Category: home improvements

Maximizing Your Home’s Value with End-of-Year Renovations: A Guide for Kitchener-Waterloo Homeowners

Post author By cindycody
Post date October 22, 2024

As the end of the year approaches, many homeowners in Kitchener-Waterloo begin to think about how they can maximize their property’s value. Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the near future or simply want to improve its overall appeal and functionality, strategic end-of-year renovations can make a significant difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best renovation projects to consider, along with tips on how to get the most out of your investment.

Why End-of-Year Renovations Make Sense

The end of the year is a prime time for home renovations for several reasons:

Contractor Availability: As the busy summer and fall seasons wind down, contractors often have more availability. This can mean faster project timelines and potentially lower costs as contractors look to fill their schedules during the slower winter months.
Year-End Sales: Many home improvement stores and suppliers offer year-end sales and discounts on materials, allowing you to save on everything from flooring to appliances.
Tax Deductions: Certain home improvements may be eligible for tax deductions, particularly if they involve energy-efficient upgrades. Completing these renovations before the end of the year can help you take advantage of potential tax savings.
Holiday Appeal: If you’re planning to list your home, having it freshly renovated during the holiday season can make it more appealing to buyers who are also looking to make a move before the year ends.

Top Renovations to Maximize Your Home’s Value

Not all renovations are created equal when it comes to boosting your home’s value. Here are some of the most effective projects to consider:

Kitchen Upgrades
- Why It Matters: The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and it’s one of the first areas potential buyers look at. A modern, functional kitchen can significantly increase your home’s value and appeal.
- Key Upgrades: Consider replacing outdated countertops with durable materials like quartz or granite, updating cabinetry with new doors or a fresh coat of paint, and installing energy-efficient appliances. Adding a kitchen island or upgrading to a farmhouse sink can also add both functionality and style.
Bathroom Remodels
- Why It Matters: Bathrooms are another area where homebuyers pay close attention. A well-designed, modern bathroom can make a lasting impression and add substantial value to your home.
- Key Upgrades: Focus on upgrading fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and lighting. Replacing an old vanity with a new, stylish one can also make a big difference. If your budget allows, consider adding a walk-in shower with glass doors or updating the flooring with high-quality tiles.
Energy-Efficient Improvements
- Why It Matters: Today’s buyers are increasingly interested in homes that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Making green upgrades can attract more buyers and potentially increase your home’s resale value.
- Key Upgrades: Consider installing energy-efficient windows, upgrading your insulation, or replacing an old furnace with a high-efficiency model. Adding a smart thermostat or solar panels can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Exterior Enhancements
- Why It Matters: Curb appeal is crucial when it comes to attracting buyers. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and making a great first impression can lead to higher offers.
- Key Upgrades: Simple updates like painting the front door, adding new outdoor lighting, or upgrading your landscaping can make a big difference. If your budget allows, consider replacing old siding, adding a deck, or installing a new garage door.
Finished Basements
- Why It Matters: A finished basement adds valuable living space to your home, which can be a major selling point. Whether it’s used as a family room, home office, or guest suite, a well-finished basement can increase your home’s value.
- Key Upgrades: Focus on creating a functional and comfortable space by adding proper insulation, installing quality flooring, and ensuring the area is well-lit. Adding a bathroom or kitchenette can further increase the appeal.
Open Concept Living
- Why It Matters: Open concept living spaces are highly desirable in today’s market. Removing walls to create a more open floor plan can make your home feel larger, brighter, and more modern.
- Key Upgrades: Work with a contractor to determine which walls can be safely removed. In addition to opening up the space, consider adding features like recessed lighting or upgrading the flooring throughout the area.

Tips for Planning Your End-of-Year Renovations

Now that you have some ideas for valuable renovations, here are a few tips to help you plan and execute your projects effectively:

Talk to a Real Estate Professional: This is a crucial first step, especially if you have plans to sell in the next few years. We can help you determine which areas of your home to prioritize.
Set a Realistic Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize projects based on their potential return on investment. Be sure to factor in unexpected costs and allow for some flexibility in your budget.
Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first contractor you find. Get quotes from multiple contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price and to find someone who understands your vision.
Focus on Quality: While it may be tempting to cut corners to save money, investing in quality materials and workmanship will pay off in the long run. High-quality renovations are more likely to stand the test of time and add lasting value to your home.
Consider Timing: Plan your renovations around the weather, especially if you’re working on exterior projects. Also, consider the impact on your daily life—some renovations may require you to temporarily relocate, so plan accordingly.
Think About the Future: While it’s important to consider current trends, avoid overly trendy renovations that may quickly go out of style. Focus on timeless designs and materials that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Check for Permits: Some renovations may require permits, especially if they involve structural changes or electrical work. Be sure to check with your local municipality to ensure you have the necessary permits before starting your project.

End-of-year renovations can be a smart way to boost your home’s value and appeal, whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to enjoy a more beautiful and functional living space. By focusing on high-impact projects like kitchen and bathroom upgrades, energy-efficient improvements, and enhancing curb appeal, you can make the most of your investment. With careful planning and the right approach, your Kitchener-Waterloo home can shine just in time for the new year.

Looking for advice on which areas of your specific home will have the best return on investment? Contact our team today!

home improvements Home Maintenace House & Home

Household Problems You Should Tackle ASAP

Post author By cindycody
Post date May 9, 2024

Text reading: "Household Problems You Don’t Want To Ignore". Pictures of a skunk, roof shingles, and a leaky faucet

When it comes to home maintenance, you may have a long list of items you want to tackle. From fresh coats of paint to tightening hardware, your list may range in the level of urgency required. Maintaining your home is a crucial part of homeownership, especially if you want to uphold your home’s value. Here are some household problems that you should mark “most urgent” and tackle right away.

Mold

It’s common to spot mold in damp areas of your home like the kitchen or bathroom every now and then. To help prevent this from happening in the first place, ensure you have proper ventilation in rooms that can get steamy and damp.

If you catch mold making a surprise appearance somewhere unexpected, your living room walls for example, it’s time to bring in the experts for a closer look. They’ll take a look and determine whether you can handle the cleanup solo or if it’s best to bring in a professional remediation crew. Better safe than sorry, right?

HVAC System Concerns

Your heating and cooling system may make a bit of noise here and there, but if you start hearing anything that sounds like banging or squealing, it’s time to take notice. Those loud, out-of-the-ordinary sounds could be a sign of trouble with some of the important mechanical components. Get your HVAC technician on the case pronto. You don’t want to leave the issue long in case it gets worse (and becomes a more expensive fix). Plus, you want to be comfortable in those hot or cold months.

Critters or wildlife

Wildlife Prevention

Wildlife getting a little too close for comfort around the exterior of your home (i.e. in your chimney, on a balcony, in the garage, eavestrough, or window wells) should be dealt with in a timely manner. The City of Toronto has a great list of recommendations to Wildlife Proof Your Home and Lawn to help you mitigate any furry friends moving in. For example:

Prevention Skirts for Skunks and Foxes

A “prevention skirt” encloses areas underneath patio decks and sheds and other places where animals may make a dens. To keep animals from burrowing under these sites, dig a trench around the base of the structure and use galvanized heavy wire screening as a prevention skirt.

The screening should go at least 20 to 30 cm. straight down and 20 to 30 cm., angled 90° outwards underground so the screen forms an “L” shape. Backfill the area with dirt. If you pile rocks or other items over this area against the structure, the animal can burrow around the wire mesh barrier.
toronto.ca

Handle Small Critters and Pests

Smaller critters may make their way into your home. If you see any signs of ants or mice, you’ll want to take action right away. Those little critters crawling around your home is a sign that you have openings in your home somewhere that need to be closed.

Inspect areas such as exhaust vents, condensate lines, pipes, ducts, utility access panels, and garage doors for evident gaps, indications of chewing or nesting, or torn screening. If you’re unsure about what you’re observing or lack confidence in your ability to address the issue, it’s a good idea to contact a professional exterminator. If you come across mouse or bird droppings, be extra cautious as they can pose health risks.

Damaged Roof

Speaking of keeping critters out…maintaining a solid exterior is the best way to keep unwanted creatures and the elements out of your home. Inspect your roof throughout the year to make sure you don’t have any damaged or missing shingles. If you do, it’s important to tend to the issue as soon as possible. The purpose of shingles is to protect the wood sheathing underneath from moisture, which can be a much bigger (and more expensive) problem than a damaged shingle.

You’ll also want to pay attention to your roofline to ensure it’s not starting to sag at all. If you live in an older home, a sagging roofline could be a sign that something is loose or rotten underneath. If you notice any potential sagging (or any issues you spot from your attic), you’ll want to deal with them right away.

Peeling Paint

When you notice the paint peeling off the outside of your house, it’s more than just an eyesore. Sun and water can sneak in and wreak havoc on the wood beneath. Here’s the game plan: grab your scraper and get rid of that peeling paint down to the bare wood. Then, apply primer and let it dry before adding a fresh coat of paint.

Now, when it comes to indoor peeling paint, if you’re seeing it flake off in rough squares like an alligator’s skin, it’s time to pay attention. That’s often a telltale sign of lead-based paint lurking underneath. If it’s a big area, it’s smart to chat with a pro about getting it safely removed.

Jittery Interior or Exterior Railings

Railings serve an important purpose: to provide stability (especially to young kids, elderly people, and those with liabilities). If you notice any of your railings have a wobble, you should look into the issue. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of tightening the attachment to the wall. If you’re not confident in your ability to secure the railing properly, bring in a professional as soon as you can.

Dripping Plumbing

Whether it’s a dripping faucet or a running toilet, little drips can add up. An issue like a running toilet will show up on your water bill.

Leaky Faucet

For a leaky faucet, be sure to turn the water off before you attempt to tighten anything under the sink. Here are some steps you can take if you’re going to attempt to fix a leaky faucet on your own.

Running toilet

A toilet could be running for a few reasons. Two common reasons are:

The valve is not shutting off properly and the tank is constantly filling
Ghost flushing: the toilet fills up and then without anyone using it, it fills up again a few minutes later

This article breaks down how you can fix these common running toilet problems your self.

If you’re not confident in fixing plumbing issue by yourself (or identifying the core issue), call a plumber to come check it out as soon as possible.

The importance of fixing these household problems ASAP

Getting on top of household issues pronto isn’t just about keeping things looking spick and span—it’s about safeguarding your home and your family. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a wonky electrical outlet, or a creaky floorboard, tackling these problems ASAP can prevent them from spiraling into bigger, costlier headaches down the line. Plus, addressing issues promptly can also help maintain the value of your home and ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. So, don’t procrastinate—get fixing, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained abode!

If you’re thinking about selling your home now or in the next few years, it’s especially important to stay on top of your home maintenance tasks. Not only the crucial issues we talked about today, but all the tasks that help make your home a comfortable, functional property.

Proper home maintenance allows potential buyers to see themselves living blissfully in your home, and to not be focused on potential fixes. If a buyer spots an issue with your home, it could make their mind wander to wonder what else is wrong with the property. Don’t give them a reason to not love your home!

If you have questions about getting your home ready to sell, or what you can do to improve the value of your property, don’t hesitate to reach out!

sold@cindycody.ca | 519-746-5136

home improvements Home Maintenace House & Home Selling

Preparing Your Home For a Home Inspection

Post author By cindycody
Post date April 3, 2024

Image of a man in a hardhat and a clipboard looking at a door; image of a man with a clipboard looking at an eavestrough downspout; image of a man and a woman tightening a faucet; text reading: Preparing Your Home For a Home Inspection

Hey there, homeowners! So, you’ve decided to put your beloved house on the market—exciting times ahead! (Learn more about the Kitchener-Waterloo Spring Market here!) But let’s talk about one of those less-than-exciting parts: the home inspection. We get it, it can feel daunting, but fret not! With a bit of preparation, you can breeze through it like a pro.

First off, let’s acknowledge a universal truth: no home is flawless. It’s totally normal to have some quirks or issues here and there. Potential buyers understand this too. They just want to know upfront about any major stuff that might need fixing down the line—kind of like how you’d want the scoop before buying your next dream home.

Here are some friendly tips to help you get ready for that home inspection:

Tidy up: A clutter-free home not only makes a better impression but also allows the inspector to access every nook and cranny easily i.e. access to crawl spaces, attics and the basement. Plus, who doesn’t love a neat space?
Fix the basics: Got any leaky faucets or loose doorknobs? Now’s the time to tackle those little maintenance tasks, like re-caulking any areas that are looking worn. They might seem minor, but they show that you’ve cared for your home.
Organize documentation: Do you have receipts for recent repairs or renovations? Awesome! Gather those up—they could come in handy during the inspection. Some examples include: HVAC records, warranties, roof repairs, appliance installations, etc.
Check your systems: Take a quick look at your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Make sure everything’s working smoothly, replace any filters that are dirty, and test that everything is in working order. If not, consider having a professional take a look before the inspection.
Check safety features: This is a good time to double-check that your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detections, etc. are in good working order (fresh batteries) and haven’t expired.
Trim up the exterior: Don’t forget to pay attention to the exterior of your home as well. Trim bushes and trees away from the home, clean out the gutters, and check the roof and siding for any potential need for repairs. Check that all your exterior light fixtures are working and that all paths are clear.
Be honest: Honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to disclosing any known issues with your home. It builds trust and saves everyone time and hassle in the long run.
Leave the inspector to do their job: You may be tempted to stick around, but it’s a good idea to leave the home during the inspection.
Typically, potential buyers prefer to be present during the inspection. They might feel uneasy about asking the inspector questions if you’re around. Take the opportunity to go do something for a few hours.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll not only make the inspection process smoother but also show potential buyers that your home has been well-cared for. So take a deep breath, put on your homeowner hat, and get ready to ace that inspection!

If you have any questions about preparing your home for your home inspection, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to offer you our advice.

Thinking of selling your home?

Here are some other blogs you might be interested in:

More of the advice you want

Need help? We’re here to offer you professional real estate advice. If you’re thinking about selling your home now or even in a year or two, we’d be happy to connect with you about your goals. We’ll take a look at your home and offer advice on what you can do to prepare your home for this real estate market.

Home Decor home improvements House & Home

Home Office Features That Will Fuel Your Productivity

Post author By cindycody
Post date February 8, 2024

Welcome to the world of remote work, where your home office becomes the hub of creativity and productivity. Crafting a workspace that sparks inspiration and efficiency is key to a successful work-from-home experience. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of home office features that go beyond the basics, transforming your designated work area into a haven of productivity. From ergonomic furniture to clever organizational hacks, we’ve got your back in creating a space that meets your professional needs and reflects your personal style. Get ready to elevate your remote work game and turn your home office into a powerhouse of efficiency and comfort!

Bring in the brightness

When you’re looking at the ideal space for your home office, one thing to consider is the lighting. If you have the space in your home to transform an extra bedroom into your office, that’s great! But if you need to get creative to carve out a workstation somewhere in your home, let the light guide you. Having a window nearby is your best-case scenario. Not only will the sunlight be a refreshing way to keep yourself energized through the day, natural light is a flattering source of light for your video calls.

Find a distraction-free zone

Working from home can come with its own set of challenges. A common challenge is trying to stay on task when your home life is at your fingertips. For this reason, it’s important to create a home office that keeps your focus on the task at hand, and removes too many tempting distractions. Setting up your office in a private area is your best bet for a productive work day. For example, working at the kitchen island is probably not a great idea since that’s likely where most of the hustle and bustle takes place throughout the day.

Get yourself ergonomic furniture

You may have a favourite chair to sit in while you hang out with your family, but that chair may not be ideal for your office (or your back). Find yourself an ergonomic desk, chair and computer accessories that will help you feel comfortable and focused throughout the work day.

Optimize your space

No matter how big or small your home office space is, it’s important that you make the best use of your space to meet all of your work needs. Make the most of of limited space by developing organization systems for all of your office essentials and processes to keep your desk decluttered. Clutter can be a real distraction so an organized desk is more likely to lead to an efficient work day.

Stay organized

As we mentioned, developing an organization system for all of your office essentials is an important part of maintaining a clear desk and a clear mind. Don’t let the cords get out of control. Here are a few desk organizational tips to help you out.

Tame the cable chaos by using cable organizers, clips, and ties.
Maximize vertical space with floating shelves and wall-mounted organizers to keep essential items close by but off your desk.
Use drawer organizers so every item has its spot at the end of the day.
Find a desk organizer to hold your frequently used items.
Take a minute once or twice a day to reset your desk. Do this at the end of the day so you start each morning with a decluttered desk.
Read How to declutter your home and maintain your system for more ideas.

Pull personal inspiration into your space

An office space doesn’t need to be boring. Take some time to design a home office that fuels your creativity. Pull in functional items that inspire you, infuse your personality in the space with decor that motivates you, and give yourself a work space that you look forward to getting to each day.

Tags Home office

Home Decor home improvements House & Home

How To Incorporate the 2024 Colours of the Year into Your Home

Post author By cindycody
Post date December 13, 2023

In the realm of design, fashion, and cultural expression, the “Colour of the Year” serves as a captivating and influential focal point, dictating trends and evoking a collective sense of aesthetic direction. Each year, renowned colour authorities and trendsetters unveil a hue that encapsulates the spirit of the times, reflecting societal moods, aspirations, and emerging themes.

These paint companies, along with design experts, try to predict the colours that we will want to incorporate into our homes. So let’s take a look at the 2024 colours of the year and how you can incorporate them into your home.

2024 PANTONE Colour of the Year: Peach Fuzz

PANTONE describes Peach Fuzz as:
“PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul. In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”

Ways to incorporate Peach Fuzz into your home

Pull this colour into your living room with a rug. Ruggable has a collection inspired by the colour of the year.
Paint an accent wall
A feature piece of furniture (either painted or add fabric featuring the colour)
Wallpaper a section of a room
Add decorative accents (either shop with the colour in mind or take on a DIY project and paint your own unique accent pieces)

2024 Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year: Blue Nova

Cindy Cody Team - How To Incorporate the 2024 Colours of the Year in Your Home - Blue Nova

Benjamin Moore‘s colour of the year is Blue Nova, described as “violet and blue come together in this elevated, sumptuous hue”.

Ways to incorporate Blue Nova into your home

Paint a room in this rich colour
Wallpaper a section of a room with a pattern that features this colour
Paint kitchen or bathroom cabinets
Pull the colour into a room with window treatments
Paint shelving units for a dramatic way to display some of your favourite items
Add decorative accents or accessories
Match it with these colours for a professional look in your home

2024 BeautiTone Colour of the Year: Illumina

BeautiTone‘s colour of the year is Illumina – “This captivating shade brings joy and warmth to any space, creating an inviting atmosphere that will leave you feeling inspired. Indulge in the captivating allure of a soft and radiant yellow hue, which gracefully infuses your space with a warm and luminous embrace. With its gentle red undertones and radiant glow, this colour creates an enchanting ambiance that uplifts the spirit.”

Fun Fact! BeautiTone partnered with a Kitchener-Waterloo artist, Stephanie Boutari to help launch the Colour of the Year. Stephanie does amazing murals around the region.

Ways to incorporate Illumina into your home

Whether your style is minimalist, mid-century modern, maximalist, or coastal, painting a room with Illumina will fit into your personal style.
Find wallpaper that features this colour and install it in a section of your home, i.e. a power room accent wall.
Illumina fits right into this 2024 Colour Trends Collection, making it easy for you to create a complete look in any room.

Buying Real Estate Home Decor home improvements House & Home

6 Simple Steps to Make Your Home Feel Lighter & Spacious

Post author By cindycody
Post date August 23, 2023

As your family grows, and each family member starts to accumulate their own belongings, you might find yourself getting a little tight for space in your home. To help you transform your living space into a roomy oasis, we’ve put together these simple tips. From clever storage solutions to strategic furniture placement, we’ve thought about how you can make the most of your space and make your home feel brighter and more spacious.

1. Declutter your spaces

We talk a lot about decluttering when someone is getting ready to sell their home. It’s the process of getting rid of things you don’t need or use anymore in order to create a more organized and peaceful living space. Well, you don’t need to sell your home to start decluttering. Your home will feel so much lighter in the end.

2. Choose functional furniture that fits!

If you live in an older home or have a less open-concept layout, you can really transform your spaces by choosing the right furniture. Swap out bulky furniture for more modern, sleep pieces. Not only will this give your space a fresh look, but it will also help create a better flow throughout the room. If you have items you’re not ready to part with, consider a coat of paint to lighten them up.

3. Discover the magic of mirrors

Did you know mirrors can actually make spaces look bigger? By strategically placing mirrors in a room, you can create the illusion of more space and light.

4. Light makes spaces look larger

It’s pretty amazing how lighting can make a room look bigger. By strategically placing lights and using different types of lighting, you can create the illusion of more space. If you’re feeling cramped in a particular room in your home, try experimenting with your lighting setup.

5. Make the most of your storage space

We’ve already talked about decluttering your spaces by getting rid of unused items. If you have things you’re not quite ready to part with, find a functional way to store them. By reducing clutter in your living spaces, your rooms will feel larger and more comfortable. Maximize your storage space for the items you want to use (but don’t want to see all the time). Ottomans and decorative boxes can provide functional storage in your living room, and you can leverage unused spaces around your home, like the space under your bed.

6. Embrace indoor-outdoor living

If you’re planning a big family get-together and need some extra room, don’t forget about your outdoor space! It can be a game-changer when you have a lot of people over. Why not create an awesome outdoor living room and dining area? And don’t forget to think about how your indoor and outdoor spaces flow together.