As with all houses that the team at Crossgates Properties considers, a careful assessment is made of what needs to be done to make the house a desirable property for the buyer. The assessment will take into account the needs of the potential buyer. This is a balancing act – weighing the cost of improvements with the needs of a potential buyer. The agenda is to arrive at a thoughtful rendition of a home that enhances home values in its neighborhood without pricing it out of reach.
View Our Gallery of Home Upgrades and Improvements
Kitchen / Stove Before
Originally from 1981, it seemed dark, with a laminated floor that ‘clicked’ with every step. The island created a dead-end alley from left or right with people crowding in the corner by the window. There was insufficient prep area for anyone who enjoys cooking.
Kitchen / Stove After
The substitution of a ‘peninsula’ for the island created more contiguous counter space with lights below the cabinets reflecting on the very light-colored custom countertops to brighten the entire room. All flooring in the first floor was upgraded to more elegant hardwoods, improving the feel and appearance. Under cabinet and ceiling lighting with dimmers enhanced the overall experience.
Kitchen / Refrigerator Before
The refrigerator location and surrounding cabinets afforded very little counter space, with the island disconnected and providing insufficient horizontal working space.
Kitchen / Refrigerator After
Doing away with the island by extending the kitchen counters with a ‘peninsula’ afforded space for a wet bar area while increasing the amount of contiguous working space and storage cabinets.
Family Room Before
During the summer the foliage outdoors darkens the room. The brick chimney and book cabinet in the corner darken the room.
Family Room After
Light in the room was enhanced by covering the upper section of the fireplace and redesigning the mantle shelf. The doors of the cabinet in the corner were removed and were painted white to bring some light and a focal point near the window. All the floors were renovated to hardwood.
Guest Bath Before
All bathroom fixtures and cabinetry were from 1981. There was a need to lighten the room and modernize the fixtures.
Guest Bath After
The bathroom was gutted to studs, and now has new bathtub, toilet and sink. Cabinet was upgraded and the room painted neutral shades of grey with bright white accents.