Many of us are stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But all that time at home doesn't have to be unproductive. There are actually simple and inexpensive ways you can increase the value of your home in the next few weeks. So roll up those sleeves, pick up a rake or paintbrush, and get to work!
While Connecticut is on partial lockdown, here are some of the projects our own REALTORS® at Kazantzis Real Estate suggest. A few of them are even planning to tackle some of these projects in their own homes.
Work on Curb Appeal
Andrea Kazantis says sprucing up your yard can go a long way to increasing your home's value.
"The weather is getting nicer and many of us have more time on our hands than normal. Why not get out in the yard and prune back those bushes and get those flower beds ready for planting," Andrea said. "Plus the sunshine may just help boost your mood."
REALTOR® Keri Roy agrees.
"Work on curb appeal! Clean up your front yard, landscaping and maybe even repaint the front door a fun, eye-catching color," Keri said.
Illuminate Your Kitchen
You don't need an electrician to add some ambiance to your kitchen. Installing do-it-yourself under-mount lighting can give you a huge bang for your buck.
"There are products that can be purchased for approx $20 per strip," agent Fran Rose said. "These LED lights are battery-operated, don't require an electrician and make a huge impact for very little money."
Not only are they easy to install, but they are also energy-efficient.
Beautify Your Bathroom.
You've heard the saying - kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. But, you don't have to gut your bathroom to make it more appealing.
"We’re replacing the flooring in our upstairs bathrooms," Agent Brecken Ellsworth said.
Even small projects like changing your shower curtain or changing the knobs and pulls on your vanity, or updating the sink or lighting fixtures can go a long way to giving your commode an updated look.
Freshen Up with Paint
With so many things out of our control right now - you are still the king (or queen) of your domain. So, instead of just staring at the walls, pick up a paintbrush and paint them!
In fact, several of our agents will be cracking open a can of paint during the stay-at-home order.
If your interior doors and trim are looking chipped and less than fresh, REALTOR® Val MacNeil suggests repainting them.
"That’s what I’m doing this week," Val said.
Agent Claritza Fong says a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in the world.
"I repainted the kitchen, dining room, living room, and all the trimming in all three rooms and it looks great and bigger," Claritza said. "I used white and a light gray and it makes the house look so much bigger."
These are just a few suggestions. It doesn't have to be overwhelming. Make a list and start with one room and one project at a time. Before you know it, the lockdown will be over and you'll be proud of what you accomplished!