Home Improvement – EastsideHomes.com

Landscaping to Increase Property Value

Tony Meier — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:52:31 +0000

About a month ago, I was interviewed for the Lowe’s for Pros website on landscaping ideas to improve the market value and salability of a home. Below is the text of the article and here is the link:
http://www.lowesforpros.com/landscaping-to-increase-property-value

Landscaping to Increase Property Value

By: Jake Fowler
Issue Date: October 2009

For homeowners, curb appeal is critical for making a positive first impression on potential buyers. “They say statistically that 85 to 90 percent of the buying decision happens from the curb,” says Tony Meier, realtor at Windermere Real Estate in Redmond, Wa.

And since property value is a huge concern for many homeowners, landscaping contractors can suggest several options that will not only add value to their client’s home but save energy and money as well—making landscaping a worthy investment.

Cost-effective landscaping ideas
There are many landscaping options for the budget-conscious consumer that increase curb appeal and are easy to implement. “Neat and tidy are certainly key components,” Meier says. “Sometimes we’re trimming up shrubs, removing weeds in the beds and barking on top of those beds, planting flowers along the beds, cleaning up the lawns and applying edging.”

Whatever design options are used, Meier says it’s important landscaping additions never block vision of the house or front porch. “You want to expose the home, you want to have a feeling of openness just as you would with the interior.”

Understand local trends
Many cities in hot, arid climates offer programs subsidizing homeowners to use native plants and decrease their dependence on water, so drought-tolerant landscaping is a major trend contractors should discuss with their clients. In the Northwest, consumers are generally very conscious about not using chemicals in their landscaping. There are also considerations for areas dealing with winter weather. “If you can plant something seasonally that has some color that would be helpful,” he says. “I would suggest areas that have snow on the ground, maintaining that and trying to minimize [snow] during those seasons would be an important part of landscaping.”

Meier also stresses that most real estate trends are local, so contractors should focus on trends in their area to best increase a client’s property value.

Keep it simple
An overall trend that applies in all regions of the country is low-maintenance landscaping. Low maintenance options increase property value because people don’t want to deal with numerous problems right after moving in, Meier says. He also emphasizes to make sure basic aspects of landscaping look sharp before moving on to more complicated and expensive elements. “If you’re spending $2,000 on a rock wall and your grass looks like hell, you’re focusing on the wrong things,” he says. He adds that excessive hardscape, although visually pleasing, doesn’t always lead to material gains in property value.

Other cost effective ways to beautify yard space without adding costs involve replacing higher maintenance plants with native ones. For example, in most climates keeping a lawn green requires necessary maintenance and watering. But replacing lawns (or parts of the lawn) with native shrubs or ground covers can be inexpensive and help keep cost low.

Don’t forget the backyard
While the front of the home should be the priority, there are landscaping options for the back yard that can increase property value as well. “You don’t want your house to not be seen from the curb,” Meier says. “But if you can do things with plantings in your rear yard to increase your privacy with trees, that’s something that will help out with resale.”

Time is money
While Meier has seen properties sell for significantly more than the original asking price because of extraordinary landscaping, the real value of curb appeal is in the immediacy of the sale. “Some [landscaping] things that you do are not necessarily cost for cost, dollar for dollar value,” he says. “If you do this I can get this much more for your home. But if you do those things I can sell your home quicker, which in fact will mean more money to you as a seller.”

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Landscaping 101 – 5 simple ways to add curb appeal!

Tony Meier — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:16:00 +0000

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Cost vs. Value 2008 – The Replacement Projects

Tony Meier — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:36:00 +0000

In the final installment of cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at two replacement projects that most owners of 20+ year old homes will be looking at. Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area.

Window Replacement Project Description: Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do not disturb existing interior trim.

Project cost: $11,820
Resale value: $11,074
Cost recouped: 93.7%

Roof Replacement Project Description: Remove existing roofing to bare wood sheathing and dispose of properly. Install 30 squares of 235-pound fiberglass asphalt shingles (min. 25-year warranty) with new felt underlayment, galvanized drip edge, and mill-finish aluminum flashing. Assume a 5-square hip roof; custom flashing at two average- sized skylights; and custom cap treatment at vented ridge.

Project cost: $20,864
Resale value: $17,541
Cost recouped: 84.1%

All of the statistical information was provided by c 2008 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from the Remodeling 2008 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com

If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Cost vs. Value 2008 – Additions

Tony Meier — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:32:00 +0000

Thinking of adding on to your abode? In this week’s cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at three popular additions that can make your home much more enjoyable! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area.

Family Room Addition Project Description: In a style appropriate to the existing house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawl space foundation with vinyl siding and fiberglass shingle roof. Include drywall interior with fiberglass insulation, pre-finished hardwood floor, and 180 square feet of glazing including windows, atrium-style exterior doors, and two operable skylights. Tie into existing HVAC. Add electrical system to code, including 12 recessed ceiling lights.

Project cost: $91,065
Resale value: $70,426
Cost recouped: 77.3%

Deck Addition Project Description: Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4×4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install composite deck material in a simple linear pattern. Include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material.

Project cost: $16,252
Resale Value: $14,673
Cost recouped: 90.3%

Master Suite Addition Project Description: Add a 24-by-16-foot master bedroom suite over a crawl space. Include walk-in closet/dressing area, whirlpool tub in ceramic tile platform, separate 3-by-4-foot ceramic tile shower, and double-bowl vanity with solid surface countertop. Bedroom floor is carpet; bath floor is ceramic tile. Painted walls, ceiling, and trim. General and spot lighting, exhaust fan; electrical wiring to code.

Project cost: $114,787
Resale Value: $90,399
Cost recouped: 78.8%

All of the statistical information was provided by
c 2008 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from the Remodeling 2008 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com

If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Cost vs. Value 2008 – Bathrooms

Tony Meier — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:22:00 +0000

Thinking of remodeling your home? In this week’s cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at the bathroom. This is another area that has a dramatic impact on a home’s desirability and salability! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area

Bathroom Addition Project Description: Add a full 6-by-8-foot bath over a crawl space with poured concrete walls. Include cultured-marble vanity top with molded sink; standard chrome faucets; 30-by-60-inch white fiberglass tub/shower with ceramic tile surround; single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced faucet; white low-profile toilet; general and spot lighting; electrical wiring to code; mirrored medicine cabinet; linen storage closet or cabinet; vinyl wallpaper; painted trim; and ceramic tile floor.

Project cost: $43,639
Resale value: $34,585
Cost recouped: 79.3%

Bathroom Remodel Project Description: Update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4×4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.

Project cost: $17,981
Resale value: $16,660
Cost recouped: 92.7%

Bathroom Remodel – Upscale Project Description: Expand an existing 35-square-foot bathroom to 100 square feet within existing house footprint. Relocate all fixtures. Include 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a customized whirlpool tub; stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet; and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system, and include electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.

Project cost: $57,433
Resale value: $48,638
Cost recouped: 84.7%

All of the statistical information was provided by
c 2008 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from the Remodeling 2008 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com

If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Cost vs. Value 2008 – The Kitchen

Tony Meier — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:36:47 +0000

Thinking of remodeling your home? In this week’s cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a home’s value and general appeal. After all, isn’t that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area.

Minor Kitchen Remodel Project Description: In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install mid-priced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.

Project cost: $22,476
Resale value: $22,595
Cost Recouped: 100.5%

Major Kitchen Remodel – Midrange Project Description: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island; laminate countertops; and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.

Project cost: $61,570
Resale value: $57,600
Cost Recouped: 93.6%

Major Kitchen Remodel – Upscale Project Description: Update outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of top-of-the-line custom cherry cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories. Include stone countertops with imported ceramic or glass tile backsplash; built-in refrigerator, cooktop, and 36-inch commercial grade range and vent hood; built-in warming drawer, trash compactor, and built-in combination microwave and convection oven. Install high-end undermount sink with designer faucets, and built-in water filtration system. Add new general and task lighting including low-voltage under-cabinet lights. Install cork flooring, cherry trim.

Project cost: $118,374
Resale value: $101,470
Cost recouped: 85.7%

All of the statistical information was provided by
c 2008 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from the Remodeling 2008 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com

If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Is your home a “Green” house? Some tips for green living…

Tony Meier — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:07:20 +0000

Buy Used:

Whether you’ve just moved to a new home or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for clothing and other everyday items.

Use your creativity in gift giving (http://www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php), including making homemade gifts, donating to a good cause, or even regifting. (And gift green, in general.)

Your purchasing habits have a real impact, for better or worse. When making new purchases, make sure you know what’s “Good Stuff” (http://www.worldwatch.org/taxonomy/term/44) and what isn’t.

Think twice about new electronics:

E-waste from discarded cell phone and computers is a growing environmental problem. Mounds of electronic refuse are being shipped abroad illegally for ‘disassembly’ by workers with little
protection against the mercury (http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3997) and other toxic substances they contain.

Keep your electronics as long as possible and dispose of them responsibly when the time comes.

Buy higher-quality items and don’t give in to ‘psychological obsolescence’ marketing campaigns.

Recycle your cell phone and support good causes (http://www.collectivegood.com/donate1.asp) at the same time!

Ask your local government to set up a responsible recycling and hazardous waste (http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/hhw.htm) collection event.

Make your own cleaning products:

Using simple ingredients such as baking soda, soap, and vinegar, you can make cheap, easy, and non-toxic cleaning products (http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1484) that really work! Save money, time, and your indoor air quality.

Save on energy:

Setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer can translate to substantial savings on your utility bills.

Install low-flow showerheads and take shorter showers to save water and the energy used to heat it. Or, consider eventually installing a solar hot heater on your property.

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and use a drying rack or clothesline.

When incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with longer-lasting, low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs.

With the money you save from making these changes, consider buying wind energy from your local utility or purchasing renewable energy offsets (http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower//about/index.shtml) Renewables offer our best hope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a host of other pollutants. In some cases, “green energy” options can be cheaper then electricity from conventional sources!

For more ways to be green, visit: http://www.nrdc.org/cities/living/gover.asp

Posted By:

Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Cost vs. Value 2007 – The Replacement Projects

Tony Meier — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Window Replacement Project Description: Replace ten 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap the exterior trim as required to match. Don’t disturb interior trim.

Project cost: $11,724
Resale value: $12,655
Cost recouped: 107.9%

Roof Replacement Project Description: Remove existing roofing to bare wood and dispose of properly. Install 30 squares of fiberglass asphalt shingles with new felt underlayment, galvanized drip edge, and mill-finish aluminum flashing.

Project cost: $20,420
Resale value: $18,497
Cost recouped: 90.6%

All of the statistical information was provided by
c 2007 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from the Remodeling 2007 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com

Cost vs. Value 2007 – Additions

Tony Meier — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:48:00 +0000

Thinking of adding on to your abode? In this weeks cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at three popular additions that can make your home much more enjoyable! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area.

Family Room Addition Project Description: In a style and location appropriate to the house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawlspace foundation with wood siding and fiberglass shingle roof. Include drywall interior with batt insulation, prefinished hardwood floor, and 180 square feet of glazing, including windows, atrium-style exterior doors, and two operable skylights. Tie into heating and cooling.

Project cost: $87,854
Resale value: $83,741
Cost recouped: 95.3%

Master Suite Addition Project Description: On a house with two or three bedrooms, add a 24-by-16-foot master bedroom suite with bath over a crawl space. Include walk-in closet/dressing area, whirlpool tub in ceramic tile platform, separate 3-by-4-foot ceramic tile shower, and double-bowl vanity with solid surface countertop. Carpet bedroom floor, and install ceramic tile on bathroom floor. Paint the walls, ceiling, and trim. Add general and spot lighting and exhaust fan.

Project cost: $110,582
Resale Value: $103,814
Cost recouped: 93.9%

Deck Addition Project Description: Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated pine joists supported by 4-by-4-inch posts set into concrete footings. Install composite deck material in a simple linear pattern. Include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Provide a complete railing system made of the same composite as the decking material or a compatible vinyl system.

Project cost: $12,205
Resale Value: $14,701
Cost recouped: 120.4%

Cost vs. Value 2007 – The Kitchen

Tony Meier — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:23:48 +0000

Thinking of remodeling your home? In this weeks cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a homes value and general appeal. Afterall, isn’t that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area.

Minor Kitchen Remodel Project Description: In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, refinish existing cabinets, and install new energy-efficient wall oven and cooktop, laminate countertops, mid-priced sink and faucet, wall covering, and resilient flooring. Repaint. Job includes new raised-panel wood doors on cabinets.

Project cost: $22,380
Resale value: $28,183
Cost Recouped: 125.9%

Major Kitchen Remodel – Midrange Project Description: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen by designing and installing a functional layout of new cabinets, laminate countertops, and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposer, and custom lighting. Add new resilient floor. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling. Include 30 linear feet of semi-custom grade wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island.

Project cost: $60,199
Resale value: $64,785
Cost Recouped: 107.6%

Major Kitchen Remodel – Upscale Project Description: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of custom cherry cabinets and stone countertops with imported ceramic tile backsplash. Include built-in refrigerator, cooktop, and 36-inch commercial-grade range and vent hood; warming drawer; trash compactor; combination microwave and convection oven; high-end, undermount sink; designer faucets; and water-filtration system. Add new general and task lighting, including low-voltage undercabinet lights. Install cork flooring with cherry trim. Include a 3-by-5-foot island.

Project cost: $116,210
Resale value: $115,287
Cost recouped: 99.2%