Home Renovations

Landscaping

IT ALL STARTS AT THE CURB Everyone knows the value of a first impression. But RE/MAX has learned that landscaping the front and backyard of your home will give you a 7% better return on your renovating dollar over the average return on other popular reno's you might consider.

Increasing your curb appeal can be as simple as adding containers of brightly coloured flowers. Another idea would be to add a low maintenance garden for blocks of colour and texture. Also, consider a simple water fixture in the backyard to add ambiance.

Kitchens

THE KITCHEN IS THE HUB
Ever wonder why kitchen parties naturally occur every time you have guests?

Well, it's because the kitchen is the hub of every home. It's where we get nourishment, refreshment, gather and regroup after a busy day. It is a room with real value for every family. At RE/MAX we've learned that kitchen upgrades can really deliver, with a 44% higher return on investment over the average return on other popular reno's you might consider.

Whether you're working with a contemporary kitchen or more of a country feel, stainless steel appliances continue to hold a lot of interest. In cabinetry, look at fine-grained maple, stained or natural, over the traditional heavy oak look of the past. Laminates and marble are great choices for countertops, but granite continues to be the most popular surface of all. Check out the latest fixtures in today's new, brushed nickel finishes.

Fireplaces

REKINDLE YOUR PASSION FOR LIVING
Nothing beats the feeling of curling up around a fire on a cold winter's night. Not to mention the comforting feeling of hearth and home that a fireplace adds to a room.

RE/MAX's Return on Reno Index will tell you that installing or upgrading the fireplace in your home will generate 11% greater return on investment than the average return on other popular reno's you might consider.

Gas fireplaces have made huge advances in popularity thanks to recent increases in efficiency as well as advances in design. A gas fireplace delivers the best of both worlds - all the comfort without the mess and maintenance.

Paint

TRY A FRESH COAT
Often overlooked for the dramatic effect it can have on any living environment, RE/MAX has learned that simple repainting of walls gives you a 29% return on the dollar over the average. Whether you go neutral with splashes of colour or warm and dramatic, trends for 2005 include a mix of strong colours, mixed with nature inspired neutrals — energy colours like orange, aqua, sage and blue, along with neutral palates leaning toward bisque, fawn, gray and walnut.

Bathrooms

DISAPPEAR IN YOUR PERSONAL SPA
Today's stress-filled world leaves us all crying out for rest and relaxation. RE/MAX knows that making your bathroom the best it can be will generate a 56% better return on investment than the average renovation.

The goal should be to create a spa-like environment in your bathroom by installing a soaker tub with relaxing jets, or perhaps a new steam shower stall.

Flooring

GREAT IDEAS UNDERFOOT
Great looking floors are a strong feature of any home. It often makes all the difference. With RE/MAX, we'll show you how this upgrade can generate a 22% better return on investment than the average.

Start by ripping out that dated wall-to-wall carpet. Then, sand your existing floors down and refinish them, or choose one of the many easy-to-install and affordable laminates now available. A darker stain gives an elegant, yet up to date look. Use area rugs to accent and ground the space.

In Closing

Remember, whether you are buying or selling a home, RE/MAX is the name that delivers. We are the most recognized name in Real Estate because we attract the most outstanding agents; seasoned pros who bring their collected and collective wisdom and experience to bear on literally thousands and thousands of deals each year in this country. You can count on the fact that a RE/MAX agent will always go the distance to help you buy smart, or sell smart.