Choosing the colors for your remodeling or restoration project is not complicated but it does require careful planning.
Follow these tips and you will see your buyers being more interested in your homes. Taking time to pay careful attention to the final touches will create a home that is pleasing to everyone and will sell quickly.
1. Consider the age and style of the house. Colors that are perfect for a historical home may not be ideal for a newer ranch style home. Older homes usually have higher ceilings, moldings and more windows. Even though a darker pallet can be used successfully in older homes, I recommend using colors that will brighten the area, increase the natural light and gives a warm and welcome feeling. You want to appeal to the majority of buyers.
2. Always avoid using many different colors throughout the home. The color scheme should flow easily from one room to another with the majority of the home being one color, using natural transitional areas to introduce additional color. By using one or two complementary colors you will add some variety and interest that will appeal to buyers.
3. Always consider the buyer and never choose colors based on your personal preferences. Remember, the new buyer usually will not purchase new furnishings so the interior colors should allow them to easily use their existing furnishings.
4. Neutral colors are not always beige and off white. Choose soft neutral colors will allow the new owner to easily change the color scheme of the home to fit their personal style. Your responsibility is to create the perfect atmosphere that will make buyers want to make an offer on the spot.
5. Always consult with a professional to choose colors that complement the style of the home and which accents the positive features the home offers.
6. Consider the floor coverings, hardwoods, kitchen cabinets, bath vanity colors and even light fixtures when choosing colors. With a rehab or restoration you have the opportunity to create the details of the project in advance. All aspects of your finished home should be in harmony with each other.
7. Don’t forget about the exterior color of the home as well. A great rehab coordinates the total package from exterior to interior, always paying close attention to even the small details. Exterior brick, siding and paint color should easily transition to a warm and welcoming atmosphere as the buyer enters the home….and don’t forget…the exterior light fixtures, the mail box and even the house numbers should coordinate with the other features and colors of the home.
8. The correct colors can give the illusion of more space, especially in some newer homes where the rooms may be smaller or in homes where there may not be as much natural light.
9. The correct colors may add a few extra dollars on your appraisal. Although appraisers use square footage, features, comps, etc. to determine the current value, some additional value may be warranted if the home generates a warm and welcoming feeling.
10. As you gain more experience in rehabbing and restoring homes, you will find that you rely on one color pallet that works well for most homes. I tend to use Sherwin Williams Navaho White for the majority of the home, Rainwash in the kitchen and mudroom and a very soft sage green in the bathrooms. These colors are soft and beautiful when placed beside crisp white trim.
The correct color scheme in a home can create the perfect atmosphere and the warm feelings buyers are hoping to find in a home. You’ll know that you have chosen the right colors when you hear the potential buyers saying “Wow …I love these colors!”
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