Remodeling

Strategic renovations can add value to homes by creating lasting impressions on potential buyers. What makes a renovation “strategic” is the idea of making the most impact for the lowest cost. A full remodel is not usually needed to transform a basic property listing into a high-value residence. In a competitive market, even small renovations can make a significant impact.

These 5 renovations or home redesigns offer meaningful advantages when attracting potential home buyers. Regardless of whether the property needs to sell quickly or slowly grow in value in a seller’s market, these changes can help property owners exceed their buyers’ expectations from the very first impression.

1. Modern Kitchen Functionality

Over the last few decades, kitchen remodeling designs have gone from focused on utility to multi-functional work and living spaces that are among the most influential in the entire home. A contemporary kitchen can make a huge impression on a potential home buyer, especially with so many people in the post-pandemic workforce adopting hybrid and remote positions.

Kitchens do not need to be gutted and fully remodeled to achieve an enticing and multi-functional space. Updating cabinets with custom pieces that match the space, adding warm natural materials, upgrading the appliances, and adding attractive finishes can go a long way.

Instead of changing the layout, many modern designers introduce natural light into the space to give an illusion of spaciousness. Simply adding under-cabinet LED lighting, attractive stone finishes, or redone backsplashes can subtly change the impression of the space from utilitarian to luxurious. 

2. Simple Bathroom Refresh

A compact bathroom can be refreshed with strategic renovations to be more attractive to potential homebuyers. Thoughtful enhancements could include a new custom vanity, under-cabinet lighting, upgraded tile, or a shower or tub remodel. Renovations that prioritize both style and purpose can make the biggest impact, such as updating the master bath with dual vanities or investing in a freestanding tub.

Even small renovations can enhance the appeal of limited spaces. Refreshing the palette to be lighter and more neutral, removing unneeded fixtures to make the space bigger, adding heated flooring, or introducing natural light can give any bathroom the impression of a low-maintenance, high-value space.

3. Upgraded Curb Appeal

Upgrading the curb appeal of the home does not have to involve a complete remodel. Simple changes can make the property show better from the street and set a better tone for all potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint, additional exterior lighting, and improved landscaping can radically improve the home’s first impression without costing much compared to structural upgrades.

Other simple changes include painting the door, choosing a neutral color popular with modern homebuyers, washing the siding, and cleaning the gutters.

4. Replaced Worn-Out Flooring

Flooring can be a major aesthetic asset or detractor when homebuyers view a house. Even though flooring is relatively cheap to replace, many prospective buyers look at flooring as part of the finished structure of the house, viewing dirty, old, worn, or mismatched flooring as a major negative and potential decision-maker.

What these buyers may not realize is that flooring is a relatively simple and inexpensive aspect to improve compared to structural issues that require full remodels. Property owners can take advantage of this by replacing or refreshing old flooring to create a better impression without changing the layout of the home.

Old carpet and laminate can instantly date a home. Property owners should replace it with flooring that modern home buyers prefer, including authentic hardwood, artificial wood, tile, and luxury vinyl. Buyers looking for durability or style would be turned off by the sight of old carpet, but a flooring refresh tells a buyer that home is cohesive and well cared for.

5. Expanded Natural Lighting

Natural lighting can be a huge asset to home renovations. Even a smaller living space can be artificially expanded by introducing natural light, such as by removing fixtures, adding a skylight, removing heavy curtains, or using strategic mirrors to redirect existing light.

Floor plans with a greater emphasis on light feel airy, larger, and more functional. Even if they are not open concept spaces and the property owner can’t afford to remove a wall, they can feel attractive to a homebuyer looking for cohesion, authenticity, and cleanliness.

Partner with Experienced Home Remodelers to Make the Right Impression to Future Homebuyers

Home renovations can attract potential homebuyers without costing a fortune. By refreshing kitchens and bathrooms, replacing flooring, and other simple renovations that make the home feel larger and more cohesive, property owners can make a better first impression on their prospective buyers.

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our experienced team of local designers and remodelers works with property owners to make their spaces more attractive within their budgets. Contact our team and request a consultation to learn how strategic renovations can make an immediate impact on buyer appeal without requiring a full remodel.

Older home remodels present challenges that distinguish them from all other types of remodels. However, confronting these challenges can also lead to rewarding opportunities to preserve historical charm, accent traditional architecture, update visual flow, and add modern comforts to a heritage home.

With the right information, homeowners can successfully prepare to remodel older homes by keeping the right priorities in mind every step of the way. From mid-century cottages to Victorian-era homes and everything in-between, this advice can translate to any remodel.

1. Past Remodels

Some features of older homes date back to their original periods while others have been added later. The challenges of remodeling are compounded by these complicated histories. If authenticity is the goal of the remodel, current homeowners must learn to recognize which elements of their home are original. Experienced designers can help identify the timeline of these changes to plan a remodel that feels authentic.

In addition to authenticity, safety is a related concern when remodeling old homes. Many chemicals, finishes, and materials used in older eras posed health risks, risks that modern homeowners can encounter during demolition or remodeling. Lead paint and asbestos insulation are two of the most common factors to consider.

2. Architectural Integrity

Architectural integrity is a key factor to consider when remodeling an older home. Most homes still have period-specific design elements such as their original wood floors, moulding, or trim, and these elements preserve the authentic character of the home’s design. While modernization can be convenient, most home remodels aim to preserve historic integrity when possible. With modern interior design techniques, this can be done without sacrificing functionality.

For example, modern appliances and fixtures can be brought in, but they should be integrated in a seamless way that complements rather than contradicts the existing architecture. Additionally, custom cabinetry and millwork can be added to a kitchen remodel to bridge the gap between period accuracy and modern convenience. Time-honored materials like marble and natural finished wood can be tastefully integrated without overshadowing the design.

3. Structural Regulations

While choosing colors, patterns, and styles is often the most enjoyable part of remodeling a home, structural regulations need to be a higher priority. Many older homes have outdated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and roofing systems that need to be re-evaluated before the remodel can properly begin. Common problems discovered during the remodeling process include:

• Settled foundations
• Water damage
• Outdated insulation
• Damaged wiring
• Leaking plumbing

Maryland has a humid climate, making appropriate moisture management a primary concern throughout the planning process. Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens need to be properly ventilated and waterproofed to avoid further damage while the team works through the process of updating and repairing the existing structure to meet modern safety regulations.

Legal obligations are not the only reason to bring older homes up to code. Homeowners should be invested in choosing moisture-resistant materials and repairing old structures. This process will help protect their investment over the long term. At the same time, they should be prepared to set aside part of their remodeling budget, at least 10% in most cases, for unforeseen structural changes and repairs.

4. Improved Functionality

Older homes were not necessarily built to accommodate modern needs. Many homeowners seek multifunctional spaces with a modern flow, even while preserving the architectural style and flair of an older era. To do this, homeowners must recognize the limitations of many older designs and strategically improve their functionality without losing the essence of the home’s vision.

For example, many older kitchens are smaller than modern homeowners need. Storage space is more limited. Bathrooms tend to have fewer amenities. These are pivotal pain points for most remodels, but most people who own older properties don’t want to bulldoze the charm of their home for the sake of an update. This is a balancing act that often requires expert help.

Experienced modern designers and tradesmen look at cramped kitchen layouts for opportunities to open them up without sacrificing key architectural accents. Better flow can be achieved by making use of vertical shelving space and multifunctional cabinets, freeing the counters for more practical uses. Unused corner nooks can be turned into pantries to take pressure off the limited floorplan.

The same logic can apply to bathrooms, which are often smaller in older homes than modern homeowners expect. Custom millwork can be designed to increase storage while creatively expanding shower spaces. Vanities can be reconfigured to accommodate more users while nodding to the home’s period with vintage accent designs. In any room, natural light can be used to make spaces feel more open and inviting.

Recruit Local Maryland Home Remodeling Experts

Remodeling an older home in Maryland can be a challenge. Improving the flow and accessibility of the rooms without compromising the architectural charm can be a tall order. Additional considerations, such as safety concerns and building regulation changes, can result in a project with a lot of complex moving parts.

Our team of local designers at Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath partners with in-house tradesmen, material suppliers, and contractors to plan and execute thoughtful remodels. Our goal is to achieve the homeowner’s new vision without compromising their property’s heritage. 

Contact our team today to learn how we can remodel your older home, update its vision with new materials and designs, and preserve the charm that makes it distinct.

Even Maryland homeowners who love their homes often still envision improvements. They may start to feel cramped, outdated, or simply anxious to make a change to their space. Remodels and home additions offer two similar options for updating a home’s style, value, or functionality. However, the two processes must be planned, budgeted, and executed differently.

Maryland homeowners should recognize these differences to ensure their approach to home improvements aligns with their needs. This article walks through the home addition and home remodeling processes to compare their scope, process, cost, and value.

These differences can undoubtedly affect the viability of each process for homeowners who not only want to improve their home but also avoid the costly process of fixing a wrong decision.

What is a Home Addition?

An addition is built onto the home to create new spaces. These can be outward, in the case of an expansion or new room, or upward, in the case of second-story additions. Home additions often include new primary suites, bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and more.

The easiest way to classify them is to understand that additions increase the usable square footage of the home. They have comparatively high costs upfront, but provide a higher potential to increase the value of the house when done well.

What is a Home Remodel?

A home remodel changes the structure of an existing space without impacting the overall square footage. This can include changing the layout to an open plan design, removing a wall, converting bathroom fixtures, or making other changes to the floor plan. The goal of a remodel is to maintain the home’s original structure while updating its usability for improved style, flow, or functionality.

Home remodels tend to have lower labor and material costs compared to additions, but cannot always increase the value of the house to the same degree. However, kitchen and bathroom remodels are selling points valued by many Maryland homebuyers. These projects can increase the value potential of well-planned remodels, even if they make no changes to the usable square footage.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addition or Remodel

Here are some of the most important considerations for Maryland homeowners when choosing between a home addition and a home remodel:

1. Space Limitations

Many homeowners begin planning an addition or remodel in response to floor plans that feel cramped, awkward, or underutilized. In some cases, the obvious solution is to simply add a new room, such as a dedicated office or a new bedroom.

However, many spaces can be refreshed with a new layout, new cabinets and appliances, or a change in flow. Without expanding the footprint of the home at all, remodels can bring a space up to date, open the floor, and promote multipurpose use.

2. Zoning Restrictions

Home remodels in Maryland often face fewer restrictions than additions. Though removing walls or changing plumbing and electrical systems can require extra documentation, home improvements that maintain the same footprint are less regulated.

Since they change the square footage of the home, home additions will likely fall under local zoning laws or HOA rules. Maryland homeowners need to know where their property line is and the exact restrictions governing additions near that line. For any addition, architectural planning, home remodeling permits for maryland, and local compliance are essential considerations before the project begins.

Local design firms help Maryland homeowners clarify the restrictions on their projects, the relevant local building codes, and the steps needed to properly permit their home addition or remodel. Asking these questions early in the process can help Maryland homeowners decide between additions and remodels by factoring in their individual restrictions.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Home remodels and additions will impact the usability of the home differently. Kitchen and bathroom remodels can temporarily restrict access to important rooms. Home additions that require heavier construction may not directly impact these essential spaces, but they may require the occupants to relocate if electrical, HVAC, or plumbing systems are involved.

Consider how a remodel or addition will impact daily routines when deciding between them. The project timeline can help put lifestyle disruptions into context.

4. Personal Goals

Remodels and additions achieve different goals, which is why homeowners should consider their intentions when deciding between them. Well-planned additions can expand the home and tangibly increase its value or make it more usable for a growing family. Careful remodels can improve an existing home’s style and functionality without going through a major construction process.

Partner with an Experienced Design Team to Make the Right Decision for Your Southern Maryland Home

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our team of experts recognizes the challenges in deciding between home additions and remodels. We partner with in-house installers and tradesmen to give homeowners expert advice on the process, timeline, benefits, and drawbacks of each possible home improvement project.

Our goal is to make sure that Maryland homeowners have all the information they need to make home improvements that benefit their situation and achieve their goals.

Contact our team today to learn more about home additions and remodels in your area. Our in-house team of experts and design team will help address your concerns from all possible angles to help make the best decision for your home.

A home renovation can be an exciting and rewarding venture. However, without proper planning and guidance, renovations can become financial burdens fraught with unexpected expenses, delays, and unsatisfactory results. In general, hiring experienced kitchen designers is a logical first step to avoiding many of these mistakes, especially for inexperienced renovators.

If you are still on the fence, or have questions for hiring a professional, the following list examines the costly mistakes made during many home renovations to help homeowners stay on budget and turn their ideal visions for their spaces into a reality. 

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Since home renovations can cost as much as $150 per square foot, homeowners have a responsibility to budget their costs and avoid the costly mistake of underestimating common expenses. Home renovations involve not just material costs but also other costs associated with labor, permits, and compliance. For example, home renovators may uncover damaged wiring or plumbing that is out of code, leading to unexpected project delays and costs that can change the viability of the entire project.

For any renovation, homeowners should set a realistic budget and work within those means. Everything should be planned in advance to make sure premium materials and custom appliances stay within the overall project budget. If one aspect of the job increases in price, the budget may need to adapt in other areas to stay on schedule.

2. Anticipate Unexpected Issues

Home renovations may not always go as planned. During the inspection process, contractors may discover issues that need to be corrected before proceeding with the renovations. These could include:

• Faulty Wiring
• Worn Plumbing
• Mold Growth
• Infestations
• Structural Damage
• Water Damage

These issues may pose a danger to the residents, present issues of compliance that could lead to project delays, or could compromise the integrity of the new project. To avoid these costly mistakes, homeowners should budget for the time and material and labor costs associated with unexpected problems. A good rule of thumb is to set aside a minimum of 10% of the budget for unforeseen circumstances and allow for potential delays in the project timeline.

3. Maintain Compliance

When home renovations change the footprint of the home, they often require permits, inspections, and insurance adjustments to be approved. In some neighborhoods, a kitchen design project may require HOA approval. Failure to follow the rules of compliance could result in fines, project delays, or insurance issues. If the renovations are substantial enough, failing to maintain compliance can even lower the value of the home and lead to legal trouble with local or state authorities.

Adding plumbing or wiring often requires a permit, which is why compliance can change the timeline of a project. If an inspector discovers faulty wiring, the homeowner may need to apply for a permit to replace it before proceeding with the renovations. This also applies to new additions to the home, foundation work, panel upgrades, and more.

Not all work requires a permit, however. For example, restoring wooden floors, painting walls, or making electrical repairs can often be done without an inspection. Understanding the compliance process in the local area or partnering with designers who understand the process is the best way to avoid costly compliance mistakes.

4. Renovate Safely

Home renovations can be performed safely by experienced contractors and designers. Yet, many homeowners pursue DIY renovations and risk costly damage to their homes, themselves, or others. In many cases, a lack of safety precautions creates more expensive repairs on top of the renovation process.

Basic safety tips for home renovations include turning off the power before working on electrical systems, inspecting ladders and safety equipment, following instructions from manufacturers on proper tool use, and wearing proper safety gear. However, the best tip for renovating safely is to hire experienced local designers and contractors who will follow proper procedures and keep you and your home safe from harm.

5. Choose the Best Professional for the Job

Inexperienced or unlicensed contractors can make expensive mistakes due to cutting corners, ignoring building codes, or lacking expertise in specific aspects of the renovation. To avoid these mistakes, homeowners should carefully vet their potential designers and contractors, check their references, insurance, and reviews, and ask them about their experience with similar projects.

By investing in the right team from the start of the renovation, homeowners can avoid costly corrections, delays, and building infractions on their home renovations. When every setback can cost a fortune, choosing the right kitchen design partner is a valuable investment.

Renovate Safely with the Help of a Professional Maryland Kitchen Design Team

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our professional installers and tradesmen leverage years of experience in the construction field to guide clients through their home renovation projects. We handle any issues that may arise and offer homeowners different resolution options to help meet time and budget requirements.

Attempting a remodeling project without expert kitchen designers or other home renovators may be the most costly mistake of all. Contact our experienced team today to learn how we can plan and execute your home renovation with as few surprises as possible.