Creative Kitchen Islands

When we renovate or remodel our homes, we are expressing ourselves at the same time.  We put our own personal stamp on our homes by just rearranging furniture, adding color, new flooring or repurposing items.  If adding a kitchen island is on your list of things to do, you might want to read this first - 10 creative ideas for kitchen islands that will definitely get you thinking out of the box.

 10 Inventive Ideas for Kitchen Islands - by Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor

Eclectic Kitchen - love this idea of a farm sink!

Getting Through a Home Renovation

Patti Stern, a principal of PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC , and an interior decorator and accredited home stager, recently remodeled her master bathroom and offers these tips for surviving any home renovation. 

4 Tips to Getting Through Any Home Renovation

Throughout the process, I kept a journal and noted some key tips and advice for all home owners when taking on any renovation project including:


1. Have a written plan. Be sure that you are absolutely clear with your interior decorator, contractor, and carpenter — whomever you are working with — regarding the remodeling job and have a written plan and contract.
2. Plan ahead. Make sure you have all of your design plans and materials for your remodeling project ahead of time (including windows if applicable). Sometimes, though, things do have to change once the remodeling starts.  Be flexible and plan for an additional 10- 15 percent above your budget for “just in case” scenarios.
3. Don’t skimp where it’s important. When putting in a shower floor, for example, make sure your contractor is using the right materials to prevent leaks, mold, and mildew. Sometimes spending a little bit more on better quality items will save you money in the long run.
4. Think about the big picture. How will your remodeling project affect other rooms or even future plans for your home? Will a wall being knocked down impact another room? If so, you may have to consider painting or repairing any walls in the impacted space. Are you thinking of selling your home in a few years?  If so, you’ll want to make changes you’ll enjoy now but that also will appeal to potential buyers in a few years.   Read more about Patti's actual bathroom makeover experience.  It might help you with yours!

Existing Homes For Sale Need Upgrading and Updating

As I travel around my selling area, I see more and more homes that are in need of upgrading and updating.  After being at a standstill since the housing decline, new construction is on the rise again but it seems to me there is not enough inventory of new or "move-in ready" homes to satisfy demand in my area.   Homes needing a little "TLC" or updating are priced lower to take into account the work needed to bring them up to date and for the buyer willing to take on the required projects, these homes present a lot of possibilities and a good return on investment.
The real estate market and live and work in is a retirement area.  Therefore, most of the buyer clients I see do not want to make renovations.  When it comes to remodeling or home improvement, they have "been there, done that".  They are looking for a retirement home complete with all the comforts and modern conveniences they can afford already in place.

 If you're thinking about making some upgrades to your home, check out what characteristics are important to today's home buyers and what cost vs. value is for different remodeling projects.  The investment you make in your home will increase its value and pay off at resale.