Remodeling
By Natalie Boyle, REALTOR®, Founder of Verso Homes (DRE #01329012)
Happy Tuesday! I’m excited to share today’s post where I’ve teamed up with my good friend and Bethany Campbell, an Interior Stylist in Orange County from The Posh Home. Together, we’re showcasing an amazing before-and-after kitchen remodel transformation on a budget.
We’ll share tips and tricks to save on remodel costs and budget considerations, along with what to look for when buying a home. Enjoy this inspiring kitchen remodel story from Orange County!
What advice would you give your clients before starting to look at houses?
It’s important to prioritize your wants in a home and look at the overall picture beyond paint colors and décor, which are easy to fix. Consider location and neighborhood carefully since those are permanent. Work with professionals to evaluate both the home and neighborhood, and identify updates that can add value.
What are some ways that you can add equity into your home?
Work with a Real Estate Professional to evaluate remodeled homes in your neighborhood versus outdated ones. Kitchens and master bathrooms provide the highest ROI. Updates like painting cabinets, updating hardware and lighting can be budget-friendly. If needed, a home equity line of credit can finance remodels later. Purchasing under market value can improve financing options.
What are some cost-saving tips for buyers while shopping for a home?
Focus on finding a home with a good layout and solid structure. Cosmetic elements like paint, flooring, and countertops can be updated later. Structural changes are more costly and difficult.
What can buyers look for to save money on their kitchen remodel?
Great appliances can save $10,000–$15,000, especially built-in refrigerators, which often start around $8,000. We found one for this buyer that helped reduce costs.
When should you bring an Interior Stylist in?
I recommend involving a professional once escrow is open to get a head start on planning design, functionality, and budgeting for furniture and updates. Early planning helps with timing materials and moves, ultimately saving time and money.
Kitchen: The family wanted to brighten their kitchen and update the brown cabinets and ceramic tile. They bought the home under value and added equity through this remodel. The original kitchen had a small island without seating.
This client dreamed of a space where people could gather and enjoy meals together. We improved the layout by moving the double oven and small island to create a larger breakfast bar peninsula, added cabinets for storage, and took advantage of the 9-foot ceilings with upper cabinets.
Breakfast Nook: Originally, this space felt heavy and closed in due to floor-to-ceiling brown cabinets. The remodel maximized countertop space and created a built-in buffet, making the area bright, cheery, and more functional.
Overall, the kitchen feels more open and inviting. Entertaining is improved with increased counter space and seating. The transformation brightened the house and added instant equity.
The total remodel cost, including materials and installation, was approximately $25,000. In today's market, a kitchen update of this caliber could add upwards of $50,000 in home equity.
Countertop: Harmony Quartz in Venatino
Subway Tile: Mulia Tile in Warm Gray
The wood flooring was sourced to match the living space, uniting the rooms visually.
*This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute real estate or financial advice. Please consult a licensed professional for your specific needs.
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