In real estate, a good first impression is key. If the outside of a house
looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it.

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Florida’s scorching real estate markets raise the bar for home sellers. Spending a fortune on extravagant upgrades is ill-advised because you’re unlikely to recoup 100% of your expenses. What you must do is make your house presentable enough to grab the attention of buyers with plenty of tantalizing property options to choose from.Deep-cleaning your home and fixing minor structural and aesthetic issues this spring can increase its perceived value and outshine comparable residences. Learn how to do it correctly to build considerable sweat equity in your house before listing it.How to Properly Clean Room by RoomMost living areas have unique cleaning needs. Here’s how to make various rooms spotless and functional.Living RoomMaking this space immaculate mainly involves these cleaning tasks, including:Scrubbing the baseboards, walls and ceiling: Dust these overlooked and inaccessible areas from the top down with a vacuum connected to a bristled brush hose attachment. Afterward, use a microfiber cloth damped with an all-purpose cleaner to wipe them down.Vacuum and mop the floor: Fire up your vacuum to remove dirt and crumbs. Then, use a mop to finish the job and get rid of stubborn grime.Wash rugs and carpets: If you have natural rugs, powder them with baking soda to deodorize them, let sit for a few minutes and shake them off. Vacuuming works wonders, too. If you have synthetic furnishings, send those without backings to a professional cleaner. You need rotary shampoo and hot water extraction machines to scrub waterproof ones properly.Buff hardware: Use pastes, creams and liquid polishes to reinvigorate medium- and heavy tarnished metal door, window, cabinet and drawer fixtures — such as knobs, handles, hinges, locks and pulls.Wax wooden surfaces: Use a soft cloth with mild dishwashing liquid and water to cleanse the wood. Once it has no dirt, wax it with a cotton rag a few feet at a time. Shine the covered area with a clean cloth when the wax dries.Dust cooled-off lights: Switch off and unplug lighting fixtures to let their surface temperatures decrease before cleaning them.Machine-wash throw pillows: Clean pillows with mild detergent and warm water in a front load washer on a delicate cycle. Check their fabric care labels to know which ones you must air-dry or put in a dryer with no heat.These tasks are universal, so do them when deep-cleaning your other rooms.KitchenMaking this space move-in ready can be demanding because stubborn substances soil its contents. These duties are essential in a thorough kitchen cleanup:Degrease your cabinetry with soapy, warm water.Empty the pantry, wipe down its items and reorganize everything.Rid appliances of spills and splatters with vinegar — which contains 5% acetic acid — and baking soda from the inside out.Your refrigerator needs extra attention. You must move it to dust its coils and vacuum and mop the area behind it. Take out its contents and then wash its inside and outside surfaces. If your freezer has no auto-frost functionality, defrost it first to thaw the ice buildup.If you have a kitchen hood, remove grease from its filters, body, vent and fan blades. Soak non-dishwasher-safe filters in hot water or mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with an equal amount of lemon juice.If any of your kitchen appliances malfunction, repair them or buy new ones. There’s no telling when a buyer comes along after putting your house on the market. Getting replacements allows you to continue enjoying your kitchen while you wait for offers.BathroomDeclutter your bath and throw away expired beauty products. Update your first-aid kit and replenish your toiletries. Disinfect your tub, shower area, toilet and sink with a potent germ-killing solution. Read the product’s instructions for guidance. Moreover, wash bath mats and shower liners. Replace old towels and linens with fresh ones.Apply new grout to repair gaps and cracks one line at a time. Removing stains and mildew with vinegar is safe and eco-friendly while scrubbing grime with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water gets the job done.Apply a penetrating grout sealer slowly and deliberately, then remove excess material with a cloth before it dries. Let it sit for as long as the manufacturer recommends before applying another coat.BedroomClean out dressers and closets. Toss garments you don’t need to help you organize your wardrobe.Follow these eight steps to clean your bed:Remove and wash bedding and pillows.Flip your mattress over.Let it get as much sunlight as possible to allow ultraviolet radiation to work its magic as a bacteria killer.Vacuum debris before sprinkling it with baking soda to remove any unpleasant odor.Let baking soda deodorize for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming it again.Wipe it generously with a sponge damped with a gentle dishwashing soap.Allow it to dry completely.Clean under your bed frame.GarageRegardless of how you use your garage, you must clear away its contents to free up the floor and coat it with epoxy. It will improve your space’s appearance, make it resistant to oil and render it maintenance-friendly.After applying an epoxy coating, sealing the gaps beneath your garage door must be your priority. Installing rubberized strips will make it airtight upon closing, preventing outside air from seeping in, maintaining low indoor humidity levels and keeping pests at bay.Put a premium on organization when putting your stuff back in. Sort your belongings by category first to know which storage solutions to buy. Bulky equipment can go into stackable bins. Hazardous substances belong in lockable cabinets. Small items can fit in clear jars. Label everything accordingly to find your supplies more quickly.Vertical shelving can maximize your garage’s height for storage. About 54% of Gen Xers, 51% of baby boomers and 40% of millennials rent or plan to rent self-storage solutions. One of the primary reasons is inadequate room at home. Addressing this need with additional storage space in the garage can make your house stand out.Spring Cleaning Is Home StagingDeep-cleaning your Florida home this spring sets the stage for open houses during the busiest real estate season. It’s backbreaking work, but this activity is worth the trouble to ensure your property is in good condition and give it one last deep-cleaning before handing over its keys to the new owner.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and home additions are smart strategies to enhance your property’s value and appeal. They create a versatile space that can serve as a rental unit, guest house or extended living area, and boost your home’s market value and attractiveness to buyers. Home additions — whether expanding living space or adding new rooms — tailor your property to your needs and make it stand out in the competitive real estate market. However, how long does it take to build one?Preliminary PlanningClarifying your project’s scope is crucial. Determining whether your goal is to create a rental income source with an ADU or to expand your living space with a home addition will guide your planning, design, and budgeting phases.This initial step ensures your project aligns with your long-term desires. In 2022, 10% of renovations in the U.S. were home additions, underscoring the popularity of expanding to meet evolving homeowner needs.Researching local regulations and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to the process. Zoning laws, building codes and permit requirements can significantly impact your project from design to completion.Remember — the time it takes to navigate this stage can vary widely depending on your location. In some areas, you might secure permits in weeks, while it could take months in others. Starting this research early and planning accordingly will help you set realistic timelines and avoid potential setbacks.Design and PermitsWorking with architects or designers is pivotal in turning your vision for a home addition or an ADU into a tangible plan. This collaboration begins with sharing your ideas and requirements, allowing the professionals to draft initial designs.Be prepared for a process requiring several iterations, as your feedback leads to revisions. The complexity of your project and the number of design drafts can significantly influence the time frame for finalizing plans.Navigating the permit process is another crucial phase, with waiting times that can vary significantly across different municipalities. Some areas process your application within weeks, while others could take several months. Florida jurisdictions may reduce permit fees by up to 75% if you retain a private provider for building inspection services, potentially offering substantial savings. Contractors or building companies experienced in local building requirements often understand the ins and outs of the process in your area, which can help secure permits more efficiently.In addition, you must obtain permission for other projects, such as installing a pool or deck, and updating the electrical system or plumbing. Ensure your plans are complete and comply with local codes before submission to streamline this step.Construction TimelinesThe construction phase starts with vital initial steps such as site preparation and foundation work. During site preparation, workers clear, level and prepare the area for construction. Then, they start with foundation work, which involves excavating, setting footers, and pouring concrete to support your ADU or home addition.This foundational stage typically spans several days, depending on the project’s scale and site conditions. It’s essential to account for this time frame in your overall project planning, as a solid foundation is critical for the durability and safety of your new structure.As the foundation sets, construction moves to framing, roofing and interior finishes. Framing gives your addition its shape and structure. Meanwhile, roofing protects it from the elements, and interior finishes transform it into a livable space.The construction of the addition can vary in time, usually taking several months to complete. While a typical project might progress smoothly within expected time frames, it’s wise to anticipate potential delays due to weather, materials shortages or labor availability.The final phase includes a thorough inspection to ensure everything meets local building codes and standards, followed by necessary adjustments. This last step is crucial and can take additional weeks. It underscores the importance of building in extra time into your project timeline for these final touches.Factors Affecting Timelines and How to Manage ThemWeather is significant in construction schedules, particularly for external work such as framing, roofing and foundation setting. For instance, rain, snow or extreme temperatures can halt work, extending the timeline of your project. These delays are inconvenient and can impact other scheduled tasks, pushing your completion date further.To mitigate weather-related risks, planning your construction during your area’s most stable weather periods is wise. However, always prepare for unexpected changes by incorporating buffer times into your schedule.Material delays and labor shortages are other critical factors that can extend your project. The current market experiences many fluctuations, leading to unforeseen delays in material delivery and a need for more skilled labor. Financial preparation for material and cost escalation can prevent unnecessary spending and ensure your project continues progressing despite rising prices.Partnering with reputable contractors with established supply chains and workforce can also help mitigate these risks. Since more complex or larger projects naturally take longer, setting realistic expectations is crucial. Understanding the potential for delays and budgeting your schedule and finances accordingly guarantees a smoother construction process.Planning for SuccessWhen planning your ADU or home addition project, embracing flexibility is crucial. Incorporate buffer periods to manage unexpected delays gracefully. Clear communication with architects, contractors and local authorities is paramount. For example, keeping your sentences below 25 words promotes straightforward, effective exchanges that help keep your project on track.This approach aids in maintaining timelines and in navigating the financial aspects of your project. In addition, budgeting for unforeseen delays or costs prepares you for any scenario. It reduces stress, which allows for a smoother project flow.Maximizing Property Value with ADUs and Home AdditionsConstructing an ADU or home addition can significantly enhance your property’s value, offering appealing benefits for sellers and buyers. Approach these projects with patience, flexibility, and thorough planning to guarantee the best outcomes and maximize the return on your investment. While the timeline of a build varies by design, home and construction crew, this basic schedule provides a rough estimate of when your new space should be complete.

One of the biggest hurdles buyers have faced over the past few years has
been a lack of homes available for sale. But that’s starting to change.