How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell in Windsor

Due to the economy here in Windsor, we've been getting quite a few requests for information on how to get your home ready for sale in order to maximize the value . Since I don't profess to be an expert in this field, I've asked my good friend, Randy Rock of rockhomesales.com to write this post.

This article is in the form of a printable checklist so you can use it to check your progress, just print it out and go, I hope it will be of help.

Getting Your House Ready to Sell in Windsor When getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a new way. Think of your house as a product about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. It needs to show well – which means clutter-free and well kept. Today’s homebuyers lead busy lives and may not be interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in. You need to make your house a “10”. This document will help you spot what is right and what is not so good about your "product". It will give you the opportunity to take corrective action to ensure your house looks fresh, clean and well maintained when the “For Sale” sign goes up. Fix It First If you need to make improvements to your home, do the work before it goes on the market. Potential buyers are not interested in hearing about your good intentions to look after defects before a transfer of ownership takes place. Even if fix-up work is underway, buyers may not be able to visualize what your home will look like when the work is finished. They will just remember it being in a state of disrepair. Professional Inspection: Yes or No? A serious buyer may want to have a professional home inspector check your house from top to bottom before making an offer. Even though this guide will help you identify problems on your own, the option of hiring a professional home inspector is open to you as well. If you can afford it, an inspection in advance of putting your home on the market is a good idea. It is your best way of finding and taking care of serious deficiencies before an inspector hired by a potential buyer discovers them. Homeowner’s Inspection Checklist This practical, easy-to-follow guide for homeowners will help you identify common house problems and deal with them. In it, you will find how-to tips offering effective solutions for every room of your house. Let’s Begin Outside Check Your House’s Curb Appeal How does your house look from the street? That is where prospective buyers will be when they first see your home; and, that is where they will form that all-important first impression. Stand at the curb in front of your house and note what you see. Remove any clutter in your yard. Repair cracked or uneven driveway or walkway surfaces. If your lawn has bald spots, apply some top dressing and re-seed. Prune trees and shrubs of dead wood. Weed and mulch flower beds, if you have them. If it is the right time of year, consider buying some flower-filled planters to enhance the eye appeal of your property. Make sure your lawn is mowed regularly. Ensure that the composter area is tidy. Are your windows and walls clean? Does your front door need paint? Ensure your eaves and downspouts are clear of debris and in good repair. Are your backyard deck and walkways clean? If not, use a power washer and do any necessary painting, staining or sealing. If you have a swimming pool, are the deck and pool clean (when in season)? Do all outside lights work? Replace any burned out bulbs, and clean fixtures of dirt and cobwebs. Is there a shed? Does it look presentable? Do windows and exterior doors need recaulking? Even at 6-7 years of age, the caulking may be dried out and in need of replacement. Do you have decorative wooden poles on the porch? Is the wood at the bottom in good condition? Overall, does it need a new coat of paint? If you have a gate, is it well oiled? When you have completed the curb appeal inspection, carefully check the rest of your home’s exterior. Will Your Roof and Chimney Pass Inspection? If you are uneasy about climbing onto your roof, you can inspect most items from the ground using binoculars. Otherwise, be careful when working or moving about on your roof. Unless roof repair is a simple matter of applying new caulking, you will probably need the services of a professional. Check the general condition of your roof. Sagging sections, curled shingles, pooled water on flat roofs and corrosion on metal roofing mean it is time for repair or replacement. Both masonry and metal chimneys need to be straight and structurally sound, have proper capping on top and watertight flashing where they penetrate the roof. All roofs undergo stress from snow and rain loads, so a truss or rafter may become damaged, resulting in a noticeable small depression. A professional should do this inexpensive repair. Examine Your Walls The condition of your exterior walls directly affects the look and curb appeal of your home. Replace old caulking. You may have to cut or scrape away old caulking to get a good seal. Do not seal drainage or ventilation gaps. Is your exterior paint looking good? If you see faded colours and cracked or peeling surfaces, you need to repaint. Be sure to get competitive bids if you hire professional painters. You can clean vinyl siding but defects or damage to it and to metal siding usually means replacement. Stucco can be repaired but some skill is required to blend patches with existing stucco. Now, Let’s Go Indoors A prospective buyer will usually enter through your front door; so, that is where you should begin your interior inspection. You want your buyer to see a neat, clean, well-lit interior. Get clutter out of sight; ensure that carpets are clean and floors are scrubbed and polished; and that walls and trim show fresh paint (preferably neutral or light colours). Take a sniff. Are there any unpleasant odours in your home? If so, track them down and eliminate them. Ensure all your lights work and are free of cobwebs. You want your home to look spacious, bright and fresh. If you have considerable family memorabilia, consider thinning it out. Your objective is to help potential buyers feel as if they could live in your home. That mental leap becomes more difficult for them if your house resembles a shrine your family. Professional realtors and decorators say the most important areas of your home to upgrade and modernize are the kitchen and bathrooms. Buyers also want to see new or recently installed floor coverings throughout. General Interior Check stairs for loose boards, ripped carpeting, and missing or loose handrails and guards. Most problems with interior walls are cosmetic and can be repaired with spackling compound and paint. Ensure doors open and shut properly. Minor sticking is normal but excessive binding indicates possible structural problems. Open and close all windows to ensure they work properly. Fogging between the panes of a sealed window indicates the seal is broken and the unit needs to be replaced. Keep furniture to a minimum so rooms do not appear smaller than they are. If your room contain bookshelves or cabinets overflowing with books, magazines and knick-knacks, remove some of these items. Ensure closets look spacious, organized and uncluttered. Create space by getting rid of old clothes and junk. Remove or lock away valuables such as jewellery, coins, currency, cameras and compact discs. Kitchen and Bathrooms People splash water around in the kitchen and bathrooms so check around sinks, tubs and toilets for rotting countertops and floors. Problems could be due to poor caulking or plumbing leaks. Fogged windows, molds and sweating toilet tanks indicate high humidity levels, which you can remedy with exhaust fans. In the kitchen, clean all appliances, including your oven. Clean or replace your greasy stove hood filter. Clean your cabinets inside and out, as well as your countertops and backsplashes. Repair dripping faucets. Remove anything stored on top of your fridge and remove artwork and magnets. Remove any items stored on countertops. Remove items stored under the sink. In bathrooms, scrub sinks, tubs and toilets, taking care to remove any rust stains. Remove mildew from showers and bathtubs. Fix dripping faucets or trickling toilets, and vacuum your fan grill. Clean mirrors, light switch plates and cupboard handles. Consider installing new 6-litre toilets if you currently have water-guzzlers. If you have ceramic tile in either your kitchen or bathroom, ensure grouting is intact and clean. Basement The condition of the foundation and main structural members in the basement are critical to the fitness of any house. The purpose of your inspection is to make sure these are sound and durable. Look for cracks, water seepage, efflorescence (white powder-like substance), crumbling mortar or concrete, and rotting wood. If any of these problems are present, you need to do further research to learn about causes and possible solutions. If your basement is damp or musty, consider using a dehumidifier. Like all other areas of your home, your basement should be organized and clutter-free. Change the filters in the furnace and have it cleaned–this is the number one item purchasers want done after a home inspection. If you have a pet with a litter box, ensure the litter box is clean. Garage Get rid of the broken tools, old car parts, discarded bicycles, empty paint cans and the hundreds of other useless items that accumulate in garages. Again, you want a clutter-free zone. Use cleaning solutions to remove oil stains from the floor. When it’s Showtime! You have inspected your house and taken care of problems. Now you are ready for showings. You will need a plan of action that assigns duties to each family member so the place can quickly be whipped into shape. Open all drapes, blinds, etc. and turn on lights to make the house bright. Air out the house to get rid of cooking, pet odours, and so on. Have fresh flowers in view. Pick up clutter, and empty garbage. Make sure everything is spotless. Set your thermostat at a comfortable level. Remove pets from the house or put them outside. If you have an agent, leave when the house is being shown. In poor weather, provide a place for boots, overshoes and umbrellas. Display photos of the house in summer to show landscaping if selling in the winter months. Leave out heating and hydro bills. For those on a septic system and/or well, leave out inspection and maintenance information.

Contact me anytime for a free home evaluation!!!                                                                                                             

Randy Rock - Sales Representative

Coldwell Banker Essential Realty Brokerage                                                      

Office - 519-251-1611

Cell - 519-792-4373

e-mail  randy-rock@coldwellbanker.ca

Web - www.rockhomesales.com

ROCK SOLID SERVICE 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Incredible, Ask Anyone!

How Much Will My Kitchen Renovation Cost Here in Windsor?

When setting a budget for any improvement project around the home, it can be difficult to know where to start. When setting out to renovate, there are often hidden costs that can creep in and sink your budget, especially in an older home.  When renovating a kitchen, a good place to start is at at 15% of your home value. Adding a 20% cushion to your kitchen renovation cost estimate will cover you if anything unforeseen arises. 

It can be difficult to stick to your budget and keep it under your target, but research, planning and a solid estimate can help you to keep costs down.  A good place to start is with a middle of the road estimate at about $45,000 for a $250,000 home.  Things like kitchen cabinets, appliances and countertops are the highest priced items in a kitchen renovation along with flooring, lighting, fixtures and hardware.  Electrical, plumbing and gas add to the costs, making a kitchen renovation a much pricier change than any other room in the house.  

Your kitchen renovation estimate should be your guide.  Everything else should be documented and added as things come up.  Begin with your absolute necessities and things you cannot live without.  Then move to your most desired items such as increasing workspace in your kitchen for preparing meals or the type of materials used for your countertops, cabinets and flooring.  After that you can add in your “wish list” such as a television, computer, kitchen nook, bay window, etc.  A kitchen renovation cost estimate can and should include everything, including your cushion. Keep a separate spreadsheet of items you would like to add and add them later if you can.

If you choose to and have the ability to do the actual work yourself, this will be where the estimating process will end, however if you choose to have a contractor such as Lakeside do the work for you, you will need to estimate the labour cost as well. Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern in all the projects that Lakeside has done for our clients. By the time you add in labour, permitting, overhead, profit and taxes, when all is said and done, the original material estimate accounts for approximately 40% of the finished project. This being the case, if you take your original estimate and multiply by 2.5, you will be very close to the cost of having a contractor handle the project for you.  

A few things to take into consideration when planning your kitchen renovation is your family size, your entertainment style, your frequent guests and how much counter space you will require.  If you have a large family you will want to have enough seating in the kitchen.  If you entertain a lot, a big table and lots of counter space is nice.  If you love to cook and cook a lot, design your kitchen with appliances that are strategically placed for optimum production.  

A refrigerator all the way across the room from the sink or counter top makes for repeated trips and unnecessary steps. Moving appliances can drive up costs for plumbing , gas and electrical, but it can be well worth it to you if you end up with the kitchen of your dreams. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Lakeside Interiors Turns a Corner

This post has nothing at all to do with home renovations but I'm sure that some people in my audience would like to know what the heck I've been up to lately.
Those of you who know me personally know a great deal concerning what has happened over the past two years, but not all and as for the rest of my readers, I will attempt to bring you all up to speed.
At the beginning of July 2009, my beautiful wife of 11 years, Gidget, who had suffered with kidney disease most of her young life, took a turn for the worse. We were informed that she would be on dialysis beginning in June of that year and remain on it until she received a kidney transplant at some undetermined point in the future.
At that time, since my Gidget required round the clock care and refused to leave our home to be in a nursing home, I was forced to virtually shut down all operations of Lakeside Interiors in order to personally care for her.
To make a very long and unhappy story short, my Gidget lost her battle last May of 2011 and my world ended.
A month and a half later, my best friend, Terry Dunster, who we had lived with and cared for, for years, died as well.
Through some oversights and legal wranglings, the estate, managed to end up with everything that we had worked so hard to establish, our home, my place of business, everything.
By the time all this had transpired, I had nothing left, so I moved to Kitchener to spend time with my son Jason and his wife to be Carrie-Lynn, working at starting over in that area and trying to re-invent myself.
During that time, I met a beautiful girl, my Rayshelle, and was in the process of re-establishing my company in Barrie to be near her when I started to go blind from cataracts.
The type I have is a fast moving type and  I was told that it would be a year before I could get the required surgery in the north of Ontario so we were forced to part and I returned to Windsor to get the surgery since wait times are drastically reduced here.(my surgery here is scheduled for the beginning of July).
Exactly 2 days after arriving back in Windsor, I had a "significant heart attack" and following two surgeries for that, I'm back.......but I still can't see much yet until July 9.
So to make a long story short, I'm back, I'm here in Windsor, and I'm busy building Lakeside Interiors to be everything I set out to make it before all this started!
Ok, now to get to the corner and the turning of it!
A few days ago, I was lucky enough to find the teachings of Marcus Sheridan of TheSalesLion.com and I ordered his free E-book.
This is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive guide to turn your business around that has been written to date!
You will not believe the change it will make in your life, I can't believe the simple principles that Marcus teaches that can completely change the way you do business if you just take the time to read them!
I can't say enough about  Marcus' free E-book and the change it can make in your life, if you own a business or you're self employed or you work for a company......this book will help you, just read it, it"s free!
This guy is a genius! Not because he's saying anything different, but because he can explain what he's saying so that anyone can understand it!
I've embraced the principles that Marcus teaches and I'm beginning to implement them as quickly as I can, one thing at a time.
You'll notice changes in the blog such as a totally new look, a bunch of new pages being added to the site, this blog will now be coming out with new content every Sunday and Wednesday, as well, there is now a newsletter that will be emailed out to customers and subscribers every Sunday and articles will be written by guest authors as well as by me.
Those are just a small sample of what's coming, if you'd like to know more about what to expect from Lakeside over this summer......READ MARCUS' BOOK!!!

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario

226-787-5835 or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Basement Renovation Money-Saving Tips in Windsor, Ontario

Summer has arrived here in Windsor, or as we call it here…..construction season! Many families here are considering a variety of DIY projects around the house, one of the most common is to expand useable floor space by renovating an unfinished or partially finished basement area. Here are some money saving tips that we use in the industry to reduce cost, increase useable space or improve appearance of the finished product. I hope you can make use of one or more of them in planning your project.

 · Make use of wasted space under the lower end of the stairway leading into the basement. Consider roll-out bins or shelves to hold laundry or other supplies.

 · Finish off the floor if your plan is to incorporate a family room or home office. If the floor in your basement is concrete, decide on the flooring you will use; laminate or engineered flooring, or carpet.

 · If you decide on carpet, and your floor is smooth, carpet and padding can be easily tacked down and stretched directly on top of the concrete. It’s important to know that once the carpet is stretched that it will lay flat across the entire floor. An uneven floor will cause the carpet to be unsupported underneath any low spots. If you prefer not to go to the expense of leveling the floor properly, then glue the carpet down, otherwise the carpet will wear much quicker in the unsupported areas.

 · If you decide on laminate or engineered flooring, you will have a great looking basement. The material and installation is more expensive than carpeting a floor, but usually cheaper than using a ceramic tile. Laminate is essentially saw dust and glue, made under great pressure and a lot of heat. The finishes on laminate are very tough; the floor is sturdy and wears very well – and good for high-traffic areas. Engineered flooring is essentially made by laminating a thin layer of hardwood flooring to the top of thin plywood and will wear similar to actual hardwood flooring of the same wood, however since it is plywood, it will resist warping under the high humidity conditions generally found in basements.

 · If part of your basement renovation includes a bathroom, time and costs can be cut if bathroom fixtures are located near existing plumbing. This means designing the bathroom floor plan close to the main waste-vent stack and house drain – with reduced cost involved in the installation of underground pipes.

 · When deciding on small bathroom design, it is easier and less complicated to arrange the bathroom fixtures along a line on one wall. Check local codes for plumbing and electrical requirements for your project.

 · Always remember when planning for ANY basement project that wood must NEVER touch concrete, under ANY circumstances! Concrete is inherently porous and absorbs small amounts of moisture directly from the ground under itself and will eventually rot any wood touching it. Any wood product which must be touching concrete, such as the base of a wall, should be installed with a gasket under it.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please dont hesitate to contact us.

 Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know.

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

Basement Renovations in Windsor

If you’re afraid to go down your steps and into the dungeon, you may want to start thinking about basement remodeling. There are a many different options that can be adapted to basement construction with today’s building technology. It’s up to you to decide what will work for your family and what type of activities you would like to use the area for. You should have a reasonably good idea of what you want before you call someone to help you to get it the way you want it. Remember though, a professional contractor will be able to explain options to you that you may not have considered. Contractors who are “in the know” are aware of technology and product upgrades before they even hit the market.

Before you do any type of basement remodeling you need to know what’s already there. A number of different things can be done as long as the structure and room size will allow it. Basically you need to make sure all that you want to do will fit in the area you have. Also, you need to look at the layout and make plans according to what you want to put in and what existing structure is supporting the building.

You need to know what you want before beginning work on your basement. Would you like a game room, or are you looking to create a new place that you can use to increase your living space? Do you want to make another bedroom, or are you simply trying to find the best way to use the space and take full advantage of your home? There are many things you can do but you need to decide before you call someone in. A good contractor can help you with planning and ideas but you should at least know what type of space you’d like to end up with.

As with any major improvement to your home, the first thing you need to consider is the budget, how much can you afford to spend on this project and will it create the space that you need? Your contractor can help with this a great deal by guiding you toward selecting items which will be within your budget and still allow for the finished product that you wish. Remember that you drive the cost of the renovation with the selections that you make in regards to finishes and fixtures etc.

Most of all you need to be able to trust the contractor doing your basement remodeling. This means you will need to be comfortable with them and to enjoy having them around, remember you will be working closely with your contractor for an extended period and you should at least like having them around!

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
705-627-4909 or,
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
226-946-9651
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

How to Install Kitchen Cabinets in Windsor

Whether you are doing home improvement projects to prepare your home for sale, or you are just trying to give your home a more updated look, new cabinets in your kitchen are a great way to create the look you desire. It does not always mean that you have to hire a professional to install your cabinets, but it does take some special tools and skills in the remodeling field.

If the cabinets that you are replacing are outdated you will want to remove them very carefully so that wall damage can be minimized and exact measurements can be made. The best way to remove these old cabinets is to take off all the doors, followed by the drawers and shelves, then remove the body of the cabinets from the walls.

The first thing you need to do is measure the space carefully and get some brochures from several manufacturers so that you can decide exactly what you want your finished kitchen to look like. These pamphlets will also tell you what sizes and finishes are available in the various designs. Then you need to draw some plans of what you want your finished space to look like so that you know how it should all fit when the project is complete.

The next thing that you need to do when replacing your kitchen cabinets is to make sure that you have all the supplies that you need. You will need to list all screws, nails, a level, and whatever else the project may require. A home improvement store can help you find the tools that you need for your cabinet project.

Once you have your measurements and supplies, you can begin the process of cabinet removal. Make sure that they are completely empty before removing them from the wall as it will make the project easier to accomplish when things aren’t bouncing off your head. Once the cabinets have been removed, you will want to replace the tile and paint if that is part of your remodel plans.

Once your cabinets have been removed, and any painting and floor refinishing have been done, it is time to put in the new cabinets. Usually you start with the upper ones as it is easier to install them first without the lower ones getting in the way. Before you can hang them, however, you will need to find the studs, so that you can fasten the cabinets directly to them and NOT the drywall or plaster. You will want to hang them on the wall before putting the doors on them. Once your uppers are on, you can then install the lower cabinets in much the same way, making sure the floor is level first.

Once your cabinets are in place, you can then fit in the countertops, sink, and appliances. Now your kitchen remodel is complete. If you don't feel as though you are qualified to do this project yourself, however , you can simply contact us at Lakeside Interiors and we will take you through the planning step by step and then do the installation and remodeling for you.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

Interior Decorating for Winter in Windsor

Everybody wants to decorate the inside of their home in a modern and trendy manner and transform their interior area while planning for every season. Applying trendy interior planning ideas based on the months is an invaluable option for keeping your home’s interior up-to-date. House decor which looks trendy and classy in the summer time is probably not appropriate for that winter months. Applying season appropriate design ideas can be a useful method of improving the overall appearance of your home. If you are looking at changing your interior for the winter months, here are a couple of interior planning tips and concepts which will certainly warm your interior space up and produce a comfortable, welcoming feel in your home.

Choosing warmer and more dark color tones is fantastic for winter, developing a warm and welcoming feel to your interior space. Use warm and vibrant colors like Brown, red-tones, beige, gold, dark green, burgundy and ochre for upholsteries, mattress covers, sheets, pillow covers, and curtains along with other textiles. Choosing from these palettes for wall coverings or draperies may also transform the whole look of your home and produce a warm feel throughout the winter season.

Carpet is a superb design element for warming your home up as opposed to hard flooring, as carpets and area rugs are not only seen to be visually appealing but are good insulators as well. In addition, a soft, tufted or plush rug on wooden or other hard flooring material will certainly produce a cozy, warmer feel to your home.

Another trendy method for improving your interior specifically for the cold months is to alter the lighting system. Replace your overhead lights with tungsten lights which will warm your room and give a summer time touch throughout winter. Small candles and lamps may also be used to create a warmer atmosphere. Candles and lamps of red or orange shades won’t increase your budget too much but could also help your home feel warmer in winter.

Setting up an electric fire place in your family or living room is yet another prudent option to warm you up all through the cold months . A fire place won’t keep the entire house warm but can help you save money by only heating the area you’re using while you reduce the temperature in the rest of the home. Purchasing a fire place is initially a bit pricey but will go on saving you money year after year. Indeed , it’s a valuable investment that can create a warm atmosphere during the winter season.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com