Faucets

The right faucet can add a special look to your bathroom. Different designs, styles and features allow you to dress up and draw attention to the space. Always try to update the fixtures especially the faucets. Make sure if you switch out the sink faucet you also match it to the shower or tub faucets as well. There are also many options for style.

Different Faucet Styles

Coordinate your faucet color and finish with the rest of the fixtures and accessories in your bathroom. Choices include:

• Black
• Brass (antique or polished)
• Bronze
• Chrome (matte, brushed or polished)
• Copper
• Gold
• Iron
• Nickel (brushed and pearl)
• Stainless Steel

Cabinets

Hopefully you can resurface or refinish the cabinets with paint or new stain. But if you have to pull the old ones you can replace them or do away completely with the vanity part and just add a wall mounted sink for a more contemporary look.

Toilet

Pretty basic stuff here. Be sure to look at options that match the sink if you go ceramic. Also a lot of consumers will be interested in water conservation so add a low flow toilet if code allows it your area.

Vanity/sink

Many options here. You can do a granite or marble vanity which or most common or you can do a vessel sink. Vessel sinks have become very popular and add an air of sophistication to any bath. There are also ceramic, metal and glass options. Or they can be built in to the vanity which is very traditional. There are also stand alone and wall mounted options which are more expensive.

Tub/Shower combo

Make sure to update the hardware to match the sink. If the old one is fiberglass or acrylic, consider relining it or if your budget allows tile the sides to make the bathroom really pop.

For more options on tub and shower options check out this link.

http://www.inman.com/2012/02/17/pros-and-cons-9-bathtub-materials/

 Stand Alone Shower

Again the material used is probably fiberglass, ceramic tile or acrylic. Replace or repair any damaged tiles or go full tile if it is not upgraded. 

Flooring

Most out of date bathrooms will be floored with linoleum or laminate. If your budget allows, adding a tile floor will impress potential buyers. If you have a more meager budget, go for a good grade laminate that “looks” like tile. If there is carpet in the bathroom (yes we have actually seen this.) replace it.

To learn more about Part-Time REI visit us at http://part-timerei.com/

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One of biggest questions for a flip is whether to replace or reface the cabinets in the kitchen. Replacing of course is removing the entire cabinet boxes and installing new ones. Refacing involves replacing only the doors of your cabinets instead of the entire cabinet box. Here we discuss the difference and how to tell which option is best for your flip.

What Lies Beneath

If your budget doesn’t allow for new cabinets look into refacing. But make sure your current cabinets are up to snuff first by checking old cabinets thoroughly. A lot of times in older homes, the actual workmanship on the cabinets is really good. We’ve had many flips that have very ugly paint or stain on the cabinets that are dated. But a good inspection has saved us thousands of dollars because we find really nice cabinets under all that paint. For example, in our Flipping House Series “The Junk House” had very dark stained cabinets but they are really good quality so can reface them.

“The Junk House” Cabinets

There are three primary ways to reface cabinets:

1. Refinish or paint existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
2. Install new wood or laminate veneer over existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
3. Install completely new cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

In all three cases, new hardware such as hinges and pulls helps to complete the update.

Replacing

We have had homes where the cabinets are really just not worth saving. If there was a roof leak, for example, like in The Waterfall House where we had to completely rip out the cabinets due to water damage.  Or if we are remodeling the kitchen so that the original lay out of the cabinets doesn’t fit the newly designed kitchen so we have to order new ones.

Be Sure not to Over Improve

You want to make sure to know your market. Do other homes in your farm area have just builder grade cabinets? Then try to reface them and add some nice hardware. you would be surprised how much new hardware can change the look of a kitchen. But if you are in a more posh area you better make sure your kitchen upgrades keep up with the Jones’ so to speak.

The Cost Difference

According to Consumer Reports, the average budget for a kitchen remodel in 2012 was $30,325. And replacing cabinets is typically the priciest part of a kitchen remodel. But when you reface, you’re only buying new doors and drawers instead of the entire cabinet. Let’s be honest, that’s the only part you see right?

Refacing will set you back about $150 to $300 per door opening, according to Consumer Reports. In regards to how much money you’ll save by refacing vs. replacing, that will depend on the size of your kitchen, the style of doors you choose, and the materials.

Most people will want to hire a professional to replace or reface cabinets. This goes back to one of our lessons about leverage. You want to make sure you have the right contractors under you to get the job done right the first time and not take up your precious time.

To learn more about Part-Time REI visit us at http://part-timerei.com/

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