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 Home Remodeling | By Barry Novisel
Barry Novisel is a Design &
Sales Consultant with
Action Builders Co. Inc.
A Graduate of the Maryland
Design Institute, he began his
career in the Washington D.C.
area in Interior Design. Hired
by Action Builders in 2003,
he provides Residential
Design consultation and
Construction Management
services. To reach Barry,
call 724-514-7299.
Make Your Home
Stand Out
Contracting is an interesting business. When homeowners consider
a large investment such as an addition, the first thing they consider is:
should I build or should I move? This is a very personal decision.
Once the decision to move is made, they need to think in terms of
the improvements that will have the greatest value.
Generally speaking, homeowners don’t need to spend a fortune
on their home. Homeowners can make a huge impact on the value of
their home with inexpensive upgrades and touch-ups. Here are
several areas of improvement to get the biggest bang for your buck.
1. Curb appeal
Driving up to a house, a potential buyer wants to be impressed.
Paying special attention to the appearance of the details as well as the
overall condition will make your home a real eye-catcher. The yard
should be well maintained and the main entry should be as inviting as
possible. Add an accent by placing some colorful plants or flowers
near the front door. Spend a few dollars on a nice doorknocker and
whatever you do, make sure the doorbell works! The address of the
home should also be very clear and visible from the street. Lighting is
a great way to jazz up the front of your house too. New entry lanterns
and sidewalk lighting will give your home a sense of elegance in the
evening.
2. Get rid of the clutter
Cluttered rooms make a space seem much smaller than they are. This
can be a real turn-off to a potential buyer. Clutter also inhibits the
prospect from imaging their own furnishings and items in the room.
Closet organizers, kitchen, and garage storage systems may not sound
like much, but they can really do wonders.
Another way to make a space look bigger than it appears is to
extend it into the outdoors. A deck or patio that’s actually designed
for outdoor activities such as barbequing, dining and entertaining
definitely adds resale value. Your deck or patio furnishings should be
finished and furnished to give a buyer a feel for the home’s full
potential. Also, make sure your yard is tidy. If you have planting beds,
new mulch is a must. Don’t forget the garden shed, it’s the easiest
storage solution.
3. Kitchens and baths
Updated kitchens and bathrooms continue to be a high priority for
potential buyers. Homeowners who have time to recoup the cost of
gutting a kitchen or bath may be highly desirable, but for someone
selling their home, this may not be an option. There are other smaller
improvements that don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. New caulking
is a must. Replace or refinish floors, old counter tops and cabinetry.
New lighting, towel bars, or new faucets can make a big difference.
4. Don’t forget the paint
Painting is the most cost-effective way to give your home a new look.
Interior and exterior painting will certainly conceal those scuffmarks
and battle scars all homes receive with routine wear and tear. Your
color selection can be creative, but remember that neutral colors will
work best for prospective buyers. It’s okay to be bold, but only in
small doses. Consider the overall room size when making decisions.
Repainting a small bath is pretty easy versus a large living room.
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 Hurdling to Victory
Thanks to
Coach Heiser
Who Came
Back From
the Future to
Save SF’s
Athletic Program
Cover
Focus
Freshman hurdler Josh Godwin during a recent meet.
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South Fayette Rocks with Footloose
The musical story of a town’s toe-tapping
transformation.
Cleaning Up
Volunteers were out in force this spring tidying up
sections of South Fayette.
Landfill Power
How Waste Management keeps your trash out of
sight and turns garbage into clean energy.
Special Needs
The school district has created a unique learning
opportunity for one particular student.
History: Part One
Brushing up on South Fayette’s intriguing past.
History: Part Two
Honoring SF’s fallen in America’s wars.
Cupcakes for Seniors
When kids team up to cook food for seniors, you
can bet the result is likely to be mouthwatering.
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 Message From the Superintendent
Sixth-grader Recognized
Green Machine Wins
“Best School Band”
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