Tag: home projects

Thursday Three: 3 Things To Consider When Upgrading an Electrical System

If you fall in love with an older home, chances are you will need to update the electrical system at some point. Here are three things to keep in mind.

If you fall in love with an older home, chances are you will need to update the electrical system at some point.  Here are three things to keep in mind.

1.  Electrical needs have changed significantly since your home was built.  One hundred years ago and even fifty years ago, home just didn’t have the large number of electricity sucking appliances that we have now.  In order to run your home’s electrical system safely and efficiently the average home needs a 200-amp panel at minimum.

2.  Dedicate circuits.  Remember that devices that such a lot of electricity such as stoves, air conditioners, microwaves, and clothes dryers will need their own dedicated circuits.  It is okay for most lights and outlets to share a circuit.

3.  Protect yourself.  Be sure that any outlets and switches near water sources (including sinks, toilets, hose nozzles, etc.) need to be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.  A GFCI shuts off the circuit as soon as water is present.  This safety precaution can prevent shock and even death.  All of the outlets outdoors as well basements, garages, and bathrooms are also required to have this protection.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Preventing Tree Damage

Believe it or not, trees can add considerable value to your home. In fact a well placed tree could be contributing up to 10% of your property value. But whether your property has many trees or just a few, the concern that a major storm could send a branch crashing down onto your roof is a legitimate concern.

 

Believe it or not, trees can add considerable value to your home.  In fact a well placed tree could be contributing up to 10% of your property value.  But whether your property has many trees or just a few, the concern that a major storm could send a branch crashing down onto your roof is a legitimate concern.  Tree damage can be an especially big concern heading into winter, with ice and snow weighting down branches and causing problems.  Now is the perfect time to take preventative action.  If you are worried about any of your trees, you can have them inspected by a local tree service.  This is usually a free service that tree companies offer.  An inspection like this can tell you if you have any weak branches that need to be removed or if any limbs need to be tethered to protect against high winds.  Usually, if this work does need to be done it can all be taken care of for under $500 and can save you many headaches down the road.  It is wise to have your trees inspected every 3-5 years so that you can stay on top of preventative maintenance which is the best way to avoid problems!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

 

Prepping Your Home To Sell

When you’re prepping your home for sale there are a few things you can do to give yourself a “leg-up” in this market. Things such as improving your landscaping, cleaning your gutters, pressure washing your siding and driveway, and keeping your lawn manicured all add to your home’s curb appeal and can ultimately help improve its chances at selling.

When you’re prepping your home for sale there are a few things you can do to give yourself a “leg-up” in this market.  Things such as improving your landscaping, cleaning your gutters, pressure washing your siding and driveway, and keeping your lawn manicured all add to your home’s curb appeal and can ultimately help improve its chances at selling.  Painting your door with a fresh coat of paint that contrasts with your home’s exterior color and replacing worn house numbers with new, easy to see alternatives will also help increase your home’s appeal.  You should also consider making necessary repairs such as changing broken windows, fixing a leaking roof, or replacing cracked flooring.  You want your home to make its best first impression, and to do that you need to maintain it so that buyers will be interested in a second look.  When staging your home, be sure to remove all unnecessary clutter.  Removing at least one piece of furniture from each room and clearing out clutter will not only simplify your life, it will help your home sell.  While you’re decluttering, you should also remember to clean out closets and drawers.  When your closets and drawers are stuffed to the brim or disorganized it makes your home appear as if it is short on storage space, which doesn’t work in your favor when trying to sell.

To give your home the best chance in today’s market, you should definitely consider these and other staging and sprucing tips.  The difference between homes that sell and homes that don’t are often in the small details.

Thinking of buying of selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Five Ways To Conserve Energy In Your Home

1. Install a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters quickly heat water as it runs through a heating element as opposed to storing gallons of hot water and waiting until you use it. On average they are twenty-two percent more efficient than storage-tank water heaters.

1.  Install a tankless water heater.  Tankless water heaters quickly heat water as it runs through a heating element as opposed to storing gallons of hot water and waiting until you use it.  On average they are twenty-two percent more efficient than storage-tank water heaters.

2.  Update your appliances.  The appliances in your home account for a large percentage of your monthly utility bills, so by replacing older models with energy efficient appliances (especially those with the energy star label) you can conserve a ton of energy.

3.  Switch to energy efficient light bulbs.  Energy efficient light bulbs use about 75% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs.  If you switch out all the bulbs in your home you can seriously cut your cooling costs too since they emit only a quarter of the heat that traditional bulbs do.

4.  Check your water heater temperature.  If your water heater is set to anything about 120 degrees F you are wasting energy.  Lowering the temperature even further can save even more energy, but setting it to 120 can reduce costs by 6 to 10 percent or more.

5.  Install a digital thermostat.  By replacing an older thermostat with a new digital, programmable thermostat you can regulate your home’s temperature constantly and save both energy & money.

Thinking of buying of selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

3 Ways To Update Your Fireplace

With fall upon us, those of us with fireplaces will probably think about using them soon. Before fireplace season begins, consider updating your home by updating your fireplace. Here are three updates to consider:

With fall upon us, those of us with fireplaces will probably think about using them soon.  Before fireplace season begins, consider updating your home by updating your fireplace.  Here are three updates to consider:

1. Change your Mantel.  Changing your mantel can work wonders, especially if you never have before.  A mantel with enough depth to display photos and anything else you’d like to showcase is a necessity.  Between style, material, and color, there are so many options that you can really personalize this detail of your home to your exact taste.

2.  Make it More Efficient.  Adding a gas or wood burning insert to an existing fireplace can make your home more energy efficient without tearing apart your home.  Just be sure to research it first!

3.  Makeover the Face.  If you have an older fireplace that seems dingy and/or falling apart, consider installing a stone or other face over the existing wall.  Often, this can be done on a tight budget, but you can also be as extravagant as you’d like!

Thinking of buying of selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

5 Home Improvements for Under $1000

Yesterday I looked at three updates you could make to your home for under $200, but today we’re going to open that budget up a bit. Here are five for under $1,000:

Yesterday I looked at three updates you could make to your home for under $200, but today we’re going to open that budget up a bit.  Here are five for under $1,000:

1. Replace worn carpeting.  Nothing makes a home look grungier than yucky carpeting.  If you’ve got worn or stained carpeting, or other floor issues in your home, consider replacing the flooring.  If your budget prevents you from redoing all the floors, start in the rooms that have the most wear.

2.  Get a new water heater.  A tankless water heater is more environmentally friendly than older models and saves energy and money by heating only the water you use, as you use it.  This update will pay for itself in the long run, and will give your home added value if you put it on the market.

3.  Update the bathroom.  Bathrooms add value to a home, and you can easily do a minor remodel for under $1000.  Simple updates like replacing old plumbing, updating light fixtures, replacing tile, or switching out a vanity will update the whole room without a huge price tag.

4.  Update the kitchen.  Obviously you can’t do a whole kitchen remodel for under $1,000, but you can swap out one old appliance for a shiny, new, energy efficient model.  Another kitchen update to consider for under $1,000 would be replacing the flooring or updating the backsplash.  Any kitchen update adds value to your home.  You don’t necessarily have to redo the entire room to update it.

5.  Add curb appeal.  Lush, green grass sells homes!  Depending on the size of your yard, about $1,000 and some hard work will allow you to replace a weedy, patchy, or dead lawn with lovely, thick, green sod.  Just remember that landscaping requires follow-up commitment to get the full value!

Thinking of buying of selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Thursday Three: 3 Improvements for a Tight Budget

If you want to increase the value of your home, but you only have a little bit of cash, try any of these ideas which should each cost under $200.

If you want to increase the value of your home, but you only have a little bit of cash, try any of these ideas which should each cost under $200.

1.  Scrape the popcorn.  Popcorn ceilings seriously date your home, so if you’ve currently got them spending the time to scrape them away will add instant value without a whole lot of money.  All you need is something to soften the texture and some time to dedicate to scraping!

2.  Plant a tree.  As a shade tree matures over time it will add curb appeal (and value!) to your home.  Not only are shade trees desirable, but properly placed it can actually cut your cooling costs significantly.

3.  Filter your water.  Installing a water filtration system in your kitchen allows you to get the luxury of bottled water right from your faucet.  It’s an inexpensive addition that adds value because it seems luxurious!

Thinking of buying of selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

5 Ways To Make Your Laundry Room Work For You

The laundry room is an often underutilized part of the home. Here are 5 ideas to give your laundry room more life and function:

The laundry room is an often underutilized part of the home.  Here are 5 ideas to give your laundry room more life and function:

1.  Add storage.  Add as many shelves and cabinets as you can and your laundry room can store not only cleaning supplies and toiletries, but also craft supplies, a gift wrap station, inbox for household mail, office space, and really anything that would benefit you that doesn’t need a huge amount of square footage elsewhere.

2.  Make it a mudroom.  Install durable flooring, a sink for washing grungy hands, a bench for removing shoes and a rack to store them on, and some hooks for coats.  Voila! You’ve got a great transition area between the outdoor living space and indoor living space of your home!

3.  Make it pet friendly.  If you’ve got to keep your pet confined during the day, the laundry room is a great place to do it.  If it would work for your situation, you could even add a doggie door so that Fido can let himself in and out during the day!

4.  Add amenities.  Adding things like a drying rack, hanging rod, and counter space for folding can help speed up the chore of laundry and cut down on your ironing.

5.  Boost your appliances.  If you have a front loading washer and dryer, put them on pedestals so that loading and unloading them isn’t so back-breaking.  But not only should you put them on pedestals, make those platforms work for you by building drawers or other storage into them!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

5 Quick Fixes For Your Kitchen

Yesterday we looked at some quick fixes to update your bathroom, and today we tackle the kitchen!

Yesterday we looked at some quick fixes to update your bathroom, and today we tackle the kitchen!

1.  Switch your faucet.  There are many styles of faucet on the market, so replacing your old one can quickly up the style factor in your kitchen.  Choose a faucet with the personality you want, but be sure that it will run well with your existing sink so you don’t have to change everything!

2.  Replace an appliance.  If it’s in your budget, replacing an old refrigerator or dishwasher can instantly update your kitchen.  And, replacing an old appliance with a new energy efficient model can save you quite a bit on your utilities, almost paying for itself.

3.  Replace your hardware.  If your cabinets are in good condition, you can give them a whole new look by replacing the handles and pulls.  Hardware stores, home improvement stores, and even antique shops have an unlimited variety to choose from, so you can pick the style that fits with your vision for the room.  Depending on how many cabinets and drawer you have, replacing everything should only take a couple of hours, if that.

4.  Add lighting.  Replacing existing light fixtures with a more sophisticated model can quickly give your room new life.

5.  Dress it up.  For a more time extensive project, consider replacing your backsplash.  Many companies make tiles that come in sheets but look like individual glass tiles.  With unlimited style and color options, the sky is the limit!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Thursday Three: 3 Quick Fixes For Your Bathroom

If you’re looking to give your bathroom a quick face lift, try these three relatively inexpensive updates

If you’re looking to give your bathroom a quick face lift, try these three relatively inexpensive updates:

1.  Hang a medicine cabinet.  If you choose a cabinet that can mount directly on a wall, this project should take less than an hour!  You can choose a cabinet that suits your style, use a stud finder and a drill to hang it and voila, your bathroom has some new personality.

2.  Replace your showerhead.  A new showerhead can make your existing shower feel like a spa.  There are many models on the market.  A low flow model can save you money on your water bill, and as far as style, water flow, and price range, the choices are virtually endless, so you can pick the one that’s perfect for you.

3.  Change the sink.  Changing your sink is a bit more time consuming, but if done correctly can be relatively painless.  Choose a model that gives your bathroom the look you’re going for, but be sure it fits your needs as far as storage, rim room, and practicality as well as style.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

The Truth About Driveway Repair

Driveway repair can be costly, and unfortunately is considered to be a maintenance issue of home ownership. Believe it or not, a damaged driveway can be a deal-breaker on an otherwise marketable home,

Driveway repair can be costly, and unfortunately is considered to be a maintenance issue of home ownership.  Believe it or not, a damaged driveway can be a deal-breaker on an otherwise marketable home, but offers extremely low (and often no) return on investment.  If you’re thinking of selling your home and your driveway needs some repairs you should ask your agent if they feel your driveway is going to hurt the sale of your home.  If you decide that you need to go ahead with repair, or if you aren’t selling your home and just want to fix up the driveway for yourself, speak with several contractors and get multiple bids (ask friends, family, and even your agent for recommendations!).  Finally, depending on how damaged your driveway is, consider resurfacing instead of replacing, which is likely to be much more affordable.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

5 Projects That You Can Do This Weekend

Looking for a quick pick-me-up for your home? Try these projects, which shouldn’t take more than a day or two to complete!

Looking for a quick pick-me-up for your home?  Try these projects, which shouldn’t take more than a day or two to complete!

1.  Add Molding:  Any room can be improved with the finishing touch of crown molding, and you can match the style of molding not only with your own personal taste but also with the architectural style of your home – it’s win, win!

2.  Change Up Your Interior Doors: Your interior doors are often overlooked as necessary, but they don’t necessarily have to be boring to be useful.  Considering replacing interior doors with more unique or stylish counterparts.

3.  Put Your Lights on Dimmers:  Adding dimmer switches to your light fixtures is one of the quickest, easiest, and least expensive ways to add ambiance to any room.

4.  Install a Ceiling Fan:  Installing a ceiling fan is a relatively inexpensive way to cut down on your cooling costs and shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.

5.  Style Your Staircase:  By adding some distinctive rails, architectural embellishments, or even a coat of paint you can give your staircase a whole new look.  The best part of this project is that you can get as creative as you’d like!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Tips for Getting the Best Remodel Bid

Yesterday I wrote about tips for finding a contractor. Today, I am following up with tips for getting the best bid. When you’re planning an addition or remodel, knowing the average costs of the job you hope to do is helpful. One helpful guide for figuring average costs is to judge by the square footage of your space. Generally speaking, for a gut remodel,

Yesterday I wrote about tips for finding a contractor.  Today, I am following up with tips for getting the best bid.  When you’re planning an addition or remodel, knowing the average costs of the job you hope to do is helpful.  One helpful guide for figuring average costs is to judge by the square footage of your space.  Generally speaking, for a gut remodel, a kitchen remodel falls between $170-180 per square foot, a powder room averages around $130-140 per square foot, a full bathroom averages around $155-170 per square foot, and a family or living room runs about $85-$100 per square foot.  Once you factor the average range for your space, adjust for labor costs in your location (whether they are higher or lower than the average in the nation).  In the Sussex County area, increasing the general estimate by about 30-40% is probably a good average.  Once you’ve done that, you can adjust your estimated cost up or down based on the finishes you desire.  These averages assume mid-range fixtures, but if you’re going for upgrades such as granite countertops or stainless steel appliances in a kitchen or stone tile, heated floors, and soaking tubs in the bathroom, you need to raise your number again, by at least 30-50% depending on the number of upgrades you want.  Once you have a very general idea of the kind of estimate you are looking at, you can adjust your project to fit your budget (consider less updates or skip the gut remodel and replace or refinish what you’ve got instead!).  Then, go out there and get your (minimum of 3!) estimates.  Finally, be upfront with the contractors you choose about your bottom line and they will be able to help you get the most bang for your buck!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associate and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

If you’re thinking of building or remodeling and you need to hire a contractor, consider these tips from the Contractor State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB is a state organization in California that licenses and regulates the state’s construction industry and protects consumers. Although we are several time zones away from California, the suggestions they offer are an excellent take away for consumers in any state.

If you’re thinking of building or remodeling and you need to hire a contractor, consider these tips from the Contractor State License Board (CSLB).  The CSLB is a state organization in California that licenses and regulates the state’s construction industry and protects consumers.  Although we are several time zones away from California, the suggestions they offer are an excellent take away for consumers in any state.

  1. Hire only state-licensed contractors and check public records, the BBB, and state licensing organization to check that licenses are up to date and the contractors have a good reputation.
  2. Get bids from at least three licensed contractors before making a decision.
  3. Ask for several references from each contractor bidding and take the time to actually check them.
  4. Get everything in writing.  No detail is too small.  If you want to protect yourself, get it in a contract.  And then keep all relevant paperwork together in a file that is easily accessible.
  5. Ask to see copies of insurance documents or call the contractor’s insurance companies to make sure that their liability and worker’s comp coverages are up to date and adequate to cover your job.
  6. Don’t pay more than 10% as a down payment. (If 10% is less than $1,000, a down payment of $1,000 is acceptable.) And if you’re making progress payments throughout the job, whatever you do don’t let your payments get ahead of the job.
  7. Whatever you do, do not make your final payment until you 100% satisfied with the work, including any last minute touch-ups and the clean-up.

If you’re thinking of remodeling, keep these tips in mind!  If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

3 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Space

With the weather being so great, have you been spending a lot of time outside? I know I have! If you have too and you’re just tired of the same old outdoor space, consider some of these quick tips to improve your deck, porch, or other outdoor space.

With the weather being so great, have you been spending a lot of time outside?  I know I have!  If you have too and you’re just tired of the same old outdoor space, consider some of these quick tips to improve your deck, porch, or other outdoor space.

1.  Container Gardens.  Gardens are always beautiful, but by utilizing containers to plant some beautiful and colorful flowers you can stager the height and really use your plants as décor.  If flowers aren’t your thing, certain veggies like tomatoes are great for container planting, and an herb garden is always an excellent choice!

2.  Pillows.  Pick up several beautiful, fun, fluffy pillows made from outdoor fabrics.  They’ll withstand sand and rain, are easy to clean, and will brighten up your seating in a jif!  Find some that appeal to your sense of style, or pick up a few bright prints to add a pop of color to your space.

3.  Rugs.  You can make your deck or porch seem much more like an outdoor room if you utilize a beautiful outdoor rug.  A rug will add a cozy feel to the space, help define the area, and add texture which is always a great styling tip.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you — 302-644-2266.

Update Your Kitchen This Weekend

I’m tired of my kitchen! But, since I don’t have the budget to redo my entire kitchen, I’ve been looking for some smaller scale ideas. Here are a few of my favorites:

Fix a leaky faucet. Okay, this isn’t really an update, but leaky faucets are annoying, so it’s nice to know they are an easy diy fix! Once you turn off the stop valves to the faucet in question remove the handle by unscrewing it. After the handle is off remove the chrome cylinder and the nut that holds it in place. Pull out the stem, replace the washer, put everything back together and voila! the leak is gone! If you have a newer faucet, you will need to purchase a “seat” which is basically a special washer specially made for your particular faucet.

I’m tired of my kitchen!  But, since I don’t have the budget to redo my entire kitchen, I’ve been looking for some smaller scale ideas.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Fix a leaky faucet.  Okay, this isn’t really an update, but leaky faucets are annoying, so it’s nice to know they are an easy diy fix!  Once you turn off the stop valves to the faucet in question remove the handle by unscrewing it.  After the handle is off remove the chrome cylinder and the nut that holds it in place.  Pull out the stem, replace the washer, put everything back together and voila! the leak is gone!  If you have a newer faucet, you will need to purchase a “seat” which is basically a special washer specially made for your particular faucet.

Install a new faucet.  Purchasing a new faucet for your kitchen sink can instantly change the look of your room.  Just make sure it matches your sink unless you want to replace the whole thing!

Update your cabinets.  If you’re looking for an easy way to dress up your cabinets, try swapping out the door inserts.  Glass, tin, painted or stained wood, and stainless steel just begin the list of options.  Replacing just some of the cabinet inserts is also a good option if you don’t want to go all the way.

Update your hardware.  Another way to breathe new life into your kitchen quickly and for relatively little money is to replace the hardware on your drawers and cabinets.  With virtually limitless options this is somewhere that you can really let your personal taste shine through.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associate and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Tricks To Make A Small Kitchen Seem Larger

In keeping with yesterday’s topic, let’s continue to talk about kitchen remodeling! If you are like me and have a small kitchen, it may seem like kind of a drag to spend so much time there. If you’re thinking of remodeling, consider some of these tricks for opening up the space and making it seem larger.

In keeping with yesterday’s topic, let’s continue to talk about kitchen remodeling!  If you are like me and have a small kitchen, it may seem like kind of a drag to spend so much time there.  If you’re thinking of remodeling, consider some of these tricks for opening up the space and making it seem larger.

Bleach It.  Okay, not literally, but I’m sure you’re probably tired of hearing me say that paint is a great solution for everything!  By going for an all white kitchen (walls, countertops, cabinets, etc.) you are tricking the eye into thinking the room is much larger than it is.  Of course, if you’re going to go all white, be sure to choose a variety of textures and beautiful fixtures to keep your room from feeling bland.  You’ll also want to throw in an accent color or two through the use of accessories to create interest.

Let In The Light.  As I’m sure you know, natural light makes any space seem more open.  Of course, adding windows or a skylight may not be an option for you.  If that’s the case, keep any windows you do have clean and use minimal window treatments.  Valances and sheers work well to dress up kitchen windows without blocking light.  If it’s privacy you’re after, consider splurging on a shade that will block prying eyes while still allowing the light in.

Go For Open Concept.  If your budget allows it, knocking down a wall or part of a wall that separates your kitchen from the rest of your house will make the room appear much larger without actually increasing the size at all.  If a wall isn’t in the budget, consider creating a pass through, which will have the same effect on a much smaller scale.

Clear The Clutter.  If your small kitchen lacks storage space you probably use a lot of counter space for storage.  (I know I do!)  Consider installing an appliance garage in the corner of your counter to hide all that clutter (but still keep in close at hand) and your space will seem instantly larger.

Simulate Height.  By adding decorative molding around the tops of your cabinets, or displaying colorful pieces that mesh with your kitchen décor around your soffit, you can draw the eye upward, giving your ceiling the illusion of height, thus making your room feel larger.  If you have dead space between the tops of your cabinets and your ceiling, consider a cabinet design that extends all the way up.  This gives you valuable extra storage without taking up any added space.

Use Glass.  Consider changing out solid cabinet doors for glass.  Of course, if you use glass for your cabinets you will need to keep your cabinets neat and organized!  If you don’t think you can keep clutter-free, consider using glass in some, but not all cabinets.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen

It’s no secret that one of the rooms homebuyers focus on most is the kitchen. Whether you are thinking of remodeling to sell or remodeling to enjoy, money spent in the kitchen is almost always wisely spent. If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, here are some design tips to keep in mind.

It’s no secret that one of the rooms homebuyers focus on most is the kitchen.  Whether you are thinking of remodeling to sell or remodeling to enjoy, money spent in the kitchen is almost always wisely spent.  If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, here are some design tips to keep in mind.

Conserve Energy.  Your energy, that is.  Think about the layout of your kitchen before you do anything.  For example, storing cutlery and dishes near the dishwasher will make unloading a breeze.  Similarly, placing the dishwasher near the sink is much wiser than placing it halfway across the room!  Another great tip is to put your refrigerator in a space that is open to both the cook and anyone who may wander in looking for a drink.  This way, someone grazing in the fridge won’t block valuable work space during hectic meal prep time!

Clear Space.  Make sure the walkways through your kitchen are wide enough.  Consider whether you want a one or two cook configuration and plan your space accordingly.  You don’t want anyone bumping into a hot stove when you’re hanging out in your new kitchen.

Think Counter Space.  Any cook will tell you that counter space is a necessity, but not all counter space is created equal.  The most important counter tops are those on either side of the stove and refrigerator and the space near the microwave.  Make sure these areas have plenty of work space.  In addition, people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen will want a good range of space in between the sink and cook top.

Consider The Details.  Little details such as multiple outlets along your backsplash or in your island make plugging in small appliances a breeze whenever you need them.  A pot filler installed near your cook top eliminates the need to lug heavy pots back and forth from the sink.  Shelves near your cook top can hold oils, spices, and other often grabbed ingredients.  You get the picture.  Think of things that will make your life easier and strive to build them into your new kitchen.  Many of these ideas do not cost very much money, but they all add great value to the space.

When done well, remodeling the kitchen can add a lot of value to your home.  Make the process as stress-free as possible by considering the way you use your kitchen and designing around your needs.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

5 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value for under $500

If you’re trying to sell your house you can do a lot to increase the value without spending a lot of money. Here are five ways that can cost less than $500.

If you’re trying to sell your house you can do a lot to increase the value without spending a lot of money.  Here are five ways that can cost less than $500.

1.  Paint
I will never get tired of saying it.  Paint your house if you want to increase its value!  Not only do neutral colors make your home seem more desirable to the majority of people, but freshly painted rooms also look clean and updated… a strong selling point!

2.  Clean
Even if you clean your house regularly, there are most likely spots you overlook or can’t get to.  If you hire a cleaning service to come and do the dirty work then your house will be able sparkle from top to bottom and make the best possible first impression to potential home buyers.

3.  Go Green
Replacing loud, broken, or simply outdated light figures or ceiling fans with new, energy efficient fixtures will increase your bottom-line without costing too much.

4.  Scrape off the popcorn
If your home has popcorn ceilings, dedicate a weekend to bringing it into the 21st century by scraping the popcorn away.  Getting rid of this dated look will instantly update the value of your home.

5.  Update the Bathroom
Even if you can’t afford an entire remodel, spending a little bit of cash on a face lift will increase your bottom line.  Things like replacing old wallpaper, a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures, and new faucet & hardware can make the room seem brand new!

Thinking of buying or selling your home?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you –302-644-2266!

Landscaping For A Great First Impression

If you’re trying to sell your home (or thinking about it), then you want to brush up your home’s curb appeal to make a great first impression on your potential buyers. Here are a few landscaping tips that don’t require too much cash to make happen.

If you’re trying to sell your home (or thinking about it), then you want to brush up your home’s curb appeal to make a great first impression on your potential buyers.  Here are a few landscaping tips that don’t require too much cash to make happen.

First, plan for some low maintenance landscaping.  Adding some greenery and bright plants to your yard will bump up the curb appeal of your home, but for a low-cost, low-maintenance fix be sure to purchase plants that are native to our region.  Water-conserving plants that are drought-tolerant are also a good bet for a low-maintenance fix.  Another good idea is to plant a shade tree.  Although a tree won’t mature quickly, if you’re thinking ahead, planting one now will be planning for the future of your home.  Again, stick to native vegetation.  Planting a tree helps with curb appeal, offers shade, and can even cut cooling costs if properly placed.  Be careful about placement though because you don’t want to plant any trees too close to your house.  My last tip is to curate your lawn.  Overgrown grass, lawns with patches of dead grass or dirt, or lawns that are overrun by weeds all make a negative first impression on potential home buyers.  Luckily, these issues are easy to fix.  Consider hiring a landscaping company to clean up your yard, shape hedges, trim trees, etc.  Spending a couple hundred dollars fixing up your home’s curb appeal is worth it to attract home buyers that might otherwise be unimpressed.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.