Renovating Your Kitchen In A Single Weekend

The kitchen is the most frequented room in the house. It is
modernized, updated and recreated more than any other room
in the house. If a house wants to increase its resale
value, a kitchen is one the first rooms to be renovated.
Most kitchen renovation jobs, if everything goes according
to the master plan - and what renovation does, last from
seven to nine weeks. If things do not go as planned it can
take a lot longer. Each kitchen has its own demands and the
need to address the differences causes a variation in the
time spent. Factors, such as the extent of the project, the
age, and condition of the house, affect the time frame. If
the kitchen is an older model located in an outdated house,
chances are problems will be higher than for a more
up-to-date model.

Renovating your kitchen in a weekend, offers challenges and
restrictions. Only so much can be undertaken. Such a
project also means serious preparatory planning must take
place first.

Before you start, sit down and prepare a design plan. What
is your vision of the kitchen? Do not get carried away. For
a short project such as this, stick to basics. Do not
consider ripping down load-bearing walls and redoing all
the wiring. Think more along the lines of cosmetics,
removing, replacing or repositioning appliances and
cabinets and floor retiling.

In such a short span, it is best to concentrate on one
particular aspect. Choose one major and maybe one minor
undertaking. Do not attack the project in a frenzied manner
without rhyme or reason. Proceed logically to consider what
is best done now. Keep in mind the time frame - a weekend
is short in terms of renovation. Keeping this in mind will
influence the outcome as well as the important planning
perspective.

Combine this with a financial reality check. How much can
you afford to spend? Look at the availability of helpers -
preferably people who have done this before or have some
knowledge in the area. Examine logistics and do not forget
to order the materials with enough leeway in case there are
changes in plans or late delivery.

There are a number of things to consider in terms of
placement of appliances. In order to get optimum benefits
provide the working areas of the refrigerator, sink, and
stove top with sufficient room in terms of both counter top
and floor. Consider all doors both to and in the kitchen
require clear and safe room to open and close. Space in
front of the refrigerator is an absolute must. If it means
repositioning it, do so. The cook will thank you for it.
Adding an adjacent counter will also win you praise.
Counter space is an important essential of a
well-functioning kitchen. A weekend project could focus on
adding counter space, perhaps installing an island.
Whatever you decide to do, remember to place everything you
do not intend to use and what might get in the way, into
labelled boxes, before storing them safely out of the way.
Family pets should also be placed somewhere safe, maybe a
kennel, until the work is completed. Small children and
even significant others, might just want to find themselves
elsewhere. Renovations can be long and messy projects. To
do a major job in a weekend is not entirely feasible but,
to do a significant renovation of your kitchen on a weekend
is an obtainable goal.


----------------------------------------------------
After you're done renovating your kitchen, keep it
organized!  For assistance, visit Get Organized for very
useful kitchen organization products at
http://search.shopgetorganized.com/q-Organizers/a-Kitchen-
Organizers-173/search.htm?leftnav=9

 

A Guide to Selling a House Yourself... For Sale By Owner

Selling a property by the owner has become a growing
concept, especially for those of us that want to size down
after the children are gone and settled in their own homes
and the house seems too big to clean or live in without
them, not to mention the expenses in maintenance and taxes
every year. Here are some useful tips and suggestion on
selling a house yourself that will help you get the best
price in the shortest time.

Educate Yourself

Every state has specific real estate laws that you need to
find out and follow as they do not apply nationwide; most
of these laws you will be able to find online as well as
download the necessary forms and agreements that are
standard and need to be used by owners selling their own
house.

Know the value of your house my checking other similar
properties for sale in your area; this should give you a
fair idea of the price range you can expect but not before
you make a list with what needs to be repaired in your
home. Many home owners don't take care of the house anymore
as they did when they know they are going to sell it
shortly but that can seriously cut down your asking price,
as people who make such investments will look for the small
details that eventually will cost them the big bucks to fix.

Advertise Your Property

Advertisement is key when you are selling a house yourself
because that is the only way you will let, as many people
as possible know about it. Advertise your home on the
Internet with pictures and full details as well as the
price; place your house in the local newspaper and also
make flyers that you can place in local grocery stores or
other public places.

Selling a house yourself will require you to have open
house days, preferably on the weekends when people are free
and have the time to indulge. Ensure that when you have
open house days the house is clean and the little things
are impeccable such as, the lawn, the scent in the house,
the attic and/or basement is organized and very appealing
to the potential buyers.

Other Helpful Tips On Selling A House Yourself

Place a sign in on your lawn advertising your intentions to
sell the house and if possible make flyers available with
all relevant details of your house including the price and
a contact number for possible viewing. Selling a house
yourself can a great experience and even entertaining if
you have time on your hands and do your homework as far as
educating yourself about your own property and negotiation.


----------------------------------------------------
Article by Andrew Jamaz, on behalf of
http://www.refresharticles.com/articles/real-estate/
Check out our "Real Estate" category of quality articles.