The HGTV Effect, and non-negotiable home improvements

I have had several home improvements that were a matter of necessity come up in the past year. So I saved my money and did all of my due diligence quotes. I am not a fan of excessive remodeling, because of the HGTV effect, and so much goes to the landfill. However, when it comes to home maintenance items, or must dos, we must protect our investments.

The first order of business was to put a protective railing around my front porch so that my new Covid foundling, Fiver, would not get out. He is an adorable Min Pin/Chihuahua who looks very punk rock in his Coyotevest, which he dons because he almost became a Hawk’s lunch. The fence around my porch also allows for me and my canine companions to watch the cars go by, and gaze at the Butterfly Garden, designed and maintained by Jason Aldrich of First Vers.. I contracted the Virginia Rail Guys to do this, then realized that I better address the cracking concrete from doing any more water damage to my foundation. The quote for concrete replacement (could not be repaired), was four thousand dollars!! Took my breath away, but they suggested Rivercity Wrap to repair the surface. RCW had come across my radar because my listing client at 5700 Riverside Dr had had it done and it was gorgeous. I love my rails, and Rivercity Wrap went above and beyond; I have already had several clients say they want a wrap now.

The other pressing matter was my laundry room. It was becoming a fall hazard…After getting some outrageous quotes from General Contractors I decided to contract it myself. I used John Rayfield, who did a beautiful job on my bathroom (see it), which was beginning to crack and cause water damage. As a master carpenter, he paid great attention to detail and was highly professional. On his recommendation I hired George Jones (not the musician) to do my electrical, and he too, was impeccable. I made space to bring my water heater down from the attic. When I bought my home in 2013 the inspector said it had two years left, but she is, thankfully, still alive and kicking. But I am hoping to put a tankless water heater in as my client who LOVES baths bought one so he can have hot water throughout his bathing time. It also is great because it utilizes space so nicely. More research needed, of course.

Finally, as a treat to myself, and because I finally have more Real Estate for art in my 100 sf home I bought a painting by Sean McClain. I had seen this painting at ArtSpace a year ago, and to this day would often remember it. I LOVE it so much., it is pictured in the finished laundry room below. I love all these little projects and was thankful I was able to do so.

I hope you like it, too!

Article on HGTV and Environmental Impact and impact on market