If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, you may be wondering whether the project will increase your home’s value and whether it’s worth the expense or not.
✨The answer may surprise you.
1. The Cost Of A Kitchen Remodel
The average household spends somewhere between $20,000 and $50,000 on renovating a kitchen. This often includes replacing appliances, countertops, and flooring, as well as the cabinet fronts and hardware.
2. Will Remodeling My Kitchen Make My Home Worth More?
The short answer is yes. Studies show that homebuyers rank the kitchen as one of the most important rooms in a home. They are often willing to pay more for features like new appliances and granite countertops.
3. Your Return On Investment With A Kitchen Renovation
The return on investment (ROI) you can expect with a kitchen renovation depends on several different factors. These include how big of a renovation you’re doing, the cost of making said upgrades, and what part of the country you live in.
4. Is A Kitchen Remodel Worth The Expense?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, if you plan to sell your home right after making kitchen upgrades, it makes little sense to spend $50,000 to do so only to recoup $30,000.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
✨Unique Circumstances That Could Make Your Home Worth More
✨Unique Circumstances That Could Make Your Home Worth More
1. Living Close To Starbucks
It’s obvious we love our coffee, but did you know that if your house is located within a quarter-mile of a Starbucks, it could be worth quite a bit more?
2. Kitchens And Bathrooms Painted In Shades Of Blue
Why is blue worth so much more? Potential buyers tend to see cool neutrals like blue and gray as signs the house is well cared for and maybe includes special features.
3. Trendy Features
While the term “trendy” indicates the features are popular in the short-term, if your house includes something popular at the time you’re selling it, it can potentially increase its value.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
1. Living Close To Starbucks
It’s obvious we love our coffee, but did you know that if your house is located within a quarter-mile of a Starbucks, it could be worth quite a bit more?
2. Kitchens And Bathrooms Painted In Shades Of Blue
Why is blue worth so much more? Potential buyers tend to see cool neutrals like blue and gray as signs the house is well cared for and maybe includes special features.
3. Trendy Features
While the term “trendy” indicates the features are popular in the short-term, if your house includes something popular at the time you’re selling it, it can potentially increase its value.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
👇 Here are several clever ways to hide this kitchen appliance so it matches the décor.
️ If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, don’t forget the dishwasher.
Here are several clever ways to hide this kitchen appliance so it matches the décor.
1. A fake marble or granite top
You can help your dishwasher blend in seamlessly by replacing its cutting board top with a granite or marble one to match your countertops.
2. Cover it in contact paper
If your other appliances are stainless steel, but your dishwasher isn’t, you can make it appear as if it is by applying a sheet of matching contact paper.
3. Cover it with a cabinet panel
If you’d rather not be able to see your dishwasher at all, camouflage it behind a matching cabinet panel.
4. Install the dishwasher strategically
If you have an island in your kitchen, it is the ideal place to house a dishwasher.
5. Paint it
You can pick up appliance paint fairly cheaply at the hardware store.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Here are several clever ways to hide this kitchen appliance so it matches the décor.
1. A fake marble or granite top
You can help your dishwasher blend in seamlessly by replacing its cutting board top with a granite or marble one to match your countertops.
2. Cover it in contact paper
If your other appliances are stainless steel, but your dishwasher isn’t, you can make it appear as if it is by applying a sheet of matching contact paper.
3. Cover it with a cabinet panel
If you’d rather not be able to see your dishwasher at all, camouflage it behind a matching cabinet panel.
4. Install the dishwasher strategically
If you have an island in your kitchen, it is the ideal place to house a dishwasher.
5. Paint it
You can pick up appliance paint fairly cheaply at the hardware store.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
👚 ✨ While most people wouldn’t call the laundry room their favorite, it can still be a nice place to spend time doing laundry if you use these tips
✨ While most people wouldn’t call the laundry room their favorite, it can still be a nice place to spend time doing laundry if you use the tips outlined below.
1. Invest In New Appliances
Not only will new appliances encourage you to use them, but they will also lower your energy bills and make your laundry room look great.
2.Install Cabinets And Shelves
Cabinets or shelving above the washer and dryer give you plenty of space for things like laundry detergent, fabric softener and the like, while a bar hung conveniently nearby gives you plenty of space to hang clothing to dry.
3.Use All The Space You Have
Purchase over-the-door hooks and storage systems to help you keep those things you need handy and organized so your room doesn’t feel cluttered and chaotic.
4.Create A Sorting System
Assign each family member their own basket or laundry bag and encourage them to use it throughout the week.
5.The Magic Of Good Lighting
Installing a lovely light fixture that allows light to bathe the entire room will not only make the space more functional, but it will also make it more inviting.
6.Choose The Right Flooring
Choose something that’s low maintenance, easy to clean, and as water resistant as possible, which will add functionality and beauty to the room.
7.Have A Folding Table
Whether it’s a permanent shelf installed along the wall or a rolling cart/table you bring out when it’s time to fold the clothes.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
1. Invest In New Appliances
Not only will new appliances encourage you to use them, but they will also lower your energy bills and make your laundry room look great.
2.Install Cabinets And Shelves
Cabinets or shelving above the washer and dryer give you plenty of space for things like laundry detergent, fabric softener and the like, while a bar hung conveniently nearby gives you plenty of space to hang clothing to dry.
3.Use All The Space You Have
Purchase over-the-door hooks and storage systems to help you keep those things you need handy and organized so your room doesn’t feel cluttered and chaotic.
4.Create A Sorting System
Assign each family member their own basket or laundry bag and encourage them to use it throughout the week.
5.The Magic Of Good Lighting
Installing a lovely light fixture that allows light to bathe the entire room will not only make the space more functional, but it will also make it more inviting.
6.Choose The Right Flooring
Choose something that’s low maintenance, easy to clean, and as water resistant as possible, which will add functionality and beauty to the room.
7.Have A Folding Table
Whether it’s a permanent shelf installed along the wall or a rolling cart/table you bring out when it’s time to fold the clothes.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🔻 The tips below are designed to help you choose the right contractor for the job, so you get the most out of your investment.
It can be difficult knowing if you’ve chosen a good contractor or not.
As an investor, you want to spend as little money as possible but still receive quality work.
The tips below are designed to help you choose the right contractor for the job, so you get the most out of your investment.
Know what you want before beginning your search
Have a general idea of what you want to do before you begin searching for a contractor.
Ask for referrals
Ask family members and close friends for contractor recommendations.
Check out more than one contractor
Even if you really like the first contractor you talk to, get bids from a couple more so you can compare.
Don’t be surprised if your contractor can’t start right away
The best contractors are the busiest, so don’t be surprised if yours can’t begin work right away.
Do a background check
The contractor you choose should be licensed to work in the area in which you live.
Only sign a detailed contract
The contract you sign with your contractor should be highly detailed.
Don’t pay too much upfront
You really shouldn’t pay more than 10 percent upfront to any contractor.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
As an investor, you want to spend as little money as possible but still receive quality work.
The tips below are designed to help you choose the right contractor for the job, so you get the most out of your investment.
Know what you want before beginning your search
Have a general idea of what you want to do before you begin searching for a contractor.
Ask for referrals
Ask family members and close friends for contractor recommendations.
Check out more than one contractor
Even if you really like the first contractor you talk to, get bids from a couple more so you can compare.
Don’t be surprised if your contractor can’t start right away
The best contractors are the busiest, so don’t be surprised if yours can’t begin work right away.
Do a background check
The contractor you choose should be licensed to work in the area in which you live.
Only sign a detailed contract
The contract you sign with your contractor should be highly detailed.
Don’t pay too much upfront
You really shouldn’t pay more than 10 percent upfront to any contractor.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🏡 It’s possible to make your home look more expensive and on-trend without spending a lot of money to do so.
It’s possible to make your home look more expensive and on-trend without spending a lot of money to do so.
If you’re trying to sell your home but it isn’t as updated as it could be, try the DIY projects listed below.
1. Paint The Floors
Be sure to purchase porch paint instead of regular wall paint as it’s designed to withstand foot traffic better. Try getting creative with painter’s tape to add a unique design, but even a simple coat of paint can do wonders for any room.
2. Update The Light Fixtures
Outdated, ugly light fixtures can really make a room look drab and uninspired. Give your light fixtures an upgrade by replacing them with modern, clean-looking fixtures that complement any décor style.
3. Make Your Home’s Windows Beautiful
If your home’s windows have blinds, cover them with lovely window dressings to give the room a nice finished appearance.
4. Install Crown Molding
Crown molding can be wide or narrow, and when it’s painted a different color than the walls, it really makes a statement. Many people go with white for their crown molding, but a nice wood stain looks great, too.
5. Paint Your Fridge Faux-Stainless Steel
Visit your local hardware store and choose a metallic paint that matches your existing décor and cover the front, sides, and handles as necessary. You can even opt for bright colors as these are on-trend now, too.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
If you’re trying to sell your home but it isn’t as updated as it could be, try the DIY projects listed below.
1. Paint The Floors
Be sure to purchase porch paint instead of regular wall paint as it’s designed to withstand foot traffic better. Try getting creative with painter’s tape to add a unique design, but even a simple coat of paint can do wonders for any room.
2. Update The Light Fixtures
Outdated, ugly light fixtures can really make a room look drab and uninspired. Give your light fixtures an upgrade by replacing them with modern, clean-looking fixtures that complement any décor style.
3. Make Your Home’s Windows Beautiful
If your home’s windows have blinds, cover them with lovely window dressings to give the room a nice finished appearance.
4. Install Crown Molding
Crown molding can be wide or narrow, and when it’s painted a different color than the walls, it really makes a statement. Many people go with white for their crown molding, but a nice wood stain looks great, too.
5. Paint Your Fridge Faux-Stainless Steel
Visit your local hardware store and choose a metallic paint that matches your existing décor and cover the front, sides, and handles as necessary. You can even opt for bright colors as these are on-trend now, too.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
😄 Tips For Improving Your Home’s Insulation
Tips For Improving Your Home’s Insulation
1. Think About The Savings
Adding insulation may be one of them, so check with the your Department of Energy to see if any of these rebates, credits, and/or savings apply to you if you install new insulation in your home.
2. Get An Energy Audit For Your Home
During an energy audit, the technician may conduct a blower door test, which uses a high-powered fan to reduce your home’s air pressure.
3. Understand The Different Types Of Insulation
-Blanket insulation – most commonly used. Comes in rolls or sheets and fits perfectly between rafters and wall joists.
-Blown-in Insulation – Made of recycled newspapers, fiberglass, or other materials that can be blown into a space to fill it.
-Spray foam – the most expensive, this insulation consists of chemicals that harden to fill a space and create an airtight barrier.
4. Install Insulation In The Right Places
Insulation is strategically placed to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. If your budget is tight, consider starting at the top of your home and working your way down as your budget permits.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
1. Think About The Savings
Adding insulation may be one of them, so check with the your Department of Energy to see if any of these rebates, credits, and/or savings apply to you if you install new insulation in your home.
2. Get An Energy Audit For Your Home
During an energy audit, the technician may conduct a blower door test, which uses a high-powered fan to reduce your home’s air pressure.
3. Understand The Different Types Of Insulation
-Blanket insulation – most commonly used. Comes in rolls or sheets and fits perfectly between rafters and wall joists.
-Blown-in Insulation – Made of recycled newspapers, fiberglass, or other materials that can be blown into a space to fill it.
-Spray foam – the most expensive, this insulation consists of chemicals that harden to fill a space and create an airtight barrier.
4. Install Insulation In The Right Places
Insulation is strategically placed to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. If your budget is tight, consider starting at the top of your home and working your way down as your budget permits.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🍃 Tips to create an inspiring, relaxing home library in any room.
Just because it’s easy to read books on digital devices doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a library to read and work in at home.
Use the tips above to create an inspiring, relaxing home library in any room.
1. Don’t Be Afraid To Go Bold
Paint the bookcases in your library a bold color like black (opt for a lacquered finish to really make a statement) and accent the shelves with metallic pieces for a dramatic effect.
2. Give Existing Bookcases A Facelift
Take out a few or all of the shelves and build a custom insert to liven up space. If you aren’t the DIY type, hire a cabinet maker to build the insert for you.
3. Turn Any Space Into Your Library
Think about shelving that’s unique and colors that make you feel good. As you’re decorating the space, don’t forget to add personal touches like knick-knacks and the like to make the room your own.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Use the tips above to create an inspiring, relaxing home library in any room.
1. Don’t Be Afraid To Go Bold
Paint the bookcases in your library a bold color like black (opt for a lacquered finish to really make a statement) and accent the shelves with metallic pieces for a dramatic effect.
2. Give Existing Bookcases A Facelift
Take out a few or all of the shelves and build a custom insert to liven up space. If you aren’t the DIY type, hire a cabinet maker to build the insert for you.
3. Turn Any Space Into Your Library
Think about shelving that’s unique and colors that make you feel good. As you’re decorating the space, don’t forget to add personal touches like knick-knacks and the like to make the room your own.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
3 easy steps to a fresh, new home exterior
✨Is the outside of your home looking a little drab lately? Give it a fresh, new look by painting the exterior.
3 easy steps to a fresh, new home exterior
Step 1 – wash your house (one day)
You’ll need a pressure washer (it’s the easiest way to tackle this step), a long-handled scrub brush, and cleaning solution.
Step 2 – make repairs (one weekend)
For this step, be sure you have an entire weekend free to take care of any wear or damage you found as you washed the exterior of your home.
Step 3 – paint (one month)
Take your time and make it look great. Here’s the timeline.
Week 1 – replace the front door casing.
Plan it all out on paper before heading to the home improvement store for supplies.
Week 2 – paint the siding
Tape and cover any surfaces you won’t be painting (windows, light fixtures, etc.) and use an angled brush to make clean lines along edges.
Week 3 – put on the second coat
Take some sandpaper to any drips or debris you find in the first coat of paint and then apply a second coat.
Week 4 – add the finishing touches
Anyone can give their home a fresh, new look following the simple steps above.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
3 easy steps to a fresh, new home exterior
Step 1 – wash your house (one day)
You’ll need a pressure washer (it’s the easiest way to tackle this step), a long-handled scrub brush, and cleaning solution.
Step 2 – make repairs (one weekend)
For this step, be sure you have an entire weekend free to take care of any wear or damage you found as you washed the exterior of your home.
Step 3 – paint (one month)
Take your time and make it look great. Here’s the timeline.
Week 1 – replace the front door casing.
Plan it all out on paper before heading to the home improvement store for supplies.
Week 2 – paint the siding
Tape and cover any surfaces you won’t be painting (windows, light fixtures, etc.) and use an angled brush to make clean lines along edges.
Week 3 – put on the second coat
Take some sandpaper to any drips or debris you find in the first coat of paint and then apply a second coat.
Week 4 – add the finishing touches
Anyone can give their home a fresh, new look following the simple steps above.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🖌️An exterior house-painting project can be a lot of work and take a lot of time.
An exterior house-painting project can be a lot of work and take a lot of time.
Here are some of the required steps:
Step 1 – Wash Your House
Washing the exterior of your house should only take one day.
Step 2 – Make Repairs
You can do this over the weekend as long as you don't have a lot of repairs to make!
Step 3 – Paint
This is the big part! It may take several weeks to paint the entire exterior of your house. It's recommended to go section by section.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Here are some of the required steps:
Step 1 – Wash Your House
Washing the exterior of your house should only take one day.
Step 2 – Make Repairs
You can do this over the weekend as long as you don't have a lot of repairs to make!
Step 3 – Paint
This is the big part! It may take several weeks to paint the entire exterior of your house. It's recommended to go section by section.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
📍5 STEP DIY KITCHEN ISLAND
Always wanted an island in your kitchen?
Anyone who loves do-it-yourself projects and is handy with simple tools can make this Ikea-inspired kitchen island in just five easy steps. Here’s how to make one!
5 STEP DIY KITCHEN ISLAND
THINGS YOU’LL NEED:
3 Billy Bookcases (two 31×40 inch, one 15×40 inch)
1 Numerar butcher block countertop
1-inch particleboard screws
2x4s
Liquid nails
Finishing nails
Molding
Beadboard
HOW IT’S DONE
Step 1: Assemble the bookcases.
Step 2: Attach the bookcases to each other by countersinking 1-inch particle board screws three inches from the top and bottom.
Step 3: Make cleats from 2x4s and attach the shelves to the floor.
Step 4: Attach the butcher’s block to the top of the shelves to make it look like one solid piece of furniture. Use Liquid Nails and finishing nails to make it sturdy.
Step 5: Finish the island by cutting and attaching molding and beadboard. Stain or paint the island to match your kitchen décor.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
Anyone who loves do-it-yourself projects and is handy with simple tools can make this Ikea-inspired kitchen island in just five easy steps. Here’s how to make one!
5 STEP DIY KITCHEN ISLAND
THINGS YOU’LL NEED:
3 Billy Bookcases (two 31×40 inch, one 15×40 inch)
1 Numerar butcher block countertop
1-inch particleboard screws
2x4s
Liquid nails
Finishing nails
Molding
Beadboard
HOW IT’S DONE
Step 1: Assemble the bookcases.
Step 2: Attach the bookcases to each other by countersinking 1-inch particle board screws three inches from the top and bottom.
Step 3: Make cleats from 2x4s and attach the shelves to the floor.
Step 4: Attach the butcher’s block to the top of the shelves to make it look like one solid piece of furniture. Use Liquid Nails and finishing nails to make it sturdy.
Step 5: Finish the island by cutting and attaching molding and beadboard. Stain or paint the island to match your kitchen décor.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
🥫When you open your pantry, does it send a small bit of anxiety through your body?
When you open your pantry, does it send a small bit of anxiety through your body?
✨Imagine what a treat it would be if your pantry were neat, clean, and organized! Here are several tips to help you do just that.
1. Clean It Out
Start at the ceiling and remove any cobwebs hanging in the corners and work your way down. Wipe shelving, and if you’re feeling ambitious, give them a fresh coat of paint.
2. Take Stock Of What You Have
Throw out expired food items and start a box for donations to your local food pantry of items you won’t be using.
For example, move seldom-used items to the back or to a lower shelf to make room for the things you use most within easy reach.
3. Make It Easy To See What You Have
For instance, baking ingredients like flour and sugar look great in clear mason jars while rice, beans, and other dry goods make for a pleasant display in tightly sealed plastic containers with lids.
4. Purchase Storage Solutions
Your list may include things like mason jars, plastic containers, baskets, wire racks, spice racks, racks for plastic wrap and aluminum foil, etc.
5. Put Your Pantry Back Together
Be sure to group like items together – sugar and flour with other baking ingredients, for example – and face canned goods forward for easy viewing. Keep arranging and rearranging until you have the pantry you’ve always dreamed of.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
✨Imagine what a treat it would be if your pantry were neat, clean, and organized! Here are several tips to help you do just that.
1. Clean It Out
Start at the ceiling and remove any cobwebs hanging in the corners and work your way down. Wipe shelving, and if you’re feeling ambitious, give them a fresh coat of paint.
2. Take Stock Of What You Have
Throw out expired food items and start a box for donations to your local food pantry of items you won’t be using.
For example, move seldom-used items to the back or to a lower shelf to make room for the things you use most within easy reach.
3. Make It Easy To See What You Have
For instance, baking ingredients like flour and sugar look great in clear mason jars while rice, beans, and other dry goods make for a pleasant display in tightly sealed plastic containers with lids.
4. Purchase Storage Solutions
Your list may include things like mason jars, plastic containers, baskets, wire racks, spice racks, racks for plastic wrap and aluminum foil, etc.
5. Put Your Pantry Back Together
Be sure to group like items together – sugar and flour with other baking ingredients, for example – and face canned goods forward for easy viewing. Keep arranging and rearranging until you have the pantry you’ve always dreamed of.
Emma Co Personal Real Estate Corp | Macdonald Realty
emmaco.realty@gmail.com | 6046183888
Building VALUE With Every Move
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MacDonald Realty
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Richmond, BC V7C 5S7
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