The Builder Grade Material “Glow Up”
When you’re getting ready to sell your home, your focus is on adding value, not eating away at your potential profit. I want to share my strategies for making the money you put into your home work harder. I have a long list of tips and tricks, but today we are going to start with one of the most crucial-- creating a custom look and feel on a base grade budget. I call it: The Builder Grade Material “Glow Up”
Adopt a High/Low approach to the selection of finish materials, and apply them strategically for the greatest cost/benefit proposition (in the case of a property sale, it's really a Medium/Low).
Evaluate material usage based on square footage required, and select accordingly. When using premium materials (whatever that means for your budget!), focus on small areas with big impacts, such as backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, shower details, etc.
For Example, Countertops typically require significantly more square footage of material than backsplashes. Utilize an attractive but basic grade quartz countertop, but pair with an elevated choice for backsplash material focusing on an element needed in your design such as texture, pattern color, or shine. The well-considered pairing of the countertop and backsplash will create an elevated, “custom” look and feel while maintaining the budget.
Mix basic materials in a creative way, creating a “custom” composition from a basic palette. Remember that the benefit of using a mix of materials can far outweigh the relatively small addition to installation costs. For Example, a bathroom or powder room can provide a great opportunity for mixing tile to create either a mix of color, pattern or for a more neutral, but highly elevated look, a mix of textures.
Embellish simple materials - consider a little DIY effort! Here's an opportunity to look at some of the basics in the environment and explore ways to “customize” with elements as simple as paint, or wallpaper!
For Example, here are a couple of easy modifications I love. Upgrade a simple bathroom vanity, (especially in a small powder room) by painting it to match the wall color, creating a sense of more space and “customization”. Another is to look for an opportunity to add “shine” to any space. By simply painting the edges of basic shelving with metallic paint to coordinate with a metallic finish brass, copper, gold, or nickel you can subtly enhance your design.
Can you think of any areas in your home that would benefit from a simple refresh with inexpensive, but well-chosen materials? If you do, you might be considering your next steps. The answer lies in developing your own Design Concept--which is exactly what we’ll cover in next month’s article!
You can also look forward to:
Where to Start? The Design Concept-
Focus on the Details
Let your space be your Guide
How not to fall victim to the latest trend
