Add a bathroom to an ‘impossible’ space to catch home buyers’ attention

When it comes to real estate, you’ve probably heard kitchens and bathrooms typically sell houses. While you may not have enough money for a kitchen remodel, adding a bathroom can be a more affordable way to enhance your property and catch home buyers’ attention.

By adding another bathroom to your home, you immediately increase your chances of the property getting noticed. Technology makes it simple for buyers to search properties of interest by their designated criteria. One of those is “minimum number of bathrooms.” By adding to that amount in your listing, you’ll be getting in front of that many more potential buyers.

Adding bathrooms to difficult spaces

Bathrooms increase a home’s value and add to its functionality — both elements that buyers desire. Homeowners can begin to research opportunities to add bathrooms to their properties presale. This often means enhancing basements, garage slabs and other spaces that can be more difficult for contractors to add plumbing systems with conventional in-floor drainage.

If you have a space that would be ideal for a bathroom but appears to be impossible due to the need to break through concrete or other types of flooring, there’s another solution to consider: above-floor, macerating plumbing systems. Developed a half-century ago in Europe, these systems are still relatively unknown in the United States; however, they offer a vast opportunity for homeowners.

Macerating systems from makers like Saniflo reduce waste and paper from the toilet and send it under high pressure through piping directly into the septic or sewer system. No waste is stored, and the systems are low-cost compared to traditional plumbing. Systems are discreet, quiet and open the possibilities of affordable additions in less time. Learn more at Saniflo.com.

If you want to add a bathroom to prepare your home for resale, don’t be limited by the seemingly impossible. Here are five “impossible” home improvement scenarios where above-floor plumbing may be the solution:

Main floor on-slab construction

Owners of slab-built homes may hesitate to cut into the concrete foundation in order to accommodate conventional plumbing. No matter how careful a contractor is when cutting into concrete, a variety of problems can arise — from unexpected obstructions to poor-fitting patches and even stress cracks. Above-floor plumbing systems eliminate the need to cut into the slab, so integrity isn’t compromised.

Basements

If your home is built with a basement, bathroom additions can be problematic due to concrete and existing plumbing limitations. Above-floor, macerating plumbing is a smart solution for fast, cost-effective bathroom additions in lower-level rooms. Now you can highlight the comfortable living space and make it feel like a true entertainment center or like home to prospective buyers.

Historic homes

Opening walls or floors to accommodate piping may jeopardize important historic elements, such as original wood flooring or plaster walls. Systems like Saniflo’s macerating toilet and plumbing technology eliminate the need to cut through a floor to install new drainage while minimizing the impact on walls as well. The system also fits easily into small areas like a closet or the dead space behind a stairway, meaning homeowners don’t have to compromise the flow of their historic homes to add a bathroom.

Raised homes

Bayou and beach towns often boast charming raised homes. Adding a bathroom to the lowest floor of a raised home can be problematic; conventional plumbing pipes may detract from the aesthetic value of the space beneath the home, which is often used for carports, porches, and decks. Above-floor plumbing eliminates the need for unsightly pipes, so you can make a great first impression to potential buyers.

Warehouse rehabs

In cities across the country, warehouses have found new life as condos and apartments. The problem is heavy brick construction can make adding traditional plumbing difficult. Above-floor plumbing eliminates the need to cut into or remove bricks and allows renovators to install attractive, cozy bathrooms in smaller spaces. Imagine how upgrading a one-bath condo to a property with two bathrooms will enhance resale.

If you’re preparing your home for the current real estate market, you want it to stand out. An extra bathroom can help you do that and attract high bids from buyers. Thanks to above-floor macerating plumbing systems, the possibilities are endless.

A.C.F. Home Inspections Inc. has been providing Home Inspections, 4 Point Inspections, Wind Mitigation, Home Owners Network, Monthly home tips news, Water Quality Testing, Radon Testing, Lead Paint Testing and Mold Inspection to home buyers and home sellers in the following areas of Metro Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake Country Polk, Sumter, Volusia, Brevard and all areas in between.

When you or someone you know needs the services of a quality home inspection company, we would truly appreciate you thinking of us. You can schedule right from our website or call our office (407) 218-6522. Thank You.

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Craving a more beautiful bathroom? Resolve to make this the year that you finally create the bathroom of your dreams, check our bathroom installation ideas.

Fortunately, you don’t need a major remodel. Consider these ideas for simple changes with big impact. With a little planning and effort, you’ll add to your home’s value and functionality, while getting the “Pinterest-worthy” bathroom you know will make you smile every day.

Project 1: Fresh, eco-friendly style

Transitional style is today’s most popular bathroom style, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and with good reason: almost limitless design potential. The American Standard Town Square S bathroom collection, inspired by classic American architecture, makes it easy to create a ‘put-together’ look in bathrooms of all sizes, with a full suite of fixtures and faucets that are easy to install for a stunning refresh. Performing beautifully, you would never guess just how much water the Town Square WaterSense-certified faucets save: almost half the water of regular faucets! There is nothing better than a beautiful new bathroom that is as easy on the eyes as it is on our water resources (not to mention the little extra cash you get to keep in your wallet when a lower water bill arrives!).

Project 2: Modern flooring for bathroom installation

When you look down, do your bathroom floors leave something to be desired? Redoing the flooring is a simple weekend project that will transform the space. Tile is a great bathroom flooring choice because it is so versatile and long-lasting, and can be created to look surprisingly like other materials, such as wood, creating unique looks that wouldn’t typically be possible for the bathroom space. Want to step it up? Consider heated flooring to add comfort and a touch of luxury. This top trend works with a variety of different types of flooring material.

Project 3: Customizable shower

A restorative shower experience is at the top of the list for a new bathroom must-have. Intuitive products like GROHE SmartControl make it easy to control the precise amount of water with a simple push of a button. A turn of the dial allows for accurate control of water volume and temperature. This makes it easy to change modes quickly, from when you want less water while soaping up to when you want more water to rinse off.

Project 4: Personal pampering

Bidet seats and toilets are a smart bathroom upgrade for a wellness-focused home. Drawing on Japanese traditions and technology, water cleans more thoroughly than toilet paper, so it’s more healthful for all users. A great option is the DXV AT 200 LS SpaLet with its heated seat, soft night light, fully-automatic cleansing wand, and adjustable water temperature settings. This bidet toilet will also score bonus points because it is designed for fast and easy installation, so you can create your spa bathroom retreat a lot sooner than you think!

With these project tips that involve simple product installations, updating the look and feel of your bathroom won’t feel like an overwhelming undertaking.

A.C.F. Home Inspections Inc. has been providing Home Inspections, 4 Point Inspections, Wind Mitigation, Home Owners Network, Monthly home tips news, Water Quality Testing, Radon Testing, Lead Paint Testing and Mold Inspection to home buyers and home sellers in the following areas of Metro Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake Country Polk, Sumter, Volusia, Brevard and all areas in between.

When you or someone you know needs the services of a quality home inspection company, we would truly appreciate you thinking of us. You can schedule right from our website or call our office (407) 218-6522. Thank You.

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Americans have lots to celebrate this holiday season, with unemployment rates at an all-time low and consumer confidence on the rise. According to The Annual Retail Sales Forecast for the Holiday Season from Deloitte, retailers have their sights on sales of more than $1.1 trillion.

We all get caught up in the spirit of giving, yet the most wonderful time of year is also one of the most stressful financially. Holiday spending doesn’t have to break the bank. A little planning can let you enjoy and be merry.

Here’s a checklist to get started:

Budget for big purchases

• Credit cards: Divide up the big-ticket items. Buy them across several off-season months and pay your balance in full.
• Free shipping: Some online retailers offer free shipping with orders over a certain amount.
• Delayed financing: Look for store credit card promotions that offer low interest rates or delayed financing on large purchases. Pay it down over time without incurring interest.
• Online tools: Struggling to budget alone? Explore online services like Nummo, which can help you consolidate your accounts and keep track of your finances.

Save with coupons and deals

• Save: There’s always the old-fashioned way of saving a little money each month throughout the year, and then spending what you’ve saved. Or save in advance for the more expensive items.
• Credit cards: Redeem credit card points for gift cards you can use for your holiday shopping; alternatively, offer up specific store gift cards as a present.
• Delayed offers: Retailers are tracking what you do online, and often if you leave something in your shopping cart, the retailer will come back with a reminder followed by a discounted offer.
• In-store and online shopping days: Watch your favorite retailers for special offers and sales. Sign up for alerts and follow them on social media to keep track of when they are offering the best bargains.

Buy now, pay later

• Credit card rates: If you are going to apply for a new card, check introductory offers for rates, balance transfer opportunities, and delayed financing options.
• Store credit cards: Often when you open a card at checkout, you receive a discount on your entire purchase. Store cards also offer coupons and deals throughout the holiday season if you use your store credit card. That said, make sure not to keep a balance for long, as store credit cards can have higher interest rates.

Is holiday spending still causing you stress? The experts at Nummo can help you manage, maintain and improve your financial health for the holidays and beyond.

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A.C.F. Home Inspections Inc. has been providing Home Inspections, 4 Point Inspections, Wind Mitigation, Home Owners Network, Monthly home tips news, Water Quality Testing, Radon Testing, Lead Paint Testing and Mold Inspection to home buyers and home sellers in the following areas of Metro Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake Country Polk, Sumter, Volusia, Brevard and all areas in between.

When you or someone you know needs the services of a quality home inspection company, we would truly appreciate you thinking of us. You can schedule right from our website or call our office (407) 218-6522. Thank You.

When you look at your home’s interiors, do you find yourself craving a refresh? If so, there’s no better time than the New Year to update your home with thoughtful design touches that embrace the power of color.

Color is a key component of interior design and a useful tool for updating any space. What’s more, colors can convey many emotions — from calm to energetic — helping you create rooms that are perfectly reflective of your personal tastes.

Even though the possibilities are endless, color can be intimidating. While you may like the use of color when you see it online, in magazines or other people’s homes, the uncertainty about how to incorporate it into your own home may hold you back. Fortunately, a few simple expert tips and tricks will have you using color like a pro in no time.

Lifestyle expert and EasyCare Paint Brand Ambassador Camille Styles knows the power of color in transforming spaces from bland to beautiful. She uses color throughout her home to create rooms that are stylish and unique and you too can transform your favorite spaces by using her top tips to bring color into your home:

Paint an accent wall

An accent wall commands attention and creates depth in the space, becoming the focal point of the room. The color you choose can be any hue that’s different from the other walls in the room. Whether it’s slightly different or drastically different is up to you.

“I’m really into EasyCare Paint’s French Coast color,” says Styles. “Its strong blue hue makes a bold statement without being too harsh or overpowering.”

Add a rug

Transform a room in an instant with a vibrant rug. It will add the perfect touch of color and can even be changed out seasonally to bring new hues into the space. A rug with a bright color or pattern can help create the illusion of more space so don’t be afraid to use one in a smaller room to open it up and make it more inviting.

Start small

Many people are timid about color, so you can start small and incorporate a new, bold tone with items like a coffee table accessory or oversized pillows. You may find that your choice quickly becomes a favorite piece in your home, plus you’ll gain the confidence to add more color to other rooms, too.

Introduce textures

Bringing in different colors and textures, such as a plush throw blanket or a woven basket, takes your space up a notch and adds another visual layer. Since these aren’t permanent fixtures in the room, they offer an easy way to play around with colors to see what works best in the space.

Embrace the unexpected

Bring in a bold pop of color by doing something unexpected, like painting the trim instead of the wall.

“Black can take a room up a notch with its rich tone. “EasyCare Paint’s Crow color will really wow your guests whenever you entertain,” says Styles.

Whether you’re looking to do a quic

Whether you’re looking to do a quick update or a complete interior design overhaul, color makes a room more dynamic and energized. From simple décor pieces to bolder accent walls, bringing color into your home is a great way to refresh in the New Year.

For more color inspiration, visit www.truevaluepaint.com.

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A.C.F. Home Inspections Inc. has been providing Home Inspections, 4 Point Inspections, Wind Mitigation, Home Owners Network, Monthly home tips news, Water Quality Testing, Radon Testing, Lead Paint Testing and Mold Inspection to home buyers and home sellers in the following areas of Metro Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake Country Polk, Sumter, Volusia, Brevard and all areas in between.

When you or someone you know needs the services of a quality home inspection company, we would truly appreciate you thinking of us. You can schedule right from our website or call our office (407) 218-6522. Thank You.

If you’ve been in the process of selling or buying a home this past year or even considering it, you know it’s been a seller’s market for the most part. Inventory of homes available for sale has been low, creating more demand than the market can supply. Couple that with low-interest rates, which make it a great time for prospective buyers to get more bang for their mortgage dollar, and you’ve got a marketplace in which buyers have been competing for nearly every listing. The forecast for 2019 is rolling in, and RE/MAX and others are predicting the seller’s market trend will continue throughout the coming year, with millennials fueling the home-buyer pipeline.

If you’re selling your home, that’s great news. But it makes the home buying process trickier. That doesn’t mean you should wait to grab your slice of the American dream, however. An experienced, knowledgeable Realtor® can help you navigate this marketplace and find a great deal on the home of your dreams. Here are some tips from the pros at RE/MAX for what you should be thinking about when considering buying a home.

Prequalification vs. preapproval

They’re not created equal. Prequalification is basically preapproval light. In a mortgage pre-approval, you do all of the paperwork upfront. Your bank verifies the amount you can safely afford to pay, and boom, it’s done. Preapproval is attractive to sellers because it means you’re more likely to get the loan. It’s faster, too, because a large chunk of your paperwork is already done. It gives buyers a competitive edge in this tight market.

An experienced Realtor

Don’t even think about starting the process of buying a home in a seller’s market without an experienced Realtor in your corner. It matters in every market, but it’s critical when the sellers are holding all the cards. A savvy real estate pro is much more than someone who shows buyers homes for sale. They’ve got valuable insights, insider knowledge, and advice, and can counsel you through the entire process. Realtors have tips and tactics for finding the perfect home and have the know-how to negotiate a great deal.

Interest rates

The Fed continues to raise interest rates, and financial experts predict we’ll see a few more increases in 2019. Higher interest rates may lower some homebuyers’ purchasing power, which is all the more reason to get out there now if you want to buy.

Low inventory

It’s currently a seller’s market because there isn’t a glut of homes available for buyers to choose from. During the winter months, the inventory of available homes tends to drop even further. But this shouldn’t discourage potential buyers from making offers on homes they love. An experienced Realtor is a huge ace in the hole for buyers when there is low inventory. He or she can guide you through the process, knowing exactly how much to offer to get the deal done.

Speed

Be flexible enough to get to showings quickly, shortly after the home goes on the market. If you love it, make an offer as soon as you can.

Your best offer

In a tight market, it’s go big or (don’t) go home. This is not the time to be cagey about negotiations. Figure out the best offer you can afford and go with it up front.

Buying a home in a tight market can be a challenge, but with a knowledgeable Realtor in your corner, you can still grab your slice of the American dream.

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Smart Tips to Prepare the Kitchen and Dining Room for Holiday Entertaining

As the year winds down, social calendars fill up with merriment-filled gatherings among friends and family. When hosting a seasonal gathering at home, being proactive can help streamline tasks and reduce stress. From whipping up a feast to toasting in the New Year, here are five ideas for getting the heart of the home – the kitchen and dining spaces – ready for holiday entertaining.

Simplify measurements

Chopped veggies and pre-measured ingredients can streamline any cooking adventure and save precious time. Fill the fridge and pantry with ready-to-go items as much as possible and consider smart kitchen enhancements that make measuring a breeze. For example, the Beale MeasureFill touch kitchen faucet from American Standard provides an adjustable set amount of water on demand, giving holiday cooks the precise measurement faster than using conventional measuring cups. Plus, the easy touch on/off feature is ideal when hands are full or dirty; to operate, just touch it with the wrist or the back of the hand.

Prepare meal necessities

To create a holiday table worthy of a magazine spread, prepare all the plates, platters and servingware needed beforehand. This is a good time to take stock of place settings, too. (Important tip: Have an extra setting or two available for last-minute RSVPs or unexpected guests.) Whether it’s a buffet-style meal or multi-course sit-down dinner, make sure to have enough serving utensils for everything on the menu, from appetizers to desserts.

Stock all washing spaces

Baking, cooking and entertaining tasks generate dirty dishes for days, so get wash spaces ready with fresh sponges, plenty of soap, drying racks and towels. Rotate between washing and cooking to eliminate a big mess at the end of entertaining. To ease the task of hand-washing large dishes, consider installing a sizable sink that also updates the kitchen’s style. The handcrafted Pekoe apron-front kitchen sink from American Standard has a generously-sized single basin to accommodate large pots and pans; plus, the 18-gauge stainless steel material is stain-, heat- and chip-resistant.

Create clean, comfortable spaces

Clear clutter from common spaces where guests will be congregating for refreshments, meals and more. Focus on the dining room where guests will toast to a merry holiday but don’t forget the kitchen for visitors who might want to pitch in or provide good cheer and holiday conversation during last-minute meal preparations. Add extra chairs and seating as well as leaves to extend tables so there’s plenty of room for everyone and all the delicious foods that will be served. The goal is for people to feel comfortably cozy without being overcrowded.

Manage multitask

Multitasking is a must for big entertainment events. While appetizers are in the oven, wash a few dishes. When the main course is simmering, mingle with guests. To maximize time in the kitchen, think about enhancements that allow multitasking with ease, such as the K7 semi-professional faucet with foot control technology from GROHE. Busy or dirty hands? No problem. Turn the water flow on and off with a tap of the foot on an activation plate installed discreetly in the toe space of the kitchen cabinet. This allows more to get done easily while helping prevent the spread of germs.

Holiday entertaining is simplified with a few modern home updates and smart cooking tricks. By focusing on the heart of the home, everyone will have a joyous season – especially the host or hostess.

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The holidays, the big game, New Year’s and everything in between: At this time of year there are plenty of reasons to invite family and friends to your entertaining space. In addition, there are also plenty of times – particularly on cold winter nights – when you just want to have a place you can go to get cozy, play a video game or watch a movie in peace.

Either can be an appealing option, but do you have an entertainment space that fits the bill? One where you want to spend your free time?

If the thought of your entertainment space has you sadly shaking your head no, the good news is there’s no reason you have to settle for a less-than-ideal solution. Like the events you use it for, your space can change as needed. To help you make the most of your space for all of the group and individual events you have planned, follow these tips.

* Control light of your entertainment space

A common design tip for most spaces is to allow for lots of light. You may want that when everyone comes together to watch a game, but for those times when you want to watch a film or play a video game, a darker environment may be more immersive. To keep total control of the light in your entertaining area, invest in room-darkening blinds or dark curtains that can block out the sun when you crave darkness and let in the light when you don’t.

* Redefine your viewing experience.

When people come to your home, they will often be there to watch something on the screen. That makes the right technology essential. The 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector is perfect for binge-watching the hottest shows, enjoying an immersive gaming experience or cheering on your favorite team. The projector itself can be ceiling mounted or set up to reflect onto any screen you want, and because it is empowered with Smart TV, you’ll have access to wireless streaming, Netflix and YouTube. What’s more, HDMI and HDCP input make your projector ready for Blu-ray and gaming consoles right out of the box. Whatever you want to do or watch, this project enhances your experience.

* Install a seating strategy.

Every entertaining area has viewing seats that are less than ideal, and while a new projector can expand your viewing options, there’s still no reason to settle for second-class seating. If you’re planning to have a large group over on game day, a simple platform can provide your room with stadium seating and give everyone that at-the-game feels. If stadium seating isn’t for you, strive for an open arrangement and place display tables and other storage solutions behind seating when guests come over. Those items don’t need a good viewing angle anyway.

* Add a few extra comforts.

It’s time to take customizing your entertainment space up a notch by adding a few elements that are uniquely you. From full bars to mini fridges, humidors and portable air conditioners or dehumidifiers, there are several tiny additions you can make to any entertaining area to make the space more enjoyable. If you’ve ever wished you had something nearby, now’s your time to add it. Think it over and you’ll see that the right additions can have a big impact on how you use the space and how much you enjoy it. Reshape your entertainment area today. With so many big events coming up, every moment you waste in reshaping your entertainment area is another opportunity missed, so don’t delay. Start visualizing your space for what it could be instead of what it is and you’ll be on your way to creating the entertaining space you’ve always wanted.

To learn more about the LG’s latest 4K UHD projector and to see it in action, watch the team from Inverse play this year’s hottest game on this one-of-a-kind technology at https://www.inverse.com/squad-up.

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