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Honey Tips

Affordable Kitchen Remodels

• Granite countertops: Natural stone countertops, such as granite, marble and soapstone, are considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. While natural stone looks very attractive, when installed in solid pieces it is the most expensive countertop option.
  Make it more affordable: A less expensive option that will offer the same appearance is to have the stone installed in pieces. Once the stone is cut into squares it can be applied like ceramic tiles with grout. An added bonus: the individual squares can be easily replaced if severely damaged. Or consider a granite overlay on your existing countertops.
• Stone tile backsplash: Whether it is granite, marble or other natural stone, if you have a stone countertop, you'll want to finish it off with a stone tile backsplash to protect your wall. But, as always natural stone is expensive.
  Make it more affordable: Rather than adding the usual horizontal backsplash, consider turning those tiles sideways (like a diamond). This provides a unique look and also saves on the number of tiles you will need.
• Custom cabinets: With a seemingly unending selection of finish options, trims and cabinet configurations designed specifically to fit your kitchen, custom-built cabinets can truly personalize a kitchen in a way that standard cabinets do not.
  Make it more affordable: Get the look of custom-built cabinets at a lower cost by ordering semi-custom cabinets. Simple modifications such as height, depth and width can provide a more finished look. Mixing cabinet heights throughout the kitchen creates a further customized appearance.
• Wood flooring: Wood flooring is a beautiful option throughout a home, but it may be out of your budget.
  Make it more affordable: Consider laminate. Laminate wood flooring, such as Pergo(TM), is much less expensive and available in a variety of wood grain patterns. Even more important, the average eye will not be able to discern the difference.
• Ornate crown moldings: Crown molding is a great way to add architectural elements and interest to an ordinary room. The more ornate the molding, however, the higher the cost.
  Make it more affordable: Rather than using large, expensive moldings, try purchasing smaller molding that can stack together to create the illusion of the larger, more ornate pieces.

Tips for Adding Value to Your Home

• Update flooring.
• Replace carpeting with hardwood and linoleum with tile.
• Update your kitchen and bathroom. 
  (Partial or complete remodel of kitchens and bathrooms will recover an average of 90 percent of the costs).
• Kitchen:  Pay special attention to cabinets and the functionality of appliances.
• Bathroom:  Install a new shower, a change in fixtures and/or tile for the walls.
• Repaint—cheapest way to make a large impact!
• Fresh paint can add up to 10 percent to the final value of your home.
• Add a bathroom!  An extra bathroom can add 5 percent to the value of your home.
• Garages are sought after features – they can add up to 5 percent to the value of your home.
• HVAC- many older homes do not have a central heating/cooling system—update yours!
• Choose energy efficient systems!
• Repair anything that is broken.
• Take a look at your windows, doors and screens around your home.
• Landscaping your front yard increases curb appeal.
• Don’t forget about the things you cannot see…like insulation!
• Insulating adds value and reduces energy bills.
• Keep all warranties and certificates with the R-value rate, in case you decide to sell your home.

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