Home Improvement


4 Home Features 2015 Buyers Want


Posted on Jan 13, 2015 | 0 comments

4 Desirable Home Features for 2015 Buyers

4 Home Features 2015 Buyers Want

The year 2015 is expected to see a seven percent increase in existing homes sales according to the National Association of Realtors. If you want to make a housing move this year, here are four home features potential buyers are willing to pay “extra” for  in the purchase of their next home.

  • New Kitchen Appliances:  Updated appliances that are energy efficient, especially stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, make the list of desired features. While the stainless steel feature is more an aesthetic factor, the energy efficiency is key.
  • Upscale Countertops: No longer just a functional space, today’s kitchen has become the hotspot of the family and a visually pleasing kitchen with beautiful granite or marble countertops are a plus.
  • Energy Efficient Features: Low-flow water and plumbing fixtures, high efficiency insulation, energy efficient HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, ceiling fans and low-e windows (low-emissivity windows) are important to today’s energy-conscious home buyers.
  • Hardwood Floors:  The durability of hardwood floors over time when compared to carpet is an investment most home buyers consider very important.

Making any or all of these home improvement investments now could increase the resale value of your home and how quickly it’s sold. When you’re ready to put your home on the market, call Buy Your Side Home Inspection 407.780.0911 for a pre-listing inspection.

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DIY Projects That Won't Break the Bank

DIY Projects That Won’t Break the Bank

You don’t need to tap into your life savings or spend the kids’ college fund to increase the appeal of your home. If you’re considering selling your home or just want to increase the enjoyment of your investment, there are several projects you can do yourself that are relatively inexpensive and are a great return-on-investment. Your local home improvement store offers free advice if you have questions.

Here are just a few suggestions.

In Your Kitchen:

  • Add or update the hardware on cabinets and drawers.  Shop your local hardware and home improvement stores  and stick with styles that have wide appeal.
  • Install a tile backsplash or paint it with an accent color. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to update your kitchen.
  • Show off the inside of your glass door cabinets by painting the back inside wall with an accent color.
  • Shed some light on your meal prep with battery-powered LED undercabinet puck lighting.
  • Update an old fridge with a faux stainless-steel painted finish.
  • Make your cabinets feel like royalty with crown molding at the top.

In Your Bathroom:

  • Remove dated fixtures and swap out lighting fixtures, faucets and handles.
  • Lean a painted wood ladder against a bathroom wall to use as a towel rack and increase the space.

In Your Interior:

  • Paint your interior walls with neutral colors that give the room the appearance of being larger. Start with the most visible areas of your home first and then expand your project till your entire home is painted.
  • Update generic white globe ceiling mounted light covers.
  • Install ceiling fans and save on your energy bill.
  • Clear clutter on shelves and counters with inexpensive organization systems.

And, if you want to make sure your home is in tip top shape or you’re ready to put it on the market, call Buy Your Side Home Inspections – Central Florida’s most respected Home Inspections service. 407.780.0911.

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Keep Calm & Call The Inspector!

Got Mold? Keep Calm!

We often receive phone calls from distressed home and business owners that have recently discovered what they believe is mold. Mold is certainly a serious issue in Central Florida and should be investigated, but sometimes a simple phone consultation will let you know if your issues warrant an actual mold testing. After a short discussion on the phone, if we believe you may have a mold problem we will come to collect samples throughout your home, business, or commercial building in order to determine the air quality.

The mold test samples will be sent in to an independent laboratory for proper investigation. A detailed report will be sent to both you and our customer service in the office. If a mold issue is discovered, we will create a protocol to get you on the way to fixing the problem. Since we do not do mold remediation ourselves you don’t have to worry that we will recommend an unnecessary mold removal. as always, Buy Your Side is on your side! Call us today. 407.780.0911.

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New Home Plan & Permits

New Home Plan & Permits

You’re probably familiar with the permit requirement for new homes, mobile homes, room additions, and in-ground swimming pools. However, you may not be aware that certain additions, alterations, modifications and repairs that you or a contractor perform on your home or property require a permit.

Failing to obtain a proper permit can result in greatly increased costs, delays and even removal of structures. The 2010 Florida Building Code, Section 105.1, requires that a building permit be obtained prior to construction, alterations, repairs, and relocations. A property owner or contractor who starts work without first obtaining a permit could be subject to a penalty of 100% of the usual permit fee.

Permits are required for projects such as:
Carports, garages, fences, sheds, screen rooms, sun rooms, re-roofing, re-siding, window replacement, door replacement, garage door replacement, above-ground swimming pools, masonry fireplaces, A/C change outs, electrical work, plumbing work, and low-voltage wiring to name just a few.

Permits are not required to paint a house (interior or exterior) or to perform minor repair and replacement work on defective receptacle outlets and manual switches for lighting control.

If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact Buy Your Side Home Inspections 407.780.0911.

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