Fall is a great time for home improvement by Cari Turnbull

The busy summer season is winding down making it a great time to think about tackling some home improvement projects this fall. 

Home sellers often gravitate toward kitchens and bathrooms when weighing options about where to invest their home improvement money. These two areas are where you can expect to see the largest returns on investments. 

In addition to adding value to the home, some other motivating factors include making the space more functional, changing family or lifestyle needs, improving storage or organization and updating to follow the modern trends. 

Some popular trends in bathroom upgrades for buyers shopping for homes include: double sinks, walk in showers with glass doors and white vanities with solid surface tops such as granite, quartz or marble.

For kitchens, home buyers like to see an open concept, but before you knock down that wall make sure to consult a structural engineer. Other popular kitchen features include white shaker style cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, and an island with seating and new appliances. 

Things to consider when planning a project include: budget, timing, selecting a contractor and cost.

When budgeting always allow for a 15 percent overage for unforeseen costs once you start the project. You should also make a sketch of the layout to determine the location of fixtures and cabinets in the space. If you are curious to know if you’re making the right investment that will impact the value of your home, remember to contact a local real estate expert for their opinion prior to starting your project.

Cari Turnbull is a Windham resident and is a top producing realtor in the Greater Portland area; contact Cari for all of your buying, selling and investment needs cturnbull@tmren.biz 207-807-2062.