Tag: curb appeal

5 tips with some “Lagniappe” on remodeling your gutted home.

After the great flood in 2016 people in Ascension Parish and all of the Greater Baton Rouge area are finding themselves in a unique situation. Because of the flood, everyone who was affected will be doing some kind of “forced” remodeling. This can be a daunting task since every room will need some kind of attention. Some in the affected areas won’t be able to afford to hire a contractor, thus turning them into weekend home project warriors. A savvy home owner will want to upgrade certain rooms to help maintain or increase the value of their home. Many won’t know what items will be best to increase the value, so I’ve listed 5 key things to think about when you begin to tackle the remodel process (after you have new drywall hung and are ready to start on the bells and whistles of the home).

Make a budget for each room– Once you’ve gotten your money from the insurance company or lending institute you really need to budget for each room. It takes time to do but in the long run it will save you money. Make sure to budget for permits needed in your parish before starting. This is key for the future when you go to sell your home. Buyers will be asking for a copy of these permits and if you didn’t get them, they won’t be buying your home.

Make lists- I know this sounds obvious, but making a list for each room can help bring the stress down. Tape the list for each room on a wall in that room. Check items off as they get completed. This will elevate buying too many unnecessary things like paint brushes, molding and paint. Every penny counts now, since many didn’t have flood insurance.
Tackle one room at a time- The main rooms should be first – the kitchen, one bathroom and one bedroom. If time permits, I’d start with a bathroom. That’s my personal opinion, but for me, I can live in anything as long as I have a place to bathe and get ready for the day in peace.

Kitchens and Bathrooms- Now you’ve got your lists and supplies bought to make the home somewhat livable, but how do you decide what items and rooms to put the most money into. As anyone will tell you, put your money in kitchens and bathrooms. This always gets your more money in the future. Nice plumbing fixtures, tiled backslashes, stainless appliances, great overhead lighting always makes for money well spent. I would strongly recommend granite or stone like surface for countertops if the budget permits. If it isn’t in the budget there are lots of other countertops that look similar to stone. I’d go with this idea when deciding on a look for your surfaces. When approaching the bathroom, granite countertops will cost less than in the kitchen since the space is usually smaller. You still want go with good plumbing fixtures, and pick more modern style tile. Make sure lighting doesn’t come from the sides of the mirror – over-head lighting is best. Framed mirrors are a less expensive option than having a company hang one that is glued to the wall and really dresses up a bathroom. (Kirkland’s has them on sale often, and they are super reasonably priced)

Curb appeal-last thing you really want to think about is your yard right now but if you have the time I’d try to salvage as much grass as you can before weeds set in. These water logged yard took a beating and re-sodding is the last thing you would want to have to do. Meet up with the home and garden section at your local lawn and garden store, and speak to a representative there to discuss what you can put on your lawn to save what grass you have left and how to ward off weeds that may start growing.

I know many of you have a lot on your plate right now. No one wants to take on a whole home remodel right before the Holidays. Hopefully this simple list can help you focus where your money is best spent for re-sale. If you’d like some more tips please feel free to call me.
“Because YOU matter”

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