Sadly, there are things we do to our homes that can cost thousands of dollars to correct, can compromise the major systems like plumbing, and negatively impact re-sale.
Here is a list of important Homeowner Don’ts that Karen has witnessed time and again over the course of her 20-year career!
- First, make sure you have at least one bathtub. I know, the notion of another beautiful walk-in shower may sound appealing, but if that tub is the only one in your home, KEEP IT. You’ll be glad you did when it’s time to sell. Don’t lose buyers that “must have” a good soak every now and again, or just need a tub to bathe little ones (both human and four-legged).
- Don’t leave cabinet doors on when painting. Fresh paint on cabinets will pay off at resale, and it’s a small investment. But don’t cut corners or try to save time. Leaving the doors on GUARANTEES that the paint won’t look good. Professional painters won’t do it… neither should you.
- Don’t put starchy foods down your disposal. Starches like potatoes, rice, and oatmeal clump when they hit water, causing disposal and pipe clogs. Plumbers like Halloween because od all the calls they to unclog pumpkin guts. Start a compost pile!
- Don’t plant too close to your home. The young sapling just a few feet from your door seems harmless now, but IT WILL grow up. Falling limbs, and tree roots from mature trees can weaken foundations and clog plumbing and sewer pipes.
- Don’t flush wipes. Some call them “flushable,” but too many of them do not disintegrate (as opposed to toilet paper which disintegrates in seconds). Stick with good ol’ TP.
- Don’t cover wallpaper with water-based paint. Feel free to paint over wallpaper with oil-based primer, and then latex paint over that after drying.
- Don’t paint exterior brick… it needs to breathe, and paint chokes it. Certain paints can destroy brick and mortar, and even cause foundations to crumble. To freshen up your exterior, try new shutters, re-paint the front door, or updated landscaping. Those moves can scratch your itch and boost your curb appeal. As a last resort, if you HATE your brick color, you might try brick stain, which bonds with the brick, allowing it to breathe.
For more on this trend that is particularly prevalent in North Atlanta real estate, read Karen’s earlier Website Blog Post, Should I Paint by Homes’ Brick Exterior?
- Don’t keep your ceiling fans running. Since it’s only beneficial to run ceiling fans when people are in the rooms to enjoy their breeze, save money by turning them off when you’re out.
- Lastly, don’t tear out original architectural features. They provide character, and buyers appreciate them. If you’re remodeling, work around them to the best of your ability.
Need help with some home projects? Check out Karen’s list SALTER’S SOURCES where you will find some trusted pros to help with your home projects.
Want to know more about buying, selling or caring for your home? Contact Karen today. She would love to help!
