by Karyn Brodsky

Summer’s here and the time is right…for making home improvements! With more hours of daylight, summer is the perfect time to tackle all of your remodeling projects. Be sure to focus on those that you can enjoy now and those, which will boost the resale value of your home when you’re ready to sell.

We asked a panel of experts for their recommendations of the top three fixes they feel will give you the most bang for your buck. Here’s what they had to say:

Front Door

What’s the first thing someone notices when they show up on your doorstep? The front door is the gateway to your home; if it’s in poor condition, it makes a bad first impression. Realtor Donna Leibow of The Leibow Team at Keller Williams Central in Richardson stresses, “curb appeal is the most important factor that draws attention to a house.” That includes the landscape and the home’s exterior.

Rosa Velasco-Klinghoffer, owner of San Miguel Ironworks in Dallas agrees. She says that a wrought iron door can add curb appeal, beauty and value to your property. “The amazing thing is when we replace the door, it’s an immediate update,” says Velasco-Klinghoffer. “People can get a lot more for their home; it’s a great investment.” She adds that metal doors are ideal for aesthetics and functionality. “Metal doors are pre-hung with their own jamb, so they don’t shift, warp or expand with settling of the house or weather.” They are also energy efficient, and the glass panels can be opened without opening the door, so air can flow while maintaining security.

Kitchen and Bathroom Updates

For a measurable return on your investment, update the kitchen and master bathroom. “People want an updated kitchen and master bath,” Leibow says. “It can definitely increase the value of your home.” However, she warns that this can be a double-edged sword and advises that if you plan to sell sooner than later, do not install anything extreme because the new owner’s tastes may not match yours.

When updating a kitchen or bath, consider more than just aesthetics; look for energy-saving appliances and fixtures. An energy-efficient home will save you money now and is a valuable and marketable asset in the future. (hgtv.com)

 Flooring

Want to pump up what your home is worth? Just look down…at the floor! Leibow says updating floors is another home improvement with a payback. New floors can give your home a fresh, new look. “Replace flooring in all areas that could possible get wet with hard surfaces, such as tile, stone, wood or vinyl plank,” says Steven Pidgeon, CEO of Star Floors in Dallas. “That means the kitchen, bath, laundry and entryway.” Pidgeon notes the latest trend is luxury vinyl tiles and luxury vinyl planks that have the look of tile and wood, yet are durable, cleanable and waterproof. “They’re very realistic; the industry has really gotten good at this.”

Pidgeon also recommends eliminating any evidence of the prior owner’s habits or experiences. For instance, remove carpeting that holds cigarette smoke or pet odors, as well as that which shows a foot traffic pattern. Replace with a neutral color for the best resale potential.

Whatever improvements you choose to make, remember they can not only make an impact on your home’s resale value, but also offer you immediate gratification and enjoyment.

Resources:  

The Leibow Team, theleibowteam.com, 972.897.7638

San Miguel Ironworks, sanmiguelironworks.com, 800.725.4610

Star Floors, starfloors.com, 972.503.7827

Make Your Home a Showplace

“Homes are defined by their details – furniture, color, layout – but art is what really makes the homeowner’s space unique and vibrant,” says Karen Shannon of K.Shannon Interiors.

Finding just the right pieces can be challenging, but the search is half the fun.   We found a hidden gem in far North Dallas that could make your search easier.  Artists’ Showplace offers an extraordinary collection of fine art by local, national and international artists in an airy 12,000 square foot showroom.

“Art is a reflection of who we are and what we love, and it can transport you to a time or place that is filled with great memories,” says Shannon.  “Enjoy the search and the creative process of transforming your home piece by piece.”

Editor’s Note:  Artists’ Showplace offers classes for budding artists as well.  Check their website for class information, special events and shows. theartistsshowplace.com