Popcorn Ceilings, Polybutylene Plumbing, and Masonite Siding are three things that most Cary home buyers DO NOT like

Popcorn Ceiling

to see when looking at homes to purchase. They like smooth natural surfaces, reduced risk of water leaks, and reduced maintenance. Because all three were present in the Cary home we purchased, we decided to remove them in the rebuilding process.

 The popcorn ceilings are the sprayed on ceilings that leave little bumps. They are common in homes that were built during 1980-1996. This is not a popular feature with most buyers.

 Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water

Polybutylene Piping

supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost and ease of installation it was viewed as the “pipe of the future”. They were installed in over 6,000,000 homes. Because of the failure rate of these pipes, it is now believed that oxidants in public water cause them to be brittle and break or leak. The biggest problem these pipes present is in the joints. The failure rate is much less if the joints are copper fittings.  We are finding that most Cary Homes are built today with PEX pipe,

Masonite Siding

Masonite siding was used by most builders until 1998. It is a wood product that needs to be carefully maintained by checking for nail pops and wood rot. The exterior is wood but the interior of the boards are wood filler. That is why wood rot and nail pops are so prevalent. Today most homes are built with fiber cement products. They typically have a 25-40 year guarantee. This makes home exterior maintenance almost foolproof.

 Our ultimate goal is to replace everything in our Cary home so that it will require little or no maintenance for the next several years. It is costly, but in the long run it will pay for itself in time, dollars, and peace of mind.

We are Rebuilding this Home in Cary NC

                                            The Great Room, Den, and Guest Bedroom

Here’s the Ranch Home we purchased in the Preston subdivision in Cary, North Carolina. Preston is a beautiful golf course community in Cary with 54 holes of golf and over 2400 homes. We are in the process of totally rebuilding this home to fit our comfort and lifestyle. We would like to share our experience and progress with you via our blog. This post describes and illustrates our redesign of theThe Great Room, Den, and Guest Bedroom:

The Great Room 

This picture shows the original floorplan looking from the front entry to the great room. Notice the 8 ft wall angling out into the great room from the kitchen.

This view after the demo shows the kitchen wall removed for a more expansive, cleaner look and feel.

Here’s a look at the expanded great room from the kitchen area. There will be six canned lights and a ceiling fan to illuminate and cool this space.

Den

This picture shows the original den or study located in the front middle section of the house. There was no closet so this room could not be counted as a bedroom for resale purposes.

Here’s a picture from the same angle showing the closet we have added to the room. For resale, this home is now a 3 bedroom home and not a 2 bedroom home.

The Guest Bedroom

The guest bedroom is located in the front corner of the home and measures 12 x 11. Assuming we utilize a queen sized bed here, there is not adequate room for 2 nightstands with lamps. So we added 4 canned lights and will probably use just one night stand.

The closet in the guest bedroom is one of the larger closets in the home. We will section this closet off with long and short hanging spaces, cubby holes for sweaters, and a space dedicated for our guests.

The Great Room, Den and Guest Bedroom

In deciding how to best utilize these rooms, we needed to figure out what was most important for our new CaryNC lifestyle.

The Great Room will be our main living area. I view this room and the kitchen as a team. They need to blend and work well together. That is why we decided to change the position of some of the windows and the French door that is our entry to the home from the garage. We also extended the far wall of the living room to give a more private entrance to the master bedroom. The TV will be placed above the newly designed fireplace area. It is amazing what a few tweaks have done to this area.

The Den was used as a study in the past, but now with the addition of a closet, it can officially be a third bedroom. A second TV will be put in this room along with some workout equipment. I consider this room Dave’s “man cave”. He can watch all of the football and basketball to his heart content as long as he keeps the door shut. It will be set up in such a way that this room can easily transform as a third bedroom when needed.

The guest bedroom needed few changes. The carpet was removed and replaced with wood floors like the rest of the home. We added canned lighting and the closet will be built to accommodate our seasonal hanging clothes. This is the one room where we actually do not need to buy any new furniture.

Stay tuned for our next edition, “The AGA vs The La Cornue“.

Here’s the Ranch Home we purchased in the  Preston subdivision in Cary, North Carolina.   Preston is a beautiful golf course community in Cary with 54 holes of golf and over 2400 homes. We are in the process of totally rebuilding this home to fit our comfort and lifestyle.  We would like to share our experience and progress with you via our blog.  This post describes and illustrates our redesign of the dining room and 2nd bath:

The Dining Room / Office

 Here’s the original dining room which is located in the left front section of the home as you enter from the front door.  We are definitely keeping the nice plantation shutters. Do we need a dining room??

 Here’s another view of the original dining room.  Notice the half wall and the
large framed mirror which backs up to the kitchen wall.

 No, we do not need a dining room.  We are building a small dining / breakfast
nook area in the rear corner of the home adjacent to the kitchen.  The dining
room is being converted into an office.  The half wall  is gone, replaced by a
full wall with a pocket door and a transom window above the door. The framed mirror is also gone.

 The 2nd Bath

This picture shows the original 2nd bath.  The
bathroom was very narrow and you entered the room from an odd angle in the
hallway.

Here the back wall of the 2nd bath has been removed.  We expanded the original space by moving the cold air return, which initially was located in a space directly behind the toilet

This is a picture of the newly framed and expanded 2nd bath. The tub is a
standard size, yet it is equipped with 6 whirlpool jets so it functions as a
small (saves a lot of hot water) spa tub.  Notice the space saving pocket door
again.

When considering the space (lack of) that our Cary home offered, we decided that an office would fit our lifestyle better than a formal dining room. This was really an easy choice. I would prefer to host a meal in our open kitchen/living area with our quaint Italian dishes rather than dig out our gold rimmed china.

This space works perfectly as a nice office setting.  After having the mirrors pulled, we also removed the half wall from the entry and added a full wall with a transom window and pocket door.  The mirrored wall will now have built in cherry cabinets and lateral file drawers.  The cabinets will be the same style and cherry wood as the kitchen and bathrooms.  In a small home, you do not want to mix too many different products and styles.  Carroll Cope, our designer, taught me that point and it may be the most important thing I have learned so far.

When we bought our first home a bazillion years ago, I wanted to decorate each room with a different color and theme. If we could have afforded new carpet at the time, every room would have had a different color. The kitchen had periwinkle blue cabinets and red tile countertops that the previous owner had selected. It was way beyond our budget and imagination to find a solution for that room. I spent my time and dollars decorating the bedrooms. I wish I had kept pictures to compare my tastes fromwhen I was 21 to now almost forty years later.

The second bath was gutted with space added. We got very creative redesigning this space. It now has a spa bath and a linen closet. Stay tuned, next week we’ll talk about the Great Room, Den, and Guest Bedroom.

Here’s the Ranch Home we purchased in the  Preston subdivision in Cary, North Carolina.   Preston is a beautiful golf course community in Cary with 54 holes of golf and over 2400 homes. We are in the process of totally rebuilding this home to fit our comfort and lifestyle.  We would like to share our experience and progress with you via our blog.  This post describes and illustrates our challenge with redesigning the master bedroom:

Here’s the original master bedroom as seen from the master bath. Note the half wall between the master bedroom and master bath.

 Looking at the master bedroom from the hall, the original carpet has been removed. The outside master bedroom wall with the single window will be removed and extended. 

The back deck extends from the detached 2 car garage to the back door of the home.  Our remodel will extend the current master bedroom 10 feet and attach it to the garage.

Here is another view from the deck of the corner of the current master bedroom before the extension.

Our carpenters are hard at work here building the foundation for the master bedroom extension.

This picture shows the framing of the extension with the high ceilings. The extension measures 10 x 13 and adds 130 square feet to the existing master bedroom. 

This opening will house a 3 wide double hung Pella window.  We are replacing all the windows in the home with Pella double hung windows. 

I realized that this room had possibilities when I saw the cathedral ceiling and the light streaming in from the windows.  In our previous Cary area home,the master bedroom was the room I liked the least because it had too many angles and not enough light. 

The most important piece in doing our remodel was to make sure we could get the HOA to approve the master bedroom being extended to the garage.  From what we could tell with the exception of screened in porches, no homeowners had done what we planned to do in our section of Preston.  When we got the approval from the local Preston HOA, we then knew we could purchase the home and make the changes we needed.

The addition will now make the new master bedroom 19′X13′.  It will also have nine feet of windows with built in window seats overlooking our patio area.  The window seats will add much needed storage, plus it will add some pizzazz to the area.

The hall entrance to the bedroom was also extended to give more privacy to this room.  With this design change the room is no longer directly visable from the living area.

The final decision on this area was the lighting.  We have added sconces for each side of the bed, 4 overhead canned lights, and a solar tube.  This will be the third and final solar tube that will be installed.  The other two are in the bath area.

Of course we now realize that our current furniture will no longer work in this room.  So this lets me do what I enjoy the most — shop.  Now even on a knee scooter (due to a recent foot surgery), I can keep the economy healthy in the Triangle.

Here’s the original master bath of the home we purchased in Cary.  Notice the half wall and complete openness (and lack of privacy) of the bathroom. 

  Here’s another view of the original master bath.  The small master closet is located at the far end of the bathroom. A Spa Tub is located directly across from the shower.

Here’s a view of the Spa Tub after the half wall was removed. 

                   Carroll Cope, our designer, and Dan Martin, our contractor, are laying out the floorplan for the new master bath.

When we looked at the bathroom in its original state, we knew immediately the room needed major changes.  We had no interest in keeping the open bedroom with partial walls into the bath area.

After having the master bath and master closet gutted, we considered several different floor plans.  Finally, we decided on the plan our designer originally had drawn.  This design utilizes all the space for maximum use and storage. It includes a large open vanity and four closets in the bath area.

To accomplish what was important for our everyday life, we eliminated the bathtub and made a larger shower.  We added a small spa tub to the second bathroom to make up for this loss.   A solar tube is also going to be installed in the bathroom to bring in more daylight.

The large vanity will have two counter recessed sinks.  After growing up with nine siblings, I have become less willing to share.  That is why we will both have our own space with drawers and cabinets to call our own.  On my side, I will also have a built in makeup mirror.

I have to admit I was in a state of shock when I saw the reality of how small our main closet will be.  It could be a wonderful display area for my shoe collection, but instead we had to get creative.  That is why we now have four separate closet areas designed into the bath area.   It is a great layout for us and we will be able to make it work.  (This may require a wardrobe change for me to limit my clothes to just a few designer pieces per season.)  The closets will have hanging space, built in shoe racks, plus room for a clothes hamper and linens.

So unlike our previous Cary home, all the space is well planned and will be utilized.  We are really excited with this design.

We sold this home 

3400 Square Feet

 We Bought This Home

1500 Square Feet 

Both of these homes are located in the Preston subdivision in Cary, North Carolina.   Preston is a beautiful golf course community in Cary with 54 holes of golf and over 2400 homes.We are in the process of totally rebuilding this home to fit our comfort and lifestyle.  We would like to share our experience and progress with you via our blog.  Let’s start with the kitchen:

Here is the original kitchen.  Notice the wall on the left side is an 8 foot wall (ceiling is 15 ft), which currently angles out into the great room.

 Here is another view of the kitchen showing the cabinets, appliances, and pergo flooring.   

One of the features of the original kitchen we do like is the transom windows above the cabinet space.  We have 9 transom windows located throughout the house and we are adding one more.

Here is how the kitchen looks now.  Notice the entire left side wall has been removed.

 

 As you can see from the extent of the demo,we are basically starting from scratch with the new kitchen design.   Our largest challege here is simply one of space planning.  How to maximize the efficiency of the  area so we end up with adequate counter, cabinet, and pantry space. 

Recently, I observed 3 home inspections in 2 days performed by Matt McClymonds from First Step Home Inspections.  We have worked with Matt and his company for several years.  Matt is thorough, very knowledgeable and best of all is patient and understanding when he explains what he finds.

The 3 inspections were all for buyers we represented who recently purchased a home.  Most real estate contracts today include a cost of repair contingency.  This clause states that if the cost of repairs exceeds a certain dollar limit, the buyer has the option of voiding the contract with no loss of earnest money.  A home inspection is necessary to determine the current structural and mechanical condition of the purchased home.

 Is a home inspection for home buyers only? 

A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home.  Is a home inspection for home buyers only?  No, as a matter of fact a home inspection is a valuable report for home sellers and homeowners.  If you are planning to sell your home, a major repair issue can easily send a contracted buyer packing so it’s best to know the working condition of your home prior to listing it. 

As a homeowner not currently planning on selling, an inspection gives you instant feedback on the condition of your home. This type of check up serves as a maintenance inspection and lets you know what items need attention to keep your home in good condition (we call it selling condition).

Moisture in the Crawl Space

I asked Matt what was the most common problem he finds in home inspections.  He quickly answered moisture in the crawl space.  This problem alone can short circuit a home sale since it’s usually not a quick or inexpensive fix.  Fortunately, the crawl space was dry at all three property inspections I observed.

Trying not to disturb Matt as he worked, I asked if he uses any kind of a checklist during his inspection.  My observation is that Matt is a visual detective constantly scanning, testing and noting potential problem areas.  Although he does not carry an actual check list on inspections – his website gives the following list of areas and systems inspected: 

 HVAC systems checkpoint

Since we are experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, properly functioning HVAC systems are of course very important.  One of the tests Matt performs is a temperature differential reading.  He measures the temperature at an outgoing register and the temp reading at the cold air return.  Matt likes to see a 16-20 degree differential, but a 14 degree difference is considered functional.  Matt recommends consistent servicing of your units by a licensed HVAC technician to keep them in prime working order.

We were lucky this time – I did not need to crawl under any homes and all three homes came in with favorable inspections and relatively short repair lists.

Start with your landscaping

Start with your landscaping.  Is your grass green and freshly mowed?  Do you have variety and color in your plantings?  Are your shrubs and hedges neatly trimmed?  Is the grass along the driveway and curbs edged properly?  Most of these issues are simply a matter of consistent and timely maintenance.

What a Home Buyer sees first

A potential buyer has booked an appointment to see your home and is now approaching your doorway.  Remember, the buyer’s first impression of your home has already been made online and while driving up and parking.  If they have been favorably impressed with your curb appeal, they will be far more receptive to your interior.  Conversely, if the curb appeal is shaky in their mind, they will be far less tolerant of anything in the home they do not like. 

Your Front Door

How does your entrance look?  Let’s pick on the front door.  When the agent and buyer walk up to your home, a critical moment occurs.  The buyer will have a minute or two to survey the entryway and especially the front door while the agent is tending to the lockbox.  Is the door freshly painted or stained?  Is the door attractive and complementary for your home?  Does the door have an attractive kick plate?  What about the welcome mat – is it attractive and welcoming?   Again, all the fixes here are relatively inexpensive.

Curb Appeal Evaluation

So the next time you come home, stop across the street and critically assess your curb appeal.  Make a list of the problem areas you discover.  Tackle clean up and repair chores first, then put some time into projects that will enhance that all important first impression.

Call us at LG Real Estate for an evaluation of your curb appeal and home value.  We have sold over 700 homes and have the staff, expertise and experience to help you with both the home buying and home selling side of your next transaction.

GET THE FACTS:

When will the rebates be offered?   Phase I will be over a four-day period during Earth Day weekend – Thursday April 22 through Sunday April 25.

How much will the rebates be?  Rebates will be 15 percent off on Energy-Star rated appliances.  The rebates will be in addition to any store, manufacturer or other discounts being offered.

What appliances qualify?  Qualified Energy Star clothes washers, diswashers, refrigerators, and freezers.

Who is eligible to purchase items?  North Carolina residents who are replacing older clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers are eligible for the rebates on designated Energy Star appliances.  The program is only available to those replacing appliances.  Those purchasing multiple appliances or appliances for commercial properties are not eligible.

Where can I buy the appliances?  The NC Energy Office worked with the NC Retail Merchants Association and expects major retail chains as well as most independent appliance dealers to participate in the rebate program.  You can see the participating merchants at www.energync.net.

Can I receive more than one appliance rebate?  You may receive rebates on more than one appliance, but it must be for different appliances.  For example, you may receive rebates on a refrigerator and clothes washing machine, but not on two refrigerators.

Will there be rebates on any other energy star appliances?  Depending on the funds available, a second phase in June will offer rebates on Energy Star residential gas storage water heaters, tankless gas water heaters, central air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces that replace older items.  These rebates will be mail-ins and can be used with purchase through retailers, contractors or programs offered through utilities.

Where is the money coming from to pay for the rebates?  North Carolina is receiving $8.8 million in federal funds to help homeowners purchase energy efficient appliances. 

See you shopping!

YOU’RE UNDER CONTRACT – WHAT’S NEXT?

Here at LG Real Estate, we have noticed a significant upswing in our activity level starting in December.  Our showings have increased, our phones are ringing, and we placed 3 homes under contract the last 2 weeks of January.  Let’s say one of the homes we placed under contract was yours …. What’s next?

First, usually within 7 days of signing the contract, inspections will be set up

These inspections are most often for the home, for radon, and for pests.  If the NC licensed inspector has reason to question what he observes with the HVAC units, the structural integrity, or the rest of the house, other professionals can be scheduled by the buyers to give an opinion.

Next, you as the seller normally wait 7 to 10 days for the inspections to be completed. 

Then, together we review the inspection report and a list of requested repairs.   In today’s market, you need to be prepared to do the majority if not all of the listed items.  In many cases, the buyer’s request that the repair work be done by a NC licensed general contractor.  Our team has great relationships with many contractors / vendors in the area and we can always make suggestions of people that have a proven track record with us. 

Once the agreed repairs are complete, we substantiate the work by sharing the receipts with the buyer’s agent. 

Then, the buyer’s agent will normally schedule a time for the buyers to “walkthru” the home and visually look at the repaired areas.  The buyer’s walkthru can include a re-inspection of the agreed upon repairs by the hired inspector.  This walkthru helps the buyers feel confident about their purchase.  That is why, at this stage, you as a seller can feel a great sense of relief knowing that all the repair work was completed by a quality vendor.

If I can share one tidbit of advice, it is that the money to complete the repairs identified by an inspector needs to be part of your budget from day 1.  A pre-inspection prior to marketing you home is an excellent idea.  My team and I will work diligently with you through this part of the process.  It’s our job to guide and support you through the inspections and repairs so that your “under contract home” is now a “sold home”.