Improve Your Home, Improve Its Value

Posted by Elizabeth on March 1, 2011

For anyone attempting to sell their home, you know how tough the market is.  2011 looks to be a better year for home sales as attitudes and consumer spending starts to increase, but the market still has much room for growth.  Some homeowners are making the best of this time by completing home improvement projects like updating their bathrooms, repairing their roofs, and/or painting the interior/exterior walls among a myriad of other tasks.

It is important to note that your home’s value can be measured both monetarily and intrinsically.  Some simple home improvements, like freshly painted walls, help buyers perceive a higher value for your home, while updating your kitchen with new counter-tops, appliances, cabinets and flooring will bring larger returns on your investment.

Perhaps you’re the do-it-yourself type, or maybe you need to enlist a professional.  Either way, you need a plan, and you need to know your limitations.  Start with a professional home inspector.  They will be able to give you a laundry list of immediate as well as less urgent repairs.   Ensuring your home is up to code will help increase your home’s value.

Once the basic inspection needs are met, you can focus on some more aesthetic improvements.  Kitchen remodels offer the highest payback at about roughly 80% – 85% of your investment.  Remember to keep the updates current, yet neutral enough to appeal to many potential buyers.

Another simple improvement that is often overlooked is proper use of space.  Hire a professional space planner to help maximize your home’s storage capacity.  Reclaim your junk pile of a two car garage and reap financial benefits.  Showing a clutter-free home is a low cost way of demonstrating its value.

Whether you’re dreaming of major renovations, or you just need a few simple tweeks, adding value to your home through home improvements is always a great idea.  Take advantage of today’s slower market to make these updates.  Start with a plan, seek help from the experts and stick to your budget!

Contact Jacob Gould at Fischer and Frichtel to get started on your home remodeling. Jacob can be reached at 314-402-0736 or jgould@fischerandfrichtel.com

It’s Almost Spring! Will You Be Ready?

Posted by Elizabeth on February 28, 2011

Spring is just around the corner! With these teasing temperatures and the preview of the spring storms we’ve had, are just reminders that spring is closer than we think. And, believe it or not, all the snow that came this winter will actually help us with our gardening this year.

So, who is excited for spring and the chance to start gardening and doing some home improvements? St. Louis is! The St. Louis Builders Home & Garden Show is this weekend, March 3-6.

From the 34th Annual St. Louis Home & Garden Show website, the show is described as:

“The St. Louis Builders Home & Garden Show is the largest quality consumer home show in North America. More than 500 exhibitors and 1,800 booths will fill almost 400,000 square feet of America’s Center and Edward Jones Dome in downtown St. Louis! The show has been in existence for more than 30 years and is the place for area consumers to see, touch, compare and buy everything they need for their homes and gardens.

The Builders Home and Garden Show is actually 5 complete shows in one – Lawn and Garden, Pool and Spa, Kitchen & Bath, Interior Design and Building Products. Enormous feature gardens, local and national celebrity speakers and family fun areas are just a few of the reasons this show is a must-see. If there is something you need for your home or garden, you’ll find it here!”

Will you be there? Is there anything you have on your to-do list for this Spring? Time to revitalize your home? Been thinking about updating your kitchen? Adding a deck or multi-season room? Opening up your living spaces – or adding more? If home improvements are on the list, remember Fischer and Frichtel is here to help!

For 65 years, discerning St. Louisans have chosen Fischer & Frichtel to build their new homes. Now you can enjoy the same attentive personal service, quality construction and exquisite craftsmanship as you transform your own home!

Contact Jacob Gould to get started on turning your dreams into reality. Jacob can be reached at 314-402-0736 or jgould@fischerandfrichtel