of door selected as well as the stain and finish as well as the type of wood that you select. Refacing will likely cost anywhere from $5000 to $7000.

A new counter-top will bring a fresh look to your kitchen that is expensive in terms of recuperation at the time of sale. The cost of granite countertops has drastically dropped as more companies are selling this type of product. This should be shopped as it's definitely becoming competitive.

The next topic to consider would be bathrooms. A lot of the same ideas are applicable to kitchens as well as baths. Light, bright colors and an eggshell finish. The replacement of a dated vanity is always a smart idea. A new vanity complete with sinks and faucets can range from $250 to $400 to install, again in accordance with the style selected. If mildew exists, an exhaust fan is appropriate. The exhaust fan can be vented towards the ridge vent or to the eaves in the event that they are vented into the attic. The cost of this is about $150 plus the cost to install the vent. Fresh grouting is also a good idea.

The rest of the rooms require a hard look at the flooring. If the carpets are stretched and stained, or outdated and worn then several options are available. There are several inexpensive carpet alternatives for middle-grade. With a quality pad, and the old carpet removed, a brand new carpet could be put in for about $400 for a 12-by-16 foot. room. Flooring made of hardwood is an important factor when you offer an opportunity to sell a house. Also, there are affordable options available. Bamboo is the wood that is currently trending. That same 12x16 room can be made available for installation at an approximate price of $1500. If you already have hardwood flooring, and you need to finish it, that can be done at a cost of $2 to $2.50 /square foot. $400 +/- could cover the same space.


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