remodel – Orange County Real Estate

Beautiful Baths That are Also Practical

July 20, 2019July 22, 2019Jackie Gibbins

When I updated my bathrooms, there were many decisions to be made. Some practical, some aesthetic and some both! I

I wanted baths that:

looked great
were easy to clean
had lots of storage
and wouldn’t need updating again any time soon

Using larger tiles in the surround that need less grout are very practical. Installing new, easy to clean and functional tubs will last years! Installing good size and multiple shampoo boxes was a good decision with huge payoffs.

You don’t need a lot of glass tile to make an impact, especially in small spaces. I kept things neutral and used natural surfaces for warmth and a timeless look.

I also made some practical decisions like using fans on timers and sensors. I installed custom shelves and drawers where there was once a clumsy old-fashioned closet.

Make sure to install the right size of towel bars, storage cubbies, etc. And make them handy and strong for every day use by all members of the family.

But it all starts with a good contractor. Interview several and check their references! And while you wait for your contractor to come available, research your surfaces and fixture choices and make sure you are happy with your vision of your new bath.

Quick, Cheap and Easy Fixes That Add Value to Your Home

April 11, 2018September 7, 2018Jackie Gibbins

Can’t or don’t want to do a complete home remodel but want an updated look? I almost always suggest these quick, inexpensive fixes that make a big impact, add lots of value and can look great!

In the Bath: Change out the faucet for something sleek and modern and then add matching drawer and cabinet pulls. While you are at it, install a new towel bar and toilet paper holder. Have a little extra cash? A new water-saving toilet adds value and SAVES money! Switching out a dated light fixture adds instant style and beauty. I get lots of comments from buyers saying they hate those older light fixtures.

In the Kitchen: If you have dated or worn cabinets, painting them will bring them up to date as will new drawer and cabinet pulls. And just like in the bathroom, new faucets and lighting go a very long way to saying, “I am new and in good condition!” And if you have a little extra cash, new appliances are well worth the investment. It will look like you did a whole remodel!

Paint: I love a fresh coat of paint and so will you and so will buyers if you are thinking of selling! Paint can freshen up a tired room, lighten a dark corner and add a cohesive look throughout if you stick to one modern neutral color.

Remove and Replace: Any old or outdated details from a bygone era that don’t work for you anymore? Old chair railing or wall paper or mirrored walls are not popular or very attractive. Consider removing them. Have an old wet bar? Maybe re-purpose it by removing old glass shelving and mirrors and simplifying the space into a snack bar or coffee bar.

A new home with more appeal and use value does not have to cost a fortune or take a lot of time and effort. Enjoy!

Using Paint to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

March 23, 2018Jackie Gibbins

You want your home to stand out from the other homes that a buyer may see. You want them to fall in love at first sight! You want to give the impression that the home has style, character, warmth or just that it is well-maintained. Paint is an easy and quick way to accomplish this!

Paint Your Patio Furniture

Do you have a porch swing or a chair on your front porch? Give it a fresh coat of paint! Add matching throw pillows to make this space even more inviting.

Your Front Door

You can opt to paint your front door a solid color OR make it more custom by stenciling or detailing it. Talk about a focal point!

Your Porch Light

Do you have a porch light stuck in the 1980’s or is simply rusty or faded? There are several wonderful metallic paints you can use to make it new again. Try copper for a warm, updated look. Black or dark brown has a more formal look.

Your House Numbers

I created a house number plaque for one of my listings by painting a decorative plaque and then mounting house numbers to it. It was very unique! You can do this or a variation with paint, stencils and materials. make sure your creation is readily visible from the street!

Shutters and Trim

Add a punch of color to your facade by painting your shutters and trim a new bold color. You can even choose to stencil or detail the shutters to add charm and whimsy.

You can also paint your garage door, paint some ceramic pots to add color and paint window boxes!

Getting Organized to Sell Your Home

September 29, 2017September 30, 2017Jackie Gibbins

When you’ve lived in it for a long time, getting a home ready to sell can seem daunting. If you are considering selling your home this year, try to get started early. That way, whether you decide to sell or not, your home is organized and easier to maintain.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Stop adding to the clutter. If it is your habit to purchase multiples of sale items, stop! Or, if these are items you use all the time, reduce the number of multiples to no more than you will use in a month or so. Instead of ordering large quantities, place items you use consistently on a schedule for reorder instead. That way, you’re not filling up your shelves and closets with the extras, but you won’t run out either.
Plan where things go. Set aside a couple boxes or bags to handle items you plan to give to charity and those you plan to give to family members and set aside what to sell at a garage sale. Consider keeping the boxes or bags in your trunk. That way, as soon as they get full you can deliver them where they need to go. For items that you intend to keep, take them to the location they belong immediately.
Choose one thing. This week, simply choose one thing to organize.
It can be a drawer, a closet, a storage bin… It really doesn’t matter what you choose, but make sure it is achievable in one day. So, if your attic is a massive project, don’t start there. Each week (or each day if you’re really motivated) choose another item to organize. Even if it is just your medicine cabinet, organize it by getting rid of expired medicines (take them to your pharmacist for proper disposal), old make-up and items you haven’t used in a couple years.
Don’t fear your piles. Sometimes, when you’re in the midst of getting organized, you need to have piles, stacks or other groupings of things that need long-term storage or that you need to deal with. If the item is long-term, you can set it in one of your planning boxes. If it needs to be dealt with soon, choose one evening (or morning) each week to quickly go through and file, mail, respond, etc.
Find a way to handle paper. There are a few papers that must be kept: original birth certificates, marriage licenses, contracts, etc., but many items we keep in paper form could be kept digitally in far less space. Consider getting an organizing scanner such as a “NEAT” that can scan and organize receipts, bills, business cards and myriad other paperwork for you.
Let go of items you don’t use. Just because Aunt Sally gave you a toaster for your wedding six years ago, don’t let it fill up your counter or cupboard space if you’re not using it. Donate it to a charity that can get it into the hands of someone that will use it. To make certain to protect the sentimental value of the gift, start a virtual scrapbook with images of items you give away, and a short note of who gifted you with the item, a special memory about that person and where you gave the item.

Organizing is just the first step toward getting ready for a sale. I have helped many sellers get ready by performing a “pre-listing walk-through” of their home. I can advise what to organize, what to fix or update, what to store, etc. I have referrals for estate sale experts, cleaners and more. Call me today if you want to get started.

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