The idea of renovating an apartment before listing it is enough to terrify most people. But, the payoff can be huge if you’ve made smart decisions on the renovations. The key to renovating an apartment, or a house for that matter, is to find the sweet spot between changes that can be made that add to its functionality and comfort under a realistic budget. Much like in love, where much of the mating ritual is going to depend on perception and projection, when it comes to the relationship between a seller and potential buyer, appearance will play a big role in closing the deal. Keeping that in mind, here are a few renovation ideas that homeowners can use before they put their apartment on a New York listing.
Focus on the Kitchen
For most home buyers, the kitchen is going to be the single most important room in the entire house, especially if the buyer is married. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest rooms in a house to fix without having to spend a small fortune. It is possible to give your kitchen a complete makeover by adding in new tiles, worktops, cabinets, and drawers. If you do not have the budget for a complete kitchen makeover, they you can settle for an off-the-peg kitchen from a larger supplier.
Use Color to Create an Impact
When it comes to using color, sellers are advised to go with the 80:20 rule to create the illusion of more space using neutral colors. The trick is to use a neutral color for all the larger pieces of furniture you have, and then add in small pops of color. You can add in color by using smaller signature furniture items, lamps, pillows, and other accessories.
Bathroom Refit
The bathroom is the next most important room in the house after the kitchen. It is important for you to look at your bathroom space and identify where it is lacking. For instance, is there enough space to add a shower room or a bath tub. When it comes to fittings, make sue you keep things simple. While you want to give your bathroom a new look, you do not to end up spending too much on the bathroom renovations. Since taste in bathroom décor will vary, its best to play it safe by sticking to white.
Make Rooms Look More Spacious
If possible, see if you can knock down a non-structural wall to create more open space or a small dining area, which can be incorporated into a kitchen or hallway. It’s important to keep in mind that if you do decide to knock through and install a rolled steel joist for support, you are going to need to get a certificate of compliance first. Knocking through non-structural walls is a great way of creating space that’s’ warm, welcoming and spacious. That said, you also need to show potential buyers a living space that’s clearly defined. Using a simple layout will ensure you create a more visual floorspace.
Improving the Lighting
Making small improvements when comes to the lighting of your apartment can do wonders for its appeal, it can also increase the profit margin of the sale. Simple changes such as including ceiling lighting or cove lighting can enhance the curb appeal of your home in a cost-effective way.
Add Reflective Surfaces
Using mirrors and other reflective surfaces such as crystal, glass and silver accessories are a smart way of making a room look larger than it actually is by creating an expansive feeling. Another way of creating the illusion of a larger space is by using neutral colors instead of dark colors when painting the walls.
Maximize Storage Space
We all have stuff we don’t need. This requires space to store them away. There are a few smart ways in which you can add to the storage space in your apartment. The first option is to employ an industrial metal shelving which can be placed either in the hallway or the kitchen. You can also add in a few decorative items to keep it light. You can also create space in your bathroom(s) by using stackable storage in a bathroom vanity to maximize the space you already have rather than having to add-on storage units that can make the bathroom feel cramped. Creating simple storage space will be greatly appreciated by the potential buyers because it creates less clutter within the living space.
Studio Styling
Studio apartments are small as it is, but you can still employ some smart ideas to make sure your studio apartment is able to stand out from the rest. Some good ideas for improving your apartment’s appeal is by sticking to a single color palette for your entire apartment to create a cohesive look. You can also use rugs to anchor different areas and act as visual boundaries that differentiate each area of your apartment.
Ending Note
According to KH Consultants, “living in a small space such as an apartment can make it tough to renovate, especially when you are thinking of selling. But, styling your apartment before sale is a great way to add to its appeal. Since apartments are often designed for broad appeal it’s easy for them to feel generic or bland.”
If your apartment lacks any architectural features that make it stand out, you can add some drama by including signature pieces of furniture and art and using some of the aforementioned tips.
