Resell Remodeling in Lincoln – October 2021

If it’s time for you to part ways with your current home and move into a new address, consider doing a little bit of remodeling first. Home renovations can be the difference between “for sale” and “sold.” In this Resell Remodeling story, we spoke to local professionals, both on the remodeling side and the selling side, about the renovation projects you should focus on to boost the value of your home and to make the remodel a piece of cake!

The First Step: Get an Inspection

Home inspections are an important part of the resell remodel process. Randy King with King’s Home Inspections, LLC (kingsinspections.com) strongly recommends a pre-listing inspection to ensure the selling process will go smoothly.

“The number one challenge in putting a home on the market is overcoming buyers fear. A pre-listing inspection does that,” Randy explained. “It assures the potential buyer that an independent set of eyes has looked over the house, uncovered major issues, and identified where equipment is at in its average service life. It also helps you to review the more seldom-seen aspects, such as insulation levels, foundation condition, and past presence of wood destroying insects and any latent damage they may have caused.”

A pre-listing inspection can help you to better understand where the equipment in your home is at in its lifespan, therefore helping you get an idea of where to invest your money during your resell remodel. There’s much more to a resell remodel than creating an eye-catching home; it may attract potential buyers, but impending repairs and replacements could scare them off.

“Although a remodeler can put in new cabinets, carpet, and paint, and make the house very eye-appealing, it is still important to know and understand the condition and age of other components in the home,” Randy said. “Equipment such as furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and so forth has a life span. Even a “fresh” house with a 15-year-old water or a 25-year-old HVAC system can expect to have some fairly significant repairs or replacements in the first five years of ownership.”

The market might be on the seller’s side right now, but that doesn’t mean you should be deferring maintenance on the equipment in your home. A home inspection will show any potential buyers issues from poor maintenance, and though many houses are selling “as-is” with few or no repairs, no one wants to buy a clunker.

“Even if it is evident the home will need upgrading, remodeling, or improvement, continuing maintenance on a home is always a good idea,” Randy suggested. “Even simple things can prevent problems, such as cleaning your gutters or keeping long extensions on your down spouts. It moves the water away from the house and prevents a wet basement. Changing your furnace filter regularly also helps, as does keeping the A/C unit fins cleaned. Exterior maintenance of plants, shrubs, and lawns keep your property looking nice and gives it good curb appeal. That is quite important when you put it on the market. Regular maintenance to your underground sprinkler system is also important, as it prevents wasting water and can reduce or eliminate the need for repairs, which can be costly. In the winter, keeping drives and sidewalks cleaned also gives the impression of caring for a property, which makes potential buyers less anxious when they can see that it is being cared for.”

Experience Matters

When completing a resell remodel, you want to get the most value for your home, so it’s a good idea to talk to some local realtors to really understand what the Lincoln market is looking for and which projects you should focus on. Jayson Becker with BancWise Realty (bancwise.com) offered some insight into what he has been seeing in the market as of late.

“Lately, people have been looking for homes that are move-in ready. They want to pull the vehicle into the driveway, turn the key in the front door, and enjoy the new home – that’s it,” Jayson said. “A specific feature that I have noticed is growing in desire and popularity is a large amount of garage space. Buyers are looking for garages with four or even more stalls available.”

Jayson said that a home that needs projects done to it is one of the biggest turn-offs for homebuyers, further stressing the local market’s wish to have a truly move-in ready home. He also explained that curb appeal is important in the selling process.

“Home buying hinges on emotion,” Jayson shared. “When a buyer pulls up to the house and sees green grass, fresh mulch, paint that’s not peeling, gutters that are kept tidy, and so on – that’s what pulls at their emotions and draws them into the home.”

Though it is a seller’s market right now, it’s not as big on the seller’s side as it was a year ago, and Jayson wants to remind those who are considering a resell remodel to not defer any maintenance. He understands it’s been allowed in the past when the market was at its hottest point in selling, but in order to get the most value out of your home, it is important to complete any maintenance work and finish all projects. We would suggest taking his advice – Jayson has plenty of experience that relates not only to the “resell” aspect, but also the “remodel.”

“My expertise goes back to my experience in construction and remodeling,” Jayson said. “The items that you are buying and investing in to complete your remodel are the same ones I was selling in construction and remodeling for over 20 years. I understand both sides of it, and I want to use that knowledge to help you in your resell remodel process!”

Planning Ahead

Before you jump headfirst into your resell remodeling project, it’s a good idea to have an idea of what the timeline for the renovation will look like. When you plan ahead, you should know what it is you want to do to your home, when you want to do it, how much it will cost, and be ready to acquire any plans or permits necessary to do the job. All of these aspects will be based off of your day-to-day routine, your ideal time to sell, the time of year, and so forth. We spoke to Ben Bleicher, leader of the Professional Realty Group of Woods Bros Realty (prg.woodsbros.com) team, about what goes into the timing of resell remodeling.

“Timing the sale of your home to correspond with when market conditions are the most favorable is a wise approach, and then you can set the timeline for projects accordingly,” said Ben. “If you’re able to hang tight until next spring before listing, you’ll have a good window of time to work with, keeping in mind that the average home renovation takes between four to eight months. Of course, it depends on the size of project. If you are fully renovating or remodeling your house, chances are it could take up to six to eight months or even more if you are adding large spaces with architectural detail. However, if you’re just doing a kitchen and bathroom with some minor cosmetic changes, then it could be just a couple of weeks or months to complete.”

Spring is traditionally home building season, Ben said, resulting in materials and time being a little more costly. However, if you want to install a project such as a deck or outdoor living area, spring is the time of year to do it, as they require hand-digging and the ground is usually softer in the spring.

“Roofing projects are often done in summer because roofing materials need certain high temperatures to seal. Summer is also a good time to complete a bathroom or other interior remodeling project, but if you’re willing to have crews in your home during the holiday season then October through December is actually a good time to schedule your remodel because things are slower for contractors and materials may be less expensive. However, shipping may take longer, so work those extra days into your timeframe.”

Knowing the Difference

There are a lot of factors that a buyer considers when looking for a home, so it’s important to hire a professional realtor to help you through the process of renovating your home for resell. At Lincoln First Realty (lincolnfirstrealty.com), they have a lot of professional experience that can help you understand the difference in painting your home brown versus grey, or if you should replace your entire concrete driveway or just make fixes; their ultimate goal is to help you get the maximum value of your home. General Manager and Broker Brad Hulse spoke about the large role curb appeal plays in buying a home.

“Curb appeal plays a huge role in the sale of a home!” Brad said. “I like to call curb appeal—or rather the lack thereof—‘the silent killer.’ No homebuyer will quantify a home with the lack of good curb appeal but there will just be something they don’t like. When enhancing your curb appeal, the most important things to consider are related to maintenance. Trimming trees and bushes, painting chipped paint, and fixing broken items, (like shutters, siding, front steps, railings, etc.) will make the biggest difference.”

A resell remodel requires you to select items that will appeal to the majority of the market – they might not match your taste, but you have to remember the difference between your preferences and that of the market. At Woods Bros Realty, they can help you understand what designs the market is looking for, and choose materials that will attract more buyers.

“When you’re remodeling your home for resale, you have to make sure you are equipping your home with items and materials that will appeal to the masses,” said Deb Wagner, realtor. “You don’t want to spend more money on the remodeling project than your home value can support. I recommend asking a realtor what to spend in regard to the total home value to get fair returns.”

HVAC and Plumbing

When thinking of ways you can upgrade your home to boost its resell value, often times the first things that come to mind involve visible remodels. Don’t leave out the HVAC and plumbing system from your decision to upgrade! According to an appraisal estimate in Money magazine, installing a new central air-conditioning system can increase your property value by 10%. The National Association of Realtors also found that HVAC remodels have a higher average return on investment than most other types of remodeling projects, with a return of up to 71%. It may not have the aesthetically pleasing look of brand new countertops and cabinets, but a smooth-working HVAC and plumbing system is critical to have to ensure the sale of your home. We spoke to Joe Reinke, owner of John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning (jhlincoln.com), about what you should know in terms of your home’s HVAC and plumbing.

“In the HVAC and plumbing industry, there are many things to take into consideration for new homebuyers,” Reinke explained. “First, HVAC system check. It is always very important to have the HVAC system checked for operation, efficiency, and most importantly, safety. When checking the HVAC system, the things examined are air quality, air filtration, humidification, and dehumidification. Next, you need a total plumbing check. This includes, but is not limited to: water heater, sump pump, fixtures and faucets, visible water piping, drain piping, and gas piping. A special camera can examine the underground sewer piping for any breaks, cracks, or bad sections. Also, look at your water conditioning equipment. A water softener will extend the life of all plumbing fixtures and piping, as well as major appliances.”

Updated and move-in ready bathrooms and kitchens are of high importance to new home buyers, and the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services offered by John Henry’s will help you check every item off of your to-do list. Having been in the business since 1996, they recently celebrated 25 years of serving the Lincoln community and satisfying plumbing and HVAC needs.

Pipe Up!

When you think of upgrades to add to your home to increase the resale value, make sure plumbing is included in those ideas – there’s so much value that lies within your pipes, it’s definitely something to focus your time and attention on! Some popular plumbing upgrades include modernized pipes, pull-out faucets, efficient water heaters, an extra bathroom addition, eco-friendly installations, and adding a floor drain and/or sink to the laundry room. Whether you are planning to just make some repairs or you want to give a room a total remodel, Bob Nohavec Plumbing (bobnohavecplumbing.net) can help you with all of your kitchen and bathroom needs.

Hiring a plumber when you are remodeling a bathroom or kitchen is essential. Not only do they know what they are doing, but they know the local codes and can help with filing any permits that may be necessary. The plumbers at Bob Nohavec Plumbing are confident that they can get the job done quickly, have your plumbing system working properly, and, perhaps most importantly – that they can get the job done right the first time.

Some of the plumbing needs that they can complete during a remodel include moving plumbing pipes, moving drain lines, installing a bathroom sink and plumbing lines, adding spa equipment, and installing kitchen sinks and garbage disposals. They are also available to upgrade bathtubs, showers, vanities, countertops, bathroom accessories, onyx, and more. Bathrooms and kitchens are the biggest remodels that buyers are interested in, so take these projects seriously by hiring the experts at Bob Nohavec Plumbing!

Bright Ideas

Technically savvy buyers are all throughout today’s market, so even small electrical upgrades such as updating outlets and switches can make a big difference when selling your home. Look for electricians that provide a meticulous level of attention to detail, like the team at Oak Electric (oakelectriccompany.com). Their team is very proficient in troubleshooting, general repair and service, switches and outlets, panel upgrades, and repairs. Matt Collins, master electrician, says that lighting is one of the best upgrades to consider when doing a resell remodel of your home.

“If you have or are investing thousands of dollars in updating your kitchen to maximize the resale value of your home, why not invest a little more and install under-cabinet lights to showcase the space?” Matt said. “The same goes with bathrooms. You can install new lighting over the shower or bath area, and you might be surprised how much it showcases your investment.”

Another great choice for electrical work is ABC Electric (abcelectric.net). With more than 85 years of experience in the industry, ABC Electric can provide you with comprehensive electrical services that will keep your home in great condition for potential buyers.

If you want to maximize the value of your home for resale, don’t forget to tap into the modern age of lighting. Buyers are well aware of the beauty and benefits that come with LED technology. Jon Eicher, project manager, says the LED lighting industry is continuously evolving, and the demand is increasing for residential lighting remodeling projects that employ Bluetooth technology. It’s changing the resell remodeling landscape with app-based controls.

“We have all manners of LED lighting and controls in kitchens and family spaces,” Jon said. “We are seeing Bluetooth technology being incorporated into not just control systems, but LED lighting, as well. LED lighting now has the capability of adjustable lumen outputs, or brightness, and color-changing capability integral to the fixture. This sector of the industry continues to evolve.”

Seamless Finish and Service

It’s tempting for many homeowners to repaint a room on their own, but hiring a professional has many advantages. First, you know the results are going to be pleasing. Professional painters can more quickly and easily achieve clean lines and straight edges, and the walls will have a uniform, airbrushed look. Hiring a painter is also a huge timesaver, allowing you to focus on other remodeling projects you are working on for resale. We recommend the experts at Walter’s Painting, Inc. (walterspaintinginc.com) They offer free estimates and take care of all prep work, including moving and protecting furniture and completing any drywall repairs. In addition to the interior, Walter’s Painting especially places emphasis on curb appeal when conducting a resell remodel.

“The outside of your house is the first thing a potential buyer is going to see when they arrive on the property, so make a good first impression,” said Jeff Walters, owner. “Even if they haven’t yet seen the inside of the home, strong curb appeal will make them believe the interior has value and is well-kept. Get this high appeal by hiring our professionals to do any exterior painting, wood staining, or power washing.”

Other services provided are wallpaper hanging and removal, wood work, fences, staining and lacquer work, decks and deck sealing, cabinet refinishing, water damage, mildew removal, and more. Give your home a fresh, new look just in time for resale with the crew at Walter’s Painting!

A New Kitchen in Five Days – Or Less!

Kitchen remodels are most popular among resell remodeling projects, but they can also be intimidating. So much goes into the kitchen, and, if you are still living in your home, you don’t want to be without it for long. Thankfully, there’s a business in our community that can help us with this daunting remodel – the team at Kitchen Tune-Up (kitchentuneup.com/locations) completes their projects within one to five days! With meticulous planning and multiple methods of updating cabinets, they can give your kitchen a fresh look by the end of the week. They offer a variety of services, including: the original tune-up, which restores wood cabinets to look like-new; cabinet redooring, allowing you to update cabinets without replacing; cabinet painting; cabinet refacing; custom cabinets; countertops; and customized kitchen accessories, such as roll-out trays.

“Our mission is to provide our clients with an elevated kitchen remodeling experience,” explained Owner Jason Krueger. “Adhering to the Trustpoints on every project allows our team to Tunify the kitchens and expectations of homeowners across our community.”

 

Kitchen Tune-Up’s Trustpoints are reflective of the customer service they provide. The Trustpoints include:

• Listen. They will develop an organized plan and fulfill all of the terms of your agreement.
• Communication. They know communication is key, and they will always return your calls within 24 hours.

• Respect. They will protect the work area and clean up after themselves daily.
• Dependable. They arrive on time. They respect your need for dependable scheduling.
• Solutions. If anything comes up that they could not anticipate, they work out a mutually agreeable solution.

Don’t let a kitchen remodel intimidate you! Jason and his team at Kitchen Tune-Up know time is of the essence, and they will help you get your kitchen looking brand-new for resale in no time.

More Storage!

Storage is a huge piece of the puzzle for potential home buyers. For some, there just never seems to be enough storage, so make sure that your home is attracting buyers that need extra space by installing custom cabinetry from Usher Custom Cabinets (ushercustomcabinets.com).

“We will work with you to design, build, and install cabinets that fit perfectly into your home to best utilize the space, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, home library, office, pantry, laundry room, or any other room – you name it,” said Owner Neal Chloupek.

When it comes to storage, the kitchen is the area where homebuyers are looking for it the most. Other areas where storage is wanted include closets, the garage, and the basement. Mudroom storage is also very popular, as the entryway area can quickly get messy with coats, shoes, bags, and more without the proper features to store them. Usher Custom Cabinets is an easy way to boost the resale value of your home by adding storage and making it look great!

The Great Outdoors

Everyone loves a backyard space that has features to allow them to spend quality time outdoors, especially if children are part of the household. Decks, patios, and pergolas are great ways to spruce up your backyard and invite more potential homebuyers, and Jonathan Curtis with Jonathan Curtis Design (facebook.com/jonathancurtisdesign) can help you do just that. Jonathan and his team can help you construct the perfect backyard addition that best utilizes your space, or, if you already have an outdoor area that just needs a little love, they also perform deck repair. Plus, Jonathan’s business offers more than just services in outdoor areas. They provide kitchen, basement, and bathroom remodels.

“I like to meet in person, if possible, to get a feel for what’s most important to the client,” explained Jonathan. “I try to find ways to accomplish these things in the least expensive way. I provide drawings and formal estimates/contracts to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

Luxury Upgrades

If you have an above-ground hot tub that you are planning to leave behind after the sale, or if your hot tub is in-ground, it is worth it to make sure that it is in great working condition to further attract potential buyers. If your outdoor area is looking a little empty and you need ways to utilize it, a hot tub could be the investment you are looking for. Home Innovations Spas (spasonline.com) can supply your home with a hot tub that will draw buyers in and have them vying for the property! Hot tubs at Home Innovations Spas are equipped with therapeutic water jets, soothing sound systems, tranquil lighting systems, and noise reductions systems to ensure that it is truly a quiet spot for you to enjoy your time in. They also have spas that come equipped with control panels that allow you to adjust the pressure levels of your massage, as well as numerous jet configurations and jet faces with specialized functions to work with your hydrotherapy needs.

Swim spas are another luxury available at Home Innovations Spas, providing the privacy and exclusivity of swim training. Swimming is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise, ideal for building aerobic endurance and strength without the impact on joints and muscles. Access to pools can be a challenge, while public and fitness center pools may be too crowded for your training and therapy needs. If you have a smaller backyard or are short on installation time, a swim spa is a great alternative to an in-ground pool. Swim spas are also insulated against the cold and include built-in heaters, allowing the backyard swimming season to be greatly extended. Finally, swim spas are much easier to maintain than a standard pool – a fabulous way to give your home’s next owner the pool they want without the tedious maintenance!

The market is still in favor of sellers right now, so if you have been thinking about getting a new place, now is the time to remodel your home and list it to get the most bang for your buck. We recommend these local realtors, contractors, and remodelers for all of your resell remodel needs!