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BLU Reality

3 Tips To Add Value To Your Home

Are you looking to increase the value of your home? Whether you’re hoping to entice potential buyers or just to increase the overall worth of your home, there are plenty of ways to add value without breaking the bank. From improving energy efficiency with simple changes around the house, to updating dated décor and renovating major areas, it’s easier than ever before to make sure that your house is worth as much as possible! In this blog post, we’ll explore three tips for how you can add substantial value to your home in a cost-effective way.  Kitchen remodel: A kitchen remodel can be one of the most expensive home renovations, but it can also have a significant impact on your home’s value. A modern, updated kitchen can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its overall value. Some popular upgrades include new appliances, countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. Bathroom remodel: A bathroom remodel can also provide a good return on investment, especially if you focus on the master bathroom. Upgrades like a new shower or tub, double vanity, and updated fixtures can make the space more functional and appealing. Adding a second bathroom can also be a smart investment, particularly in homes with only one bathroom. Outdoor living space: Investing in an outdoor living space like a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen can also pay off when it comes time to sell. Buyers are increasingly looking for outdoor spaces where they can relax and entertain, and a well-designed outdoor area can help your home stand out from the competition. Home renovation projects can be fun and rewarding experiences, but they can also quickly become overwhelming if not properly planned. With careful consideration of the local market, preferences of potential buyers, and expertise of a professional, you can ensure your home renovations are done right the first time. With the right approach at the onset of any home renovation project, your hard work and dedication will pay off for years to come when you look around and admire your beautiful handiwork. Your home is after all an investment in both time and money—so make sure it’s worth it! Please share this article and follow us for more tips!

3 Tips To Help Save On A Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel on a budget is achievable – it just requires some savvy decisions! From working with reliable contractors to choosing cost-efficient materials, there are plenty of strategies for cutting down costs. As long as you remain conscious and committed throughout your project, you can create a beautiful space without breaking the bank. Before taking on any major project, it is important to assess your own skills and abilities. Doing the work yourself may seem attractive, but hiring a professional could help you save time and money in the long run – not to mention keep everyone safe! 1. Refresh your cabinets: Instead of spending a fortune on expensive new kitchen cabinets, revive your existing ones and save while being eco-friendly! With some creative refreshing techniques at hand, you can have the perfect custom fitted dream kitchen without breaking the bank. Revamp your kitchen cabinets with a simple and stylish update – painting! From sanding to priming and then finally coating, this process may require quite some time depending on the size of the project. But don’t worry; beginners can easily achieve professional-looking results in no time at all. Refresh your kitchen’s look with refacing – a more expensive option that upgrades the existing cabinet boxes and replaces doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. This is not something to attempt as a DIY project because it requires specialized tools and know-how; but when compared to replacing all cabinets in your space, refacing can be an economical way of achieving big results on improvement! Giving your existing cabinets a facelift doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Simply swapping out old hardware for new knobs and handles can instantly modernize the look of any kitchen! Bring your kitchen into the modern age with open shelving! This affordable and stylish alternative to cabinets or refinishing offers an airy feel that’s reminiscent of a professional chef’s station. With such a simple installation process, you could be cooking up something delicious in style before you know it. 2. Refurbish your appliances: Home renovations used to mean throwing out perfectly good kitchen appliances, but those days are gone. With a wealth of information and an abundance of affordable parts now available online, many homeowners can save money by refurbishing their own appliances rather than springing for new ones or paying professionals. Fixing your own appliances can be a great way to save money! From dishwashers and refrigerators, microwaves and water heaters – even garbage disposals or water softeners – there are many possible repairs you could make yourself. However, it pays to assess the level of difficulty before attempting any project. When tending to your appliances, don’t forget the most important thing: safety! Be sure to keep them unplugged and disconnected from any supply or drain lines. Beware of dishwashers that may tip forward when released from a base cabinet – refrigerators can be top-heavy as well. So take extra caution for all those hard working home helpers! 3. Keep your kitchen layout the same: Revamping the kitchen is an excellent way to create a whole new atmosphere. However, if you’re thinking of making major changes like shifting plumbing lines for your sink, dishwasher or refrigerator – be ready! Plumbers will need to carefully break down walls and build brand-new pipes, adding both labor fees and extra materials into the budget. Revamping your kitchen can be a cost-effective way to give it an entirely new look without having to move around plumbing and electrical. Instead of dealing with the hassle of changing up flooring, you have the option to simply update what’s already in place for a truly unique yet pocket friendly transformation. Not enough space in your galley kitchen to make some much-needed changes? Add a one-wall layout and bring more convenience into the mix with an island! Not only will you get additional storage and prep area, but it won’t require breaking open your wallet for major structural alterations. Renovating your kitchen is no small feat, but it doesn’t have to break the bank! With a thorough plan and budget in place, you can give your cooking space an upgrade that won’t cause financial stress. For more savvy tips, follow us on social media – we’re full of inspiration!

10 Ideas To Boost Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal can make or break a potential sale in real estate. Far more than just pretty porch decor, it determines whether buyers and guests are drawn to the property or keep going down the block. Yet creating an inviting home doesn’t have to be expensive – all you need is some creative vision! 1. Do a Thorough Cleaning: Give your home a facelift and unleash its inner beauty! Blast away dirt and grime with the power of pressure washing or hosing down your exterior, driveway, and sidewalk – you’ll be amazed at what comes off. 2. Paint Your Front Door: Make your home stand out and give it a fresh look with the right front door color. Pick up some paint and make sure to greet potential buyers in style! Choose from classic shades like black or charcoal, or switch things up with something more daring such as bright red or yellow – let your creativity shine through this simple yet effective step! 3. Replace Your Mailbox: Don’t overlook the little things – if your mailbox is showing visible signs of wear-and-tear, give it a makeover and welcome some spiffy new curb appeal! 4. Update Hardware: Transform the look of your home in just 15 minutes with a simple, budget-friendly upgrade to street numbers and door hardware. Fresh new knobs or knockers along with modernized house digits can easily make an old place feel brand new! 5. Give Garage Doors a Lift: Enhance the look of your home and make it stand out on the street with easy, temporary decorative options for garage doors. Opt to add interesting magnetic handles or hinges; paint in a shade that blends into siding or contrasts like front door color; give an updo with fast-drying exterior semi gloss paint – transforming those formerly blah garages has never been simpler! 6. Add Potted Plants: Give your home’s exterior a lively touch with the help of greenery! Planting annuals and perennials in groups at either side of pathways can create an inviting, well-maintained atmosphere that will wow visitors. 7. Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture: If your outdoor furniture is looking a bit tired and worn, why not bring it back to life with an easy makeover? Just grab some spray paint in your favorite color and give porch benches or seating the perfect facelift. Give old furnishings new life – step outside of the box! 8. Illuminate the Front Path: Increase your home security and warmth with strategically placed solar-powered spotlights in the garden bed. Illuminate your walkway for a clear path to the front door – let their soft, ambient glow be a beacon of safety and ease. 9. Bring in New Bark: Mulch is a green-thumbed gardener’s best friend! Not only can it add vibrancy to your garden beds, but by layering on two inches in the springtime you’ll be preventing weeds while also keeping soil healthy and moist. So don’t just go for any mulch – pick one that fits well with your region; like tree bark or wood chips if you’re up north, or crushed shells down south in Florida. Doing this will give plants all that they need throughout the year – vital organic fertilizer included! 10. Balance the Garden Beds: A gorgeous garden is crafted from layers of differing plants, reaching in different directions to create an alluring atmosphere. The tallest stand regally at the back while petite blooms take their place in front for a stunning contrast. Add vibrant colors and exotic foliage for a truly special space that will be sure to leave lasting impressions. Please share this article and follow us on our socials for more tips!

Home Maintenance Checklist for Florida Homes

Keeping your home in tip top shape is a must! Not only does it help maintain the value of your most valued possession and ensure the safety of you and your family, but saving on repairs or replacements down the track can be just as beneficial – both for wallet AND peace of mind. We’ve created an awesome checklist to make sure that all those pesky maintenance tasks don’t slip through the cracks this year. Let’s get started having smarter homes today! Monthly This is what you should do every month. Keep your electrical outlets and circuit breakers in tip-top shape by regularly testing them! Push the “test” button on GFCI outlets to deactivate power – you’ll hear a popping sound. Then, reset it by pressing its “reset” button for smooth operation.  Check AFCIs too: locate them in the electrical panel, press their test buttons until they make a noise; then switch off before switching back on again. Doing this will extend their lifespans and guarantee seamless performance from your wires every time! Quarterly Every three months you should do the following: Regularly check your home’s systems to avoid costly repairs and keep it functioning smoothly.  Replace the HVAC filter regularly for maximum system efficiency,  Look out for stains on ceilings or around toilets that may indicate leaking pipes, clear away plants near foundation walls to discourage bugs from getting in as well as prevent water damage – also be sure not to forget about exterior faucets! Finally, don’t let garage door spring maintenance leave you hanging; give them a regular oiling up so they last longer. Seasonal Maintenance As seasons come and go, your home needs regular attention to stay in top shape! Keep up with these necessary maintenance tasks for a hassle-free year:  make sure gutters are clear of debris after the Fall leaves have dropped;  book time for an HVAC system check before hot or cold weather sets in; and keep tabs on drainage systems so water doesn’t start pooling around your house during rainy spells. Hurricane Preparation Ready your home for the Florida hurricane season!  Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, like shutters and plywood. Conduct a thorough roof inspection or hire an inspector to give it extra care.  Paint any areas that need attention around windows.  Lastly, keep those weep hole channels cleared out so water can’t intrude on your windows during storms. Get ready – hurricane season is here! Yearly Every year, you should complete the following: Keep your home safe and functioning with these annual maintenance checks! Replace smoke detector batteries and test for operation, flush out the water heater with a hose,  clean dryer vents to prevent house fires and then give it an extra deep cleaning. Don’t forget to pressure wash the exterior of your home too – plus have an inspection done by a professional if necessary (especially watched-out items like roofs or attics!).  Also check grout in kitchen/bathroom areas; inspecting them annually can avoid costly damage from leaks down the road.  Lastly, consider ordering termite inspection if you don’t already have one – all critical steps towards keeping up on regular home upkeep! Please share this article and follow our socials for more tips!