DONT BREAK THE BANK

YES, LITTLE THINGS CAN MEAN A LOT

Frequently in REMODEL Jacksonville, we've showcased elaborate projects. They've always been beautiful, of course, but they've been relatively major undertakings. In this issue, however, we've chosen to spotlight some smaller-scale efforts. More specifically, we've chosen projects that made a large impact for a small investment - say, $15,000.

In some cases, the entire project was less - sometimes considerably less - than that amount. In other cases, we've chosen specific elements of larger projects that could stand on their own. But the general idea is, you don't have to break the bank to make a significant difference in how your home looks.

Are you looking for ways to refresh your living space without spending much money? Here are some tips:

• Clear out the clutter. Take inventory of your home, room by room, and just start tossing things. You'll be amazed at the amount of "stuff" you've accumulated over the years that now serves no useful purpose. Only after your home has been purged in such a manner can you really evaluate what needs to be done.

• Reconsider the kitchen. Nothing looks sadder than an old, dated stove or fridge. Replace them with sleek new appliances that will not only improve your kitchen aesthetically but will also work more quietly and efficiently thanks to energy-saving technology. Consider replacing cabinetry fronts, countertops and flooring. Installing low-flow faucets and energy-efficient appliances can also reduce water and energy expenses. And generally the payback you'll enjoy from even a minor kitchen remodel is in the 80 percent range.

• Buy new furniture. If the centerpiece of your living room is a 20-year-old couch that's endured pets, kids and spills, replace it. A few new pieces, along with some inexpensive accents such as throw pillows and rugs, can make a huge difference. Perhaps you originally bought your furniture for a different home and hauled it all to your new digs, where the rooms may be larger, smaller or configured differently. If the old stuff just doesn't work anymore, replace it.

• Paint or knock down walls. Open living space is the rage these days, but most older homes have small rooms. A qualified contractor can take out a wall and turn a dungeon-like dining room and den into a large family area just like that. Of course, repainting is also inexpensive and offers a big visual bang for the buck. Sure, you can tackle a painting project yourself, but it's never as easy as it looks in those home-improvement commercials. Unless you're an experienced painter with a steady hand and a meticulous approach, spend a few bucks and hire a pro.

• Revamp the bathroom. In the bathroom, consider changing the fixtures or the sink and faucet. You'll be amazed at today's exciting new designs, materials and colors. You can go even farther and replace the toilet and bathtub without tearing out the entire the room and, most important for your pocketbook, without moving the plumbing. Low-flow toilets consume less water and can decrease your monthly water bill. Best of all, payback on bathroom remodeling can reach 75 percent.

Remember, the best way to save money on a remodel is identify what you want done first. Doing things over time is a great way to lower the impact on your wallet. Consider the small things you want changed and consult with a professional remodeler for advice.

PENELOPE GEISMAR

Publisher

penelopeg@florida-homebuyer.com

INVEST IN YOUR PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL WELL-BEING

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the equity in their home comprises a larger portion of their net wealth than the holdings in their stock market or retirement funds.

Compared to conventional financial investments that rise and fall with reg-ular frequency, housing has proven to be a relatively stable and sound investment that keeps up with inflation in most years and outpaces it in others. 

Although few of us purchase a home strictly for its investment value, in practical terms it represents an asset that can pay high returns when it comes time to either refinance the mortgage or sell your home outright.

Of course, a home that's well-maintained and offers up-to-date systems and amenities will have a higher value than a comparable home that's poorly maintained or lacking the conveniences and extra living space that today's buyers want.

Remodeling, then, becomes the key to protecting and enhancing the investment value of your home, not to mention its many other benefits.

Still, you should remodel for yourself and your own family, not the next owner. It's is a gamble to predict what the likes and dislikes of the next owner might be. Keep in mind, however, the more your tastes stray from the norm, the less likely you are to get maximum return from your improvements. Stay with styles, colors and features that have broad appeal. 

The best in the business are members of the Remodelers Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Talk to any council member to help you make decisions that are good for your psyche and good for your bank account.

TOM TROUT

President, Tom Trout Inc.

Chairman, Remodelers Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association

DREAMBUILDER CUSTOM HOMES

From Stodgy to Sleek

This once-dated bathroom was saddled with vinyl floors, oak cabinets and laminate countertops. Plus the configuration of the water closet, the linen closet and the shower entrance was awkward. So Dreambuilder Custom Homes removed the linen closet and redesigned the water closet, allowing the shower to double in size. It now boasts a trendy walk-in entrance with bench seating, a second showerhead and a pebble tile floor. A center cabinet column on the vanity enhances storage while sleek cabinets with brushed nickel hardware and granite countertops create a luxurious ambience.

KITCHEN STUDIO 1562

A Laundry Room Oasis

Kitchen Studio 1562's clients wanted updated fixtures, better lighting and a room "with attitude" to make the drudgery of doing laundry more tolerable. So designer Kristi Wyndham created a Key West-meets-Bermuda space with driftwood-stained, furniture-style cabinets, decorative louvered doors and specially selected hardware and fixtures.

CSR INTERIORS

It's Out With the Drab

The client was tired of the drab colors and outdated fixtures in her home's powder bath. She wanted to keep the existing tile floors, but everything else was fair game. So CSR Interiors selected wallpaper sporting a whimsical vine pattern highlighted by vibrant red leaves. The vanity is actually a piece of custom furniture. Team members included Ferguson Enterprises.

BEE TREE HOMES

Tale of Two Fireplaces

Bee Tree Homes created an outdoor living space for this client, the centerpiece of which is a beautiful stone fireplace (above) that operates either with gas or, if you prefer old school, wood. Equipment controlling an in-ground spa (not shown) is hidden behind the structure. The fireplace box is from Cash Building Materials. Bee Tree also created this stunning stone indoor fireplace (right) flanked by custom cabinetry. The mantle corbels were made from an old iron table that owner Katrina Hosea found in an antique shop.

BEE TREE HOMES

A Fountain Focal Point

The clients wanted a focal point for a front-yard courtyard created for them by Bee Tree Homes. So the remodeler designed this delightful stone fountain, which is beautiful, relaxing and, perhaps best of all, self cleaning via a nearby freestanding pump filter. The plumbing was done by B & G Plumbing while the lights came from Stewart Landscaping.