Remodeling Your Bathroom: What You Should Know

by Jeffery Sowards

When considering which room in the home could use a facelift, many homeowners look at the bathroom first. After all, it’s a crucial part of your daily life — and it tends to become old-fashioned or uncomfortable sooner than in other rooms.

If you’d like to turn your bathroom into a luxuriously relaxing destination, it might be time for a remodel. Here’s what to keep in mind while planning and renovating your bathroom.

1. Bathroom remodels don’t have to break the bank.

Given the complexity of plumbing and the cost of tile and porcelain, many homeowners fear that a bathroom remodel would be out of their budget. However, you can still have a beautiful new bathroom with lower-cost materials.

Here are some remodels that can save you money while providing luxury:

First, consider refurbishing your existing cabinetry, countertops, etc., instead of fully replacing them. You’d be amazed by what a simple paint or buff job can do. Save your money for the fixtures that truly need a replacement!
Second, choose synthetic alternatives. One current trend is vinyl flooring that looks like real wood. It gives your bathroom an earthy, sophisticated feel.
You can also try laminate or quartz countertops for a luxurious aesthetic that costs only a fraction of the cost of real granite or marble.

When combined with the right light fixtures and paint colors, these faux materials give you a gorgeously modern bathroom at an affordable price.

2. Today’s bathrooms emphasize both form & function.

Maybe your bathroom feels stuffy or old-fashioned but you’re not sure why. It’s helpful to look at current bathroom remodeling trends to see the difference:

Modern bathrooms often . . .

Include walk-in showers and/or bathtubs rather than the standard two-in-one.
Have separate lighting fixtures for the sink, shower, bath, and vanity. The lighting is also customizable and not necessarily tied to the exhaust fan.
Value having ample countertop space and expansive under-the-sink cabinets with drawers that tuck the clutter away.
Have sleek tile, vinyl, or hardwood floors instead of hard-to-clean tile or linoleum.

Many bathroom remodels also include nature-inspired elements such as marble countertops, mosaic designs, and wooden frames for the mirror and windows. These touches can give your bathroom a rustic-chic appeal that is timelessly charming.

3. DIY remodeling can save you money.

Whether you want to save your money for major renovations or just want to try your hand at something new, try some DIY improvements! You can freshen up your bathroom’s look quickly with some of these simple upgrades:

Replace your hardware. Drawer handles, door handles, and towel rings are relatively simple and cheap to replace. These are easy to replace yourself, and they can make a big difference in your bathroom’s appeal!
Replace your faucet. Like hardware, faucets are relatively easy to install. A modern faucet immediately improves your bathroom’s functionality and beauty.
Touch-up your porcelain. You may not need to replace a dented or scratched bathtub. With a bit of porcelain repair paste, you can patch many nicks yourself.

If you’re up for the task, you can also swap out light fixtures, mirrors, and other elements. Save your cash for major upgrades and the cost of professional labor to adjust your plumbing, electrical lines, etc.

4. Code requirements have changed.

Many older bathrooms lack exhaust fans, GFCI outlets, and other safety features. Your remodel must include these elements for your safety. Below are some key safety upgrades to consider making.

Ensure that all outlets are on a dedicated 20-amp circuit with auto-trip protection. Because bathrooms have a high risk of electrical shock, adequate wiring and electrical health are vital to your safety.
Install or upgrade your exhaust fan to effectively remove moisture and prevent mold and mildew. (If you’re re-doing the walls, invest in moisture-resistant drywall.)
Always consult your local codes, especially when adjusting your bathroom’s wiring or plumbing.

And remember to leave room for necessary repairs and avoid removing anything that needs to stay in place. Such mistakes can be costly to fix.

Why bathroom remodeling is great!

A bathroom remodel is a rewarding project that can drastically improve your home’s comfort! With proper planning and an industrious approach, you can save thousands of dollars on a bathroom renovation. As with any home remodeling project, do your homework and be willing to do-it-yourself whenever feasible! That will allow you to save money for major upgrades that require professional labor. Happy bathroom remodeling!

Originally published on coldwellbankerelite.com

Buyers • First time home buyers • Home Improvement • May 5, 2022

Real Estate Upgrades Millennials are Passionate About

by Jeffery Sowards

Millennials make up the largest generation of homebuyers. So, it is crucial to figure out what they like when selling them a home. Knowing which upgrades are essential to millennials will help sellers maximize their return on investment and quickly sell the house. Let’s look at the trends in real estate that millennials care about today.

Energy Efficiency

Environmental and financial factors are hot topics for millennials. One reason might be related to education. Millennials have a better education than any other generation.

The curriculum in college covers climate change. According to PEW, around 39% of millennials ages 25 to 37 have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most college graduates without a competing political ideology have a greater chance of saying humans cause climate change. This tendency sheds some light on why the generation cares about energy efficiency.

Climate change isn’t the only thing that motivates millennials to desire energy efficiency. They care about saving money, too. Albeit more educated, they don’t make as much money as other generations. So, it makes sense they’d value any savings that may come from efficiency upgrades.

Home Battery

Battery technology has come a long way. Nowadays, home batteries can power an entire house. The average Virginia resident will lose power for at least 70 hours every year. Home batteries make excellent sources of backup power.

Home batteries can also supplement power to the house when grid power is more expensive. We can avoid peak billing rates by using battery power during costly hours. Recharging the battery when the rates are more affordable reduces the total cost of energy billed.

One of the best ways to offset grid power costs is to pair home batteries with a solar system. Charging batteries with solar power that we would otherwise waste during the day is a great way to maximize the return on your savings.

Solar

Nothing says energy efficiency quite like solar panels. Solar panels have become more affordable, and incentives can offset the installation price. For example, the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows for a 26% federal deduction on installation costs for homeowners. Longer-term investment properties may benefit more from this type of upgrade.

Solar panels on a rooftop add curb appeal when the time comes to sell the home. Buyers like clean and shiny solar panels. So make sure listing pictures represent any solar panels in a positive light.

home with solar panels on the roof for energy savings

Technology

Besides caring about energy efficiency, millennials are tech-savvy. This generation grew up with computers in their classrooms and was among the first explorers of the internet. Let’s look at some of the updates that resonate with this technology-focused generation.

Excellent Internet Connectivity

Today, nearly all millennials use the internet. The internet is the doorway to work, school, and entertainment.

They certainly don’t want their connection to drop during their next work meeting. In addition, this generation is less likely to get cable television. They’re more likely to watch content online and sign up for streaming services. Finally, remote instruction makes it easy to attend or teach classes from home.

The internet is increasingly important. The property value of homes without internet is lower due to lack of service. So, an excellent connection is paramount.

USB Sockets

Being tech-savvy usually means owning several devices.

When you own several devices, you have to have a way to charge them. While we don’t have to look far to find a USB wall adapter, they have a funny way of hogging an entire outlet. Buyers enjoy sockets with built-in USB charging functionality.

Gone are the days of finding the right power brick.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are some of the most popular smart devices on the market. These devices let us remotely adjust the temperature before we get home and after leaving. Shoppers will undoubtedly notice a smart thermostat. They’ll be even more intrigued when you tell them about the smart outlets.

Smart Outlets

We call them smart because we can connect with devices like phones and tablets. Like an upgraded The Clapper sound-activated switch, smart outlets make it easy to add regular appliances to your home’s network of smart devices. Turn the lights on or TV off from the convenience of your phone. We can even program smart home devices to respond to voice commands.

Home Office / Technology Room

A large percentage of the workforce wound up working from home in 2021. This trend found a lot of favor with millennials, as many continue to work from home in 2022. Therefore, any room dedicated to a home office is a potential profit center for the buyers who work from home.

Market the room as a technology center to buyers that don’t work from home. In addition to having a proper place for the computer desk, millennials appreciate having a multipurpose area with plenty of room for activities.

home roof replacement

Saving Money on Big Ticket Items

Sellers want to make the most out of any offer that comes through. While millennials don’t mind doing some work themselves, they will be concerned about big-ticket repairs. Big-ticket repairs usually take longer to complete. They can also be expensive.

Sellers usually only have a couple of weeks to complete the repairs required in offers. So waiting until the closing process to negotiate repairs like this could kill the sale.

Roof

The roof is one of the most critical items on the list. Buyers don’t want to spend money on the roof right after buying the house. Millennial buyers place a lot of value on new roofs. Sellers should ensure the roof is in appropriate condition. If you’re in a hurry to sell the home, you’ll want to begin looking at the roof right away.

Look for roofers who use software to provide customers with free estimates and timeline transparency tools that send them new roofing leads. Going with pros that use these tools will streamline the assessment and repair. We also save time finding them once we’ve decided to hire a pro through the corresponding app. Today, we can find a tradesperson with little effort. But, the repair process still takes time.

Efficient Heating

During frigid and snowy winters, efficient heating is a high priority. Gas furnaces with forced air are the most popular type of heating in homes. Service the furnace and ensure the ducts are clean. Saving money on utility bills is important to buyers.

Plumbing

This generation is willing to do some work themselves, but they save the most difficult tasks for the real professionals. When applicable, septic systems should be serviced and in working order. The buyers shouldn’t have to worry about significant leaks or old pipes.

The water heater is among the most crucial plumbing-related repairs that concern buyers. Energy-efficient water heaters, like electric water heater pumps, can be valuable additions in the eyes of homebuyers. Buyers are prone to buy if they’re not swamped with plumbing issues and other big-ticket repairs.

Electrical

While smart outlets can be a fun upgrade, some older homes may require a different approach.

Replacing old wiring requires the expertise of professionals. Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring is an early form of building wiring and was prevalent in homes from the 1880s to the 1940s. Unfortunately, upgrading old wiring can be rather costly. So while millennials might like old clothes and furniture, they’ll shy away from K&T wiring.

Even though they’re tech-savvy, many of them are not electricians. So we’ll need to address any outstanding electrical issues before marketing to millennials, or the thoughts of the repairs will turn them off.

In addition, we need to ensure the appliances are all working. Down payments generally consume the entire budget for buying a house. Buyers might pass if they’ll be replacing appliances right away. Devices with the ENERGY STAR certification are important to millennials. It may be worthwhile to buy ones that millennials will care about if we have to replace appliances.

Final Thoughts

This generation is more educated and has a deeper understanding of climate change. As a result, millennials feel a stronger sense of personal responsibility for making meaningful changes.

Millennials care the most about practical upgrades. They prefer to brag about their eco-friendly features more than the number of garage doors their homes have. So anything that saves them money in the long run and helps the environment is a win.

The tech-savvy nature of millennials leads to positive responses to fast internet, smart homes, and home offices. In addition, they tend to be more minimalistic. Instead, they favor doing easy projects themselves and hire pros for advanced repairs.

Millennials are happy as long as they have a working fridge, climate control, the internet, and a way to charge their phones.

Summary

There are three main themes to the upgrades millennials care about: technology, energy efficiency, and saving money. Whether they’re trying to save or improve the planet, solar panels and home batteries are desirable upgrades in the eyes of millennials. In addition, today’s shoppers require fast internet connections and know the value of a home office. USB outlets are the icing on the cake.

It is vital to remember that millennials buy homes in a world where they make less than other generations and homes cost more than before. Buyers spend their entire budget on the down payment. They don’t have much leftover for big-ticket repairs like roofs, heating, plumbing, or electrical. Sellers must address the most fundamental upgrades because millennials typically can’t afford to after they buy the house. Millennials appreciate upgrades that help the environment, save money, and make using technology more manageable.

Originally published on coldwellbankerelite.com

Home Improvement • Homeowners • May 5, 2022

How to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly in 2022

by Jeffery Sowards

In 2022, you can make a wide variety of choices in your household to help the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you make big or small changes, every eco-friendly decision you make plays an important role in the bigger picture of making our world more sustainable!

Below are seven ways you can make your home more eco-friendly this year:

1. Try Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs reduces the energy needed to light your home. On a nationwide scale, the switch to energy-efficient light bulbs could be extremely impactful. In fact, certain energy-inefficient light bulbs are slowly being phased out across the US! In addition to helping the environment, energy-efficient light bulbs can save you money on electric costs and eliminate your exposure to the toxic elements such as mercury found in standard light bulbs. Energy-efficient light bulbs can be found at most home improvement and hardware stores. Make the switch today!

2. Use Natural Cleaning Products

To make your home eco-friendly in 2022, try switching to all-natural cleaning products instead of conventional cleaning products. This may also benefit your family and any pets in your home. Regular cleaning brands can feature toxic chemicals that are potentially hazardous to your health when inhaled or touched to the skin.

In addition to this, natural cleaning products are less hazardous to our planet. Natural cleaning products do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment and cause water and air pollution.

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be expensive to use all-natural cleaning products! In fact, it’s easier than ever to make your own cleaning and disinfecting products with ingredients you already have at home! White vinegar and baking soda are staples in many natural, homemade cleaning products. Just be careful not to mix chemicals without knowing whether it is safe to do so first, sincesome ingredients that are harmless on their own become harmful when they are mixed together.

3. Add a Low-Flow Shower Head

Conserve water by adding a shower head that has a water limiter. Many shower head options are available to help you save energy and use less water! In addition to taking shorter showers, these shower heads can control your water usage and remind you to be eco-friendly without you having to think about it. You’ll still enjoy a great shower with an eco-friendly shower head!

4. Improve Your Home’s Insulation

A lack of proper home insulation can lead to higher energy usage for heating your home. Many places throughout the home need to be properly insulated. The most common insulation “leaks” areas are your walls, roof, and windows. When these areas aren’t well-insulated (often because they haven’t been updated in a long time), energy quite literally leaks out of your home! A well-insulated home will help you reduce your energy usage and save money in the long run!

5. Stop Buying Paper Towels

Many households use paper towels for everything, including regular cleaning and cleaning up spills and messes. Paper products, including paper towels, can take up to a month to decompose fully when they’re piled up in a landfill. One way to remove this extra waste from landfills is to use other reusable alternatives instead! Fabric washcloths and towels can be washed and reused again and again.

6. Hang Clothes to Dry

According to Inspire Energy, a standard household tumble dryer accounts for millions of CO2 usage in the US every year. Consider drying your clothes the old-fashioned way with a clothesline, at least from time to time! By air-drying your laundry, you’ll save on monthly energy costs while helping to reduce carbon emissions.

7. Rethink Your Window Coverings

Instead of covering the windows in your home with paper coverings, consider using eco-friendly curtains for the rooms in your home. Thick curtains can add a unique sense of style to a room while reducing waste. Thick curtains that block out light also help to conserve energy and keep rooms cooler throughout hot summers.

Eco-Friendly Home Decisions in 2022

Take the first basic steps with these seven basic ways to make your home eco-friendly in 2022. Many of these steps also have the added advantage of helping you save money too! Making small changes like upgrading to energy-efficient light bulbs can help you play a crucial role in creating a greener world.

Originally published on coldwellbankerelite.com

Pets • May 5, 2022

Pet-Proofing Your Home for Your New Best Friend

by Jeffery Sowards

In the spirit of National Pet Month, we’re exploring how you can make sure your home is safe for your new furry (or not so furry) best friend! Dogs and cats, as well as all kinds of other pets, are naturally curious and can get themselves into trouble or even danger if your home isn’t properly pet-proofed. Just like you would with a new baby, you should take the time to look at each area of your home with a critical eye to ensure that is safe for your pet.

Whether you are a new homeowner, a new pet parent, or both, you may be unsure of where to begin. We’ve outlined what to look for in each part of your home to simplify pet-proofing.

Yard

Your dog, and even maybe your cat, will spend a lot of time out in your new yard for exercise and fun. Having a fenced-in yard will keep many threats away like stray animals, but you’ll need to pay special attention to what is within that fence. Some additional safety measures you should take include:

Examining the plants in your yard and removing any poisonous ones,
Never leaving a pet unattended around a fire pit (when in use) or by an unfenced pool,
Schedule regular flea and tick control services,
Store any chemicals for lawn treatment in an enclosed shed or high up in your garage,
And keep your pets away from the yard while the lawn is being treated with fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals.

Garage/Basement

Often what you use in your yard (or use to maintain your yard) is stored in a garage or basement. Just like with your yard, there are harmful chemicals and other hazards that come with keeping your new yard in great condition. While your pet likely won’t wander into this space often, you’ll still want to take precautions. To keep your pet safe, be sure to:

Store any loose hardware in a jar with a lid,
Always store chemicals in a high, closed cabinet,
Check the floor of your garage for spilled chemical leaks,
And always check the car engine by banging on the hood before starting your car.

Kitchen

Beyond just being able to jump on counters, kitchens are full of hazards like trash cans, toxic food, and cleaning chemicals. When it comes to pet-proofing your kitchen, be sure to:

Keep cleaning products in a childproof locked cabinet,
Never leave food unattended and always put food in a covered container,
And only opt for garbage cans with a secured lid.

Bathroom/Laundry Room

At first glance, it may seem like the most trouble a pet could get into in a bathroom is just splashing water around, but often bathrooms (and laundry rooms) also contain cleaning products and harmful chemicals, medicine, and more. Even just drinking the water from a toilet bowl could be fatal to your dog. To ensure your pet is safe when they wander into your bathroom, you’ll want to:

Always keep medicine in a closed cabinet,
Close the toilet lid when not in use,
Ensure all bathroom cleaners, bleach, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners are in a childproof locked cabinet,
And always check the washer and dryer before starting a cycle (and always keep the washer and dryer doors closed when not in use).

Living Room

For most families, the living room is where you spend most of your time. You watch tv together, you relax together, and your children play with their toys there. Your pets are part of your family, so they participate in this regular family time. To make family time safe for all, you’ll want to:

Ensure any electric cords are tucked away and out of reach,
Always make sure that there is a protective screen in front of a fireplace if you have one,
Put away anything that could get knocked over if a pet were to jump or reach it,
Never leave a candle unattended,
Cover any heating and air vents,
Make sure your plants are not poisonous to dogs or cats,
And always put away your child’s toys after they are done playing.

Bedroom

Bedtime should be a time for unwinding. What can make bedtime not peaceful, is if your pet suddenly gets hurt. That’s why you’ll want to be sure that you:

Keep any wires out of reach,
Double-check your drawers and closet before closing,
Keep your laundry and shoes behind a closed door,
Store jewelry, hair products, medications, and lotions in a closed container or cabinet,
And if your bedroom is on the second floor, keep the window closed.

National pet month is a time to celebrate our furry friends that are a part of our family. Celebrate your pet by ensuring that your new home is safe for them.

If you’re on the market for a new home for your pet, or if you have questions about how to improve your home for your family, Peridot Properties can help.

Originally published on coldwellbankerelite.com

Homeowners • Seasons • March 30, 2022

9 DIY Projects Your Home Needs This Spring

by Jeffery Sowards

Bouquet of tender fresh flowers on the wooden table

As we approach spring, many of us look forward to blooming flowers, bright colors, and fresh air! Spring is a great time to start DIY projects around the home. Whether you’re looking for practical home improvements, or DIY projects for home décor, DIY projects are budget-friendly and fun.

Below are 9 fun and practical DIY projects to consider this spring:

1. Cabbage Centerpiece

This unique centerpiece is perfect for the spring season, tying in bright colors and flowers. Not only does this add a flash of color to your table, but it uses fresh cabbage! To learn how to make this cabbage centerpiece, click here.

2. Sunflower Wreath

Jazz up your front door for a warm welcome with a DIY wreath made of sunflowers. Wreaths are an easy beginner craft, and sunflowers are a perfectly cheery flower for spring!

3. DIY Napkin Rings

Hosting an Easter or spring gathering? Create your napkin rings to impress your guests. Not only do napkin rings make your table look beautiful, but they’re simple to create. Creating napkin rings yourself is easy! Use a paper towel cardboard as your basis for a ring, then jazz up with various materials.

4. Upcycled Chocolate Remote Tray

Have old chocolate boxes from Easter? Repurpose a chocolate box to create a DIY craft tray for your coffee table. With some paint and craft paper, you can use this box for a purpose. Not only will you have a spot to store your remote, but you can also use fun spring flowers and colors to brighten up your living room.

5. Colorful Furniture

Do you have an old or boring wood furniture item that needs some sprucing? A fresh coat of bright paint is an easy DIY project to add vibrant colors to any room, whether a dresser or shelf. Spring is the perfect time to do some painting!

6. Outside Curb Appeal

Spruce up your home’s curb appeal by planting some new flowers, just in time for spring. Not only do colorful and vibrant flowers give more life to your home, but enhancing your home’s curb appeal is a smart investment to increase the value of your home.

7. Replace a Torn Window Screen

Have a torn window screen in need of some work? Been putting it off? Spring is the perfect time to replace your window screen to make sure bugs and pests don’t enter your home all season.

8. Repurposed Dryer Ladder Rack

This DIY project is cute and functional. Using an old ladder, repurpose an old ladder with a fresh coat of paint for an attractive and functional area to dry your clothes.

9. Spray Bottle Wall Art

Tired of boring old walls? Add some color just in time for spring with spray bottle wall art. Using canvas, get creative with a random design, then allow the paint to drip down, creating an abstract work of art for your walls.

Give one of these fun DIY projects for your home a chance this spring!

Originally published on coldwellbankerelite.com