Outdated Electrical Switches & Plugs

Nothing derails a remodeling or staging product like outdated and mismatched electrical outlets.  It's a small detail, easily overlooked, but it makes a big difference. I've seen so many houses where the owners have painstakingly painted and decorated the entire house, only to have old brown and almond outlets, obviously decades-old switches, or corroded switch plates make the property look dated and in need of work. While the wiring that serves them is often in excellent shape, old plugs and switches make the home look like it's in need of updating.  Fortunately, switching out old plugs to new tamper-resistant plugs is a breeze.  The materials cost is only $1 or $2 per plug, and the work is a breeze for an experienced electrician.  And at the end, these small changes are the final detail that presents the picture of a modern, updated, move-in ready home.

Bathroom Facelift Brainstorming

Here I am again, geeking out on how to save money on bathroom facelifts.  This bathroom is an excellent example of one that does not need major renovation to look great.  First, a good going-over with high concentration bleach should get rid of most of the dinge and mold.  Next, I'd carefully pry off the black accent tiles and replace them with white chair rail style tile, available at any home improvement store or supplier.  I'd replace the vanity with one of the "Chelsea" vanities they have on sale at Home Depot these days - they look nice, have a vintage style, and cost around $140 for the sink and cabinet.  I'd paint the walls a neutral color, install frameless shower doors, put molding around the outside of the medicine cabinet to make the mirror look more substantial, and add faux wood plantation blinds to the window in the shower.  The blinds are plastic, so they won't rot, they'll keep water from hitting the window when people shower, and they'll add an impressive custom look to the room during showings.  I can't see the floor in this picture, but I know a place that sells 12" white marble tile for $2 a square foot - and I'd recommend those on the floor to complete the vintage look. While a total gut job of this bathroom would cost a minimum of $6,000, an investment of less than $1,000 plus labor costs could add about the same amount of value to the property.