Every Little Bit Counts

Not many people realize that landscaping and various outdoor projects can add value to your property. Home values are determined by comparing homes, their features, and their condition. So when it comes to attempting to get the most for your property, small upgrades and basic maintenance can make a big difference.

Some features add value by aesthetically appealing to buyers while others add value by maintaining an ideal condition. The  2018 Modeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features by the National Association of Realtors estimated that basic lawn care service would recover 267% of the cost of investment. A pool, on the other hand, is only estimated to recover 43% of your investment, yet pool homes are quick to sell in Florida. Both the pool and lawn care service will bring more buyers to your home, however, the lawn care service provides a greater return on investment.

Landscaping Projects to Consider

Lawn Service – As mentioned above, paying for regular lawn service is one of the single most beneficial things you can do for your home value. Keeping the lawn maintained shows potential buyers you are keeping up with your home. It also increases curb appeal, this gets more people into your home. More showings equal more offers.

Trees – Florida Realtors reports planting trees can add up to 15% to home value. They can also help reduce heating and cooling costs. Just make sure to think ahead when you plant. Consider the position of the septic tank, well, sidewalks/ driveway, pool, or even roof. If a buyer perceives a future problem due to the location of the tree, it will harm, not help the sale. Well-placed trees will only add value as they age – mature trees are more desirable!

Some Florida trees recommended are:

• Live Oak
• Crape Myrtle
• Maple
• Magnolia
• Citrus
• Loquat
• Mahogany
• Slash Pine
• Banana

Mulch – Probably the easiest project for any homeowners to complete, laying mulch goes hand in hand with maintaining your lawn. In addition to adding to your curb appeal, mulch improves the soil, helps prevent weeds, and conserves moisture. Fresh mulch has reported a 126% return on investment.

Additional Projects to Consider

There are some outdoor projects that are a bit more in-depth than the ones previously mentioned yet all of them will add value monetarily and aesthetically.

Fire Pit – This trend has become increasingly popular since the Pandemic. Which makes sense, with all of us stuck at home. According to the 2018 Remodeling Report, a fire feature could return 67% return on investment. This depends on the size and materials used with DIY fire pits reporting a higher return on investment than professionally constructed, gas fire pits.

Fencing – While there has always been a large number of buyers looking for homes with fencing, since the pandemic, having that privacy has become even more important. Whether it’s about having private space for the pets, the kids, or quite simply for safety/ privacy, fencing can be a great project to undertake. The return on investment for a fence is between 50-70%, depending on the materials used. Materials with higher maintenance will have a lower return on investment. With that being said, a fence will make your home more appealing than similar houses without that feature. In this market that can translate to additional offers on your home.

Landscape Lighting/ Landscape Design – While landscape lighting on its own reports to only return 50% on investment, when paired with landscape design it can raise your home value by 20%! While any addition of landscape lighting will increase value as it adds a level of security, the real benefit is in pairing design and lighting. The idea is to highlight the house and landscape while providing security. Landscape lighting illuminates your yard, silhouettes your trees, keeps everyone safe from tripping, and deters burglars. Just make sure to check out LED and solar options to keep maintenance costs low.

Irrigation System – With low maintenance being a theme this year, it’s not surprising adding an automated irrigation system can return 86% on investment. Homeowners/ buyers want that beautiful yard but don’t want to spend a bunch of time maintaining it.

Making An Impression

Whether you are looking to sell your home soon or not, your yard and the front of your house are reflections of you. Always put your best foot forward. Remember to consider maintenance and care as well as your return on investment before any home updates. Talk to your Real Estate Agent or check local listings to see what the market is like in your area. While we always want to be improving, it’s wise to know when you are simply improving or actually over-improving based on your area.

Sources:

• https://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscaping-projects-that-add-value-to-your-home/
• https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/home-value-lawn-landscape-increase-decrease/
• https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact-report-outdoor-features
• https://3xlsey17pnzh3nf35w1wwnug-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/real-estate-top-agent-insights-q2-2019.pdf

No matter the size of your project, the cost of lumber will affect your plans. Though not quite as high as early in the pandemic, buying lumber still isn’t exactly a cheap endeavor. Yet, there may be a bright side to all of this. The high cost is highlighting the fact that there are wood alternatives as ways of getting around lumber prices.

This doesn’t mean that you can completely avoid the use of wood in every project, of course. Some projects work better with alternative materials than others. Still, the fact there are options out there might help you to think outside of the box and find some cheaper (and in some cases better) options for your next construction project.

Non-Lumber Construction Materials

Lumber is the most well-known material used for building out projects, yet isn’t the only option out there. When framing rooms or buildings, ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms), SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), and CFS (Cold Formed Steel) are becoming increasingly popular. When it comes to outdoor projects, Cellular PVC, Composites, and Fiber Cement are a few wood alternatives to consider. Other wood alternatives such as hemp, bamboo, and cork are also worth considering depending on the project.

Large Projects – Framing / Building

CFS (Cold-Formed Steel) – Steel members are made through a no-heat process. CFS is lightweight, extremely strong, and non-combustible. It doesn’t shrink or split, won’t absorb moisture, and is resistant to warping, termites, and fire. Commonly used for student dorms, hotels, or assisted living facilities, CFS members can be made to a variety of thicknesses for structural and non-structural applications. CFS can help to reduce certain project costs through discounts on builder’s risk and other insurance requirements. Each piece of CFS is made of at least 25% recycled content and is 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan. This makes it a highly sustainable building material.

ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) – ICFs are interlocking styrofoam blocks concrete is poured into. These blocks can stack and interlock to create walls, ceilings, roofs, or pool walls. This alternative to wood framing is light, simple, easy to work with, and helps to keep the home insulated. These blocks are moisture-resistant and non-absorbent as well as resistant to rot and mold. Homes made with ICFs are flame retardant and can withstand 250mph winds. With rising lumber prices, ICFs are now a comparable option to wood frame construction. The benefits of ICFs also include lower insurance premiums.

SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) – Panels of an insulating foam core sandwiched between 2 structural facings such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Used mostly in residential and light commercial projects, it is extremely strong and energy-efficient. Since the panels are manufactured under factory-controlled conditions, they can be fabricated to nearly any build design. This also contributes to a faster build time. While the initial cost can be more than lumber, the energy efficiency far surpasses wood framing.

Outdoor Projects

Cellular PVC – Used for decking, trim, and siding, Cellular PVC is 100% recyclable and made from plastic. It won’t rot or warp, is paintable, and is insect-proof. It looks and cuts like wood which makes it easy to work with. While this option is more expensive than composites and wood, its low maintenance and longevity make it a smarter option.

Composites – A mixture of materials, such as plastic and wood and made to handle extreme weather. Made for non-structural projects, they are great for decking, flooring, or fencing. Composites have similar longevity and low maintenance as Cellular PVC but are not as expensive.

Fiber Cement – Also a composite, a mixture of cement, cellulose fiber, and sand. You can use fiber cement for a variety of projects such as decking or siding. It is more weather resistant than wood and incredibly durable. It also resists cracking, splitting, rotting, swelling, and does not expand or contract.

While each of these options has a higher initial cost, they all have low maintenance features that make them worth looking into. There is no reason to worry about issues like rot, swelling, mold, or bugs. Not to mention no yearly staining, waterproofing, or sealing!

Minimizing Wood in Your Projects

Even with a variety of options, you may still need/want to use some wood in your construction projects. You may simply prefer the look of wood, or have a specific idea in mind that requires wood. This doesn’t mean that you have to commit to wood for the entire project. You can use alternative materials in places where they aren’t visible or won’t affect the project in substantial ways. Bamboo, hemp, and cork are sustainable wood alternatives great for minimizing wood in your smaller projects.

Bamboo – Technically a grass, it takes 3-5 years for bamboo to reach harvestable size. Since it regrows when cut, the same plant can regrow repeatedly. Bamboo is extremely strong and durable.

Hemp – Highly sustainable as it grows fast. One acre yields more construction-grade fiber than wood and is used in composite lumber. It also has more strength than wood.

Cork – More sustainable than wood since made from the bark which regrows more quickly. Cork can be used for flooring or even wall coverings and is naturally insulating as well as dampens sounds. It is also fire-resistant, hypoallergenic, and microbial. It doesn’t last as long as other options though and certain types can warp from water exposure or humidity.

With many wood alternatives to getting around lumber prices that last longer with potentially lower maintenance, it’s important to research your options. While wood may be your cheapest option up-front, the cost/energy to maintain could make it the more expensive option. So whether you choose to plan your next projects with all wood alternatives or choose to only minimize your wood, make sure you choose the option best in the long run!

Sources:

• https://buildsteel.org/why-steel/cold-formed-steel-101/what-is-cold-formed-steel-framing-and-how-can-i-use-it/
• https://blog.homekeepr.com/wood-isnt-your-only-option-building-materials-outside-the-box
• https://www.globalpropertysystems.com/10-wood-alternatives-for-your-next-building-project/
• https://newhousebuilder.com/insulated-concrete-forms/
• https://www.sips.org/what-are-sips
• https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/which-wood-substitute-works-best/

Understanding the dos and don’ts of home trends can be useful whether you’re looking to sell your home soon or simply revamp your space. There are a number of trends in home decoration that you’ve likely seen come and go over the years. Some of them look pretty nice and create something of a timeless look, while others… well, it’s pretty easy to understand why they’re only temporary trends. Like them or hate them, though, following home trends can sometimes have a positive impact on the value of your home if you’re looking to sell. That is, of course, if you strike while the iron is hot.

But what if you’re not actually looking to sell at the moment and just like the way that a trend looks? Will going all-in on some big trend hurt your home’s value down the line if you do decide to sell later? This could be a legitimate concern depending on the trend. After all, even if you’re on the market and don’t manage to sell right away, you could find that going too far with certain trends will bite you before you find a buyer.

Home Trend Dos

There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with following home trends, either to bump up the value of your home in the current market or just because you like the look of them. If you’re thinking of making some changes around the house because of a current trend, here are a few things to think about:

• Evaluate the cost of a trend before jumping all in; some are surprisingly cost-effective, while others will give you a bit of sticker shock
• Keep an eye on trending paint colors and the “hot colors” that paint manufacturers announce every year to stay ahead of color trends, so that your home can stay trendy without you having to pay a premium for trendy colors
• Pick and choose the trends you want to follow, and take only the parts that you like if you’re not committed to the entirety of a trend

Don’t be afraid to make some changes and upgrades in trendy styles, but don’t go overboard with it. This is especially true if you’re just looking to make some trendy home improvements before you sell your home.

Home Trend Don’ts

Some trends can really bring up the value of your home if you catch them at the peak of their popularity, but if you aren’t that lucky, then they can cost you money in the end. These are the trends that you should avoid unless you really like them. Here are a few things to look out for when considering home trends:

• Avoid trends that require major structural changes or construction merely for aesthetic purposes
• The overuse of bright, bold colors occasionally comes into fashion but will almost certainly go out just as quickly
• Unless it’s just a minor expense, stay away from trends that you just don’t “get” because there’s a decent chance that you’ll implement it incorrectly or miss the height of its popularity and not even realize it
• Even if it’s popular, watch out for trends that will be difficult for future homeowners to undo; potential buyers might see your trendy changes and start wondering how much it will cost to change them, and that could potentially spoil the sale

Basically, trends can be fun. Think twice about them though if they’re going to be too expensive, create too many headaches for future homeowners, or are likely to come across as garish or ugly.

Current Home Trends

Whether you are looking to update your home to sell or for yourself, it can be useful to know what the current trends are as well as understand the dos and don’ts of home trends. The top trends include:

• Nature-inspired interiors – Will been seen in earthy color tones, plants inside the home, and an appeal for more natural materials (like wood)
• Minimalism/Multifunctional Space – Trimming the clutter down, creating custom organization in the kitchen, and having multifunctional spaces are the new big thing!
• Eco-friendly/Sustainability – Upgrading to green or eco-friendly options
• Homework Rooms – Rooms for the little ones to focus and work, separate from their play area.

The consensus around color for 2022 is, any color that makes us feel “healthy, serene, and centered”. These natural tones consist of earthy blues, greens, and browns. Other top trends include 3D wall art, 70s design and colors, and curved shapes.

Cashing In on Home Trends

If you do want to make some home improvements or other changes to follow certain trends, it’s important that you find the right pro for the job. Whether you need an interior designer, a painter, or even a plumber to help you follow a new fountain trend, you want to feel confident about the professional you hire. As always, we recommend calling at least 3 professionals per industry before hiring one. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!

Current trends were compiled from the following articles:

https://www.hgtv.com/shopping/news-and-trends/trend-forecast-2022-colors-and-palettes-of-the-year–pictures

https://www.vogue.com/article/interior-design-trends-2022

https://food52.com/blog/27019-2022-kitchen-trends

https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/2022-design-trends-from-interior-designers-pictures

**Adapted and revised from Homekeepr.com

When buying a new home, there’s a lot more that goes into the process than just signing some forms and picking up the keys. One of the big steps that you’ll typically take is getting a home inspection. The home inspection will identify any potential issues with the property. While lenders will generally insist on an appraisal of the home, this isn’t a full inspection. So does that mean you can skip getting an actual home inspection as a part of the home-buying process?

Technically, yes. Unless you live in an area where home inspections are legally required, you do not have to get a home inspection before purchase. Should you skip a home inspection? Absolutely not. Having your home inspected serves a much greater purpose than just determining its value, and waiving the option to get an inspection done before purchase could set you up for a lot of trouble (and out-of-pocket expense) down the road.

What is a Home Inspection?

Unlike an appraisal, which just examines a home to determine its value, a home inspection digs deeper. A home inspection actually looks into the condition of the home and its components. The exact coverage of the inspection can change depending on the area, the type of home inspected, and the scope of the inspection performed. However, the Inspector’s goal is to determine the condition of the house. This will ensure that the home is livable. It will also serve to highlight any repairs to the property that might be necessary.

At the end of the inspection, the inspector will present (or email) a report. Your inspection report will likely include items such as the condition of the roof, the windows, its plumbing and wiring, and other key issues with the property. This report will help you to make decisions about the house and can help you to budget any necessary repairs or upgrades when finalizing the amount of your home loan as well.

Why You Need an Inspection

There are a few reasons why you’ll want to be sure to get a home inspection. The biggest is to make sure that the home is actually in the condition that you think it is before buying it. This allows you to avoid getting into the home and then immediately sinking tons of money into repairs after the fact. The home inspection can also help you to prioritize repair and upgrade plans, highlighting the areas that you need to focus on first. By getting a home inspection, you should be able to avoid a lot of the surprises that can sometimes come with a new home.

It’s important to note that some sellers might push for you to waive the home inspection process or at least limit it in scope. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they have something to hide; in many cases, this occurs when the seller is also looking to buy another property and is waiting on the property that they’re selling to close. Home inspections may take a little time to schedule and complete, which can slow down closing. Still, the importance of a home inspection is great enough that you shouldn’t waive your inspection even if the seller wants you to do so.

Getting Your Home Inspection

Just like any situation that needs an outside vendor, we always recommend calling at least 3 home inspectors. Not only do you want the Inspector that can do the job the quickest for the best price but you also want to feel good about the inspector you choose. This only happens when you interview a few different inspectors. If you need recommendations, give us a call!

**Adapted & revised from Homekeepr

Things to Consider When Adding On to Your Home

There are plenty of things to consider when adding on to your home. Additions can be a good way to get more functionality out of your home. Your addition might be an extra bedroom for your expanding family, a home office to provide you with a space to work from home, or even a sunroom or hobby area. Your add-on might even be a way to add more space to existing rooms. Perhaps it’s removing or extending walls to let your current kitchen, bedroom, or other area flow seamlessly into your new addition. There are just so many possibilities.

Regardless of what you plan to use the room for, though, adding on to your house is a big undertaking and may be kind of a big investment as well. Even relatively small additions can be a big project, so it’s important that you know exactly what your plans will entail before you start work on expanding your home. To help with this, here are a few things to consider when making plans to add on to your home.

Planning the Expansion

Though you may have a good idea of where you want your addition to go, it’s important to spend some time actually planning it out. Consider details such as where the property line is located, whether there are any size or location restrictions based on state and local building codes, and whether there will be issues with the location of utilities or the slope of your property that could cause problems. Taking the time to rule out potential problems with your addition now will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Another thing to keep in mind is how well your add-on will combine with your existing home. While you obviously have a good reason to want more square footage, if you just have an added room tacked awkwardly onto your home, it can significantly impact your home’s overall value. A good addition will blend seamlessly into the existing home. It will match the exterior and make it difficult to tell that an add-on was made down the road.

Cost and Investment

Depending on the sort of addition you want to make, your budget can fall within a pretty wide range. It’s important that you spend some time researching exactly what it will take to make your expansion plans a reality. The time of year, materials costs, and factors such as the size and types of materials you choose will all affect how much you will have to spend. Taking the time to do a bit of research and consult with a contractor about the options available to you can end up making a big difference in the final cost of your expansion.

This is important not just because of the immediate impact on your pocketbook but also the overall difference that it makes on your home’s value. All the money put into adding on to your home is an investment in your home. You want to get the biggest return on that investment that you can. Making smart choices and not letting your budget balloon out of control will go a long way toward maximizing your home’s value in comparison to the cost of your add-on. It’s more work now, but you’ll be thanking yourself if you find yourself wanting to sell your home at some point down the road.

It’s always a good idea to check with your real estate agent about your current market. If the idea is to improve the value of your home, it’s wise to know what your current market dictates as “valuable”.

Moving Forward With Your Addition

Choosing the right contractor is one way to affect the overall cost of adding on to your home and maximize the return on your investment. It is also one of the most important aspects. This person is someone you will work with over the course of weeks or possibly months, if there is an issue with materials. For this reason, we recommend researching and interviewing at least 3 contractors. This ensures you’ve done your due diligence in finding a suitable match for your needs. Always completely read through any contract with any contractor. Contracts can be a useful way for all parties to be protected, however, they can also have loopholes to be aware of.

There are so many things to consider when adding on to your home and often times the most important details slip through the cracks. This is why planning is key. First, sit down and get your own ideas on paper, then sit down with a contractor to do the same. Planning is key to a smooth experience!

**Adapted and revised from Homekeepr.com