“What doesn’t bankrupt us makes us stronger,”
writes Josh Garskof, a serial remodeler and contributing writer and/or editor
for Money magazine, “This Old House,” and Martha Stewart Living. Houston property owners who have attempted a
remodel anytime recently are likely to find the humor – and the truth – in his
wisecrack.
With
the spring selling season just over the horizon, this would be about the right
time for homeowners who are considering bringing their property to market to
finalize plans and firm up any remodeling arrangements. Whether the project is just to freshen up a
bathroom or re-landscape a whole backyard, Garskof offers the following tips:
Plan to
Overspend
– Yes, we all hate to acknowledge it, but surprises happen with predictable
regularity. If you don’t allow for that cushion, you may find yourself in a
tight spot when your contractor discovers a missing drainage system under the
house.
Magnet Sweep – If you’re
planning exterior work, have your team do a magnet sweep of the outdoor space
when they are finished. Dozens of old,
rusty nails can find their way into your lawn and into the mulch – nothing you
want bare feet to encounter when summer comes (and the last thing you want
potential visitors or agents stepping on during Broker’s Tour!)
Permits – Be sure to
secure copies of a Certificate of Occupancy or other Houston code clearances
from your contractor before you issue the final payment. It’s one way to help
ensure the work is safe, up to code – and to have the paperwork handled when a
sale is being finalized.
If
you are preparing for spring and plan to do some remodeling before bringing
your Houston property to market, I hope you will feel free to consult me before
spending a single dollar. I’m here to
help my clients save money where they don’t have to spend it -- and make money
where they can. Especially when it comes to property improvements, knowing
today’s homebuyers can make a real difference. Email me today!
|
Diego
E. Jaramillo
Broker Associate, CIPS, ABR diego@houstonheritage.com |
Jair
A. Jaramillo
Real Estate Consultant jair@houstonheritage.com |
Houston Heritage Group
Keller Williams Realty - The Metropolitan
Office:
713-980-5115
Fax: 832-603-4304
Website:
www.HoustonHeritage.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HoustonHeritageGroup Twitter: www.twitter.com/HoustonDiego Blog: www.TheHoustonBlog.com |
|
Diego
E. Jaramillo
Broker Associate, CIPS, ABR diego@houstonheritage.com |
Jair
A. Jaramillo
Real Estate Consultant jair@houstonheritage.com |
Houston Heritage Group
Keller Williams Realty - The Metropolitan
Office:
713-980-5115
Fax: 832-603-4304
Website:
www.HoustonHeritage.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HoustonHeritageGroup Twitter: www.twitter.com/HoustonDiego Blog: www.TheHoustonBlog.com |