Caulk is it's Name!
A much overlooked and easy-as-pie 'fix' is caulking or re-caulking in areas where the old caulk is missing or discolored, usually in baths and kitchens. I know, it sounds like work and not much fun, but in a short while your bath or kitchen can go from "Ick" to "Wow"
What do you want for a buck?
No matter how much you scrub tile or solid surfaces, and no matter how sparkling those surfaces are, the potential Buyer will be turned off by missing or discolored caulk--- might even turn you in to Good Housekeeping for failing the picky-buyer test. Trust me, home buyers in San Antonio are REALLY picky!
Just remember to use the right type- silicone in wet areas, 'regular' anywhere the caulk could be painted (silicone will not hold paint). We're mostly talking about interior jobs, but if your home needs caulking on the outside, consider having a painter do the job- unless you ARE handy! Most Handymen or Small-job painters will do a quick job for a quick buck.
If old caulk has to be removed, there are simple tools for that at the local "box store". If you're not 'handy', read the instructions to a 12 year-old and toss him a few bucks!
-Steve
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas
If you are planning to Buy or Sell a home or land in San Antonio or the Texas Hill Country, we'd be happy to get you moved on with your life! You can go to our blog, website, Facebook page or just, call to Chat: 210-492-6683
www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com
Sara, Our neighbor painted their house themself and did not caulk. It seems like such a waste to go to all that effort and then not caulk where it needs caulked. We are constantly caulking; I guess real estate does that for you.
Great suggestion> I've seen too many homes where the owners did not add the "finishing touch."
Great tip on paying attention to indoor caulking needs. It is very nocticeable when it is missing in spots and separated, especially around tubs/showers, counters. My husband just had to do our bathroom and it generally turned out good. Just a little shaky hand near a corner! Sue of Robin and Sue
Hi Marchel- We just had our house painted and the painter prepped like crazy and the home is less than 6 years old!
Hi Margo- Sometimes it takes that last little "finishing touch".
Hi Robin and Sue- It does take a little practice, but if you apply the painters caulk first and keep a damp towel handy for clean up, you'll be ready to do the tubs, showers and sinks!
--Sara
This can make such a big difference! A little thing but really important!
There are products for sale that also help remove old caulk, and help smooth caulk as you put it on . . . the new products really are easy to work with as well. There are even "one use" caulk tubes so you don't need a caulk gun to create a great fresh look. No excuses not to give it a try!
So True! It makes such a difference on how the buyer perceives the property. Deferred maintenance raises red flags and makes the buyer wonder ' if they didn't do this easy fix what else did they let go that I can't see?'