WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 15
AT HOME
This fall, make home
upgrades with staying power
Fall can be the perfect time for
homeowners to complete projects
that busy summer schedules
didn't allow. It's also a great time to
look at ways to add lasting value to
your property. This season, upgrade
cheap fi xes, freshen dated looks and
incorporate lasting improvements in
your home. Changes that can bring
impact and also increase the resale
potential of your home include:
LOSE THE LINOLEUM
Linoleum has been popular in many
homes since the 1950s, but these
days it's not the only fl ooring option
for durability and waterproofing
in areas like the kitchen and bath.
Wood-look tile has become hugely
popular, and the style isn't going
anywhere. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators
carry an array of wood-look
porcelain tile, vinyl and engineered
fl ooring products that are versatile,
water- and stain-resistant and fi t with
any decor.
UPGRADE LAMINATE
COUNTERTOPS
Particleboard and laminate are
aff ordable options, but not ones that
will create impact in the kitchen.
These days the options are vast for
elevating countertops with butcher
block, quartz, marble, concrete and
more. Create a cohesive look with
countertops matched to the cabinets.
Updating hardware can also be an
economical way to freshen the space
and tie the look together.
SCRAPE POPCORN
CEILINGS
Common in many homes because
they're easy to apply, popcorn ceilings
are oft en one of the fi rst things a new
homebuyer wants to change. If you're
looking to sell, scraping the popcorn
in favor of a smooth look may win
over prospective buyers. Always test
popcorn ceilings for asbestos before
you start.
RETHINK WALLPAPER
Wallpaper had its day, but many
new homeowners want it gone - and
that's not always an easy update. Save
the headache now and later and opt for
neutral paint styles while bringing
interest and color with your décor.
Whites and neutral paints for walls
and trim brighten a space and make it
appear bigger.
NO MORE WALL-TO-WALL
CARPETING
Many homeowners can't wait to get
rid of old, dirty and dated carpets in
favor of the quality, reliability and
beauty of hardwood and wood-look
floors. Now there are a variety of
hardwoods, bamboo and wood-look
fl ooring styles to choose from, and it's
possible to achieve the look of hardwood
at an accessible price point.
The best part of making improvements
like these now is that homeowners
can enjoy them all winter long, and far
beyond. And you'll increase the odds the
next generation will love your home, too.
Courtesy BPT