Dear Debbie: We plan to put our home on the market in a few months (the fall) and would like some tips on how to get it ready. Is it smart to fix up the exterior, as well as the interior? We are happy to put in the work ourselves. Thanks.
Gwen
When you are planning to sell, keep in mind future buyers will be viewing your home as the place they would like to live in, and they should be able to visualize their furniture, their d茅cor, their lives in the house. Walk through your rooms with a critical eye. First, repair any area that is an eyesore. Loose or broken boards and hardware, rusty or leaking pipes or water damage send signals of neglect. For example, it鈥檚 not necessary to go to the expense of putting in a new kitchen with all the bells and whistles. However, a clean countertop and well-thought-out storage is a big plus. If you have turned a bedroom into a home office or den, either change it back or make it obvious that it can be a bedroom. A fresh paint job works miracles. Choose a neutral colour throughout, as a blank canvas allows the buyer鈥檚 imagination to flow. Many people find it difficult to see past the painted mural in the kids鈥� room or the splash of fuchsia or navy blue on a moody dining room wall.
First impressions are lasting. The exterior should look clean and cared for. You can add architectural details to build up the home鈥檚 style easily, with the addition of window and door trim. Fypon鈥檚 products, such as the smooth crosshead on the door and windows, and the Z-batten shutters shown here are made from polyurethane, which means they are lightweight, resistant to insects and ideal for moisture-prone areas. They are easy to install and transform the face of your home. See fypon.com.
Do any landscaping with ease and convenience in mind. A low-maintenance garden will contribute to the beauty of your home without scaring away those who hate to weed. Container gardening is a good option. Lighting is a smart add-on. The welcome glow of lanterns is inviting to family and visitors. Spotlights highlight natural elements such as gardens and trees, and a well-lit exterior always increases safety.
Dear Debbie: I have engineered hardwood and was told I cannot sand it to re-stain a large area where I am removing an area rug. The floor underneath the rug is now lighter. Can I buff and re-stain? Any suggestions?
Barbara
Engineered hardwood floor is comprised of a top layer of hardwood veneered over a plywood subfloor. The challenge with refreshing these floors is knowing how thick or thin the wood veneer is. If you know the quality of the floor that you have, that should help. High quality means a thicker veneer. The good news: Quality engineered floors can be sanded at least once successfully. Refinishing any hardwood floor is a big job. Your first step is to sand off the seal coat down to the bare wood so that you can then add a uniform stain to the entire surface of the floor. Incorrect sanding pressure can scar and ruin your floor. Doing a patch job won鈥檛 work. You will always see the lines where the dark areas meet up with the lighter spots. Why not have your floor professionally sanded, and then, if you are a DIYer, you can continue with the next steps.
Please email decorating questions to [email protected]. Follow Debbie at debbietravis.com.
