Aiken SC Homes | 7 Tips When Remodeling

We saw this online report for 2023 return on investment on remodeling projects; it had some interesting and surprising data.  

 

Check out some of the data:

Garage Doors  99%

Window Replacement-Vinyl     71%

Wood Deck Addition    46%

Adding Faux Stone      108%

Composite Deck Addition        38%

Minor Kitchen Remodel- Midrange      79%

UPSCALE Primary Suite Addition        20%

Bath Remodel-Midrange          64%

Data source:  2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report-South Atlantic

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2023/

 

We have 7 tips that can save you money and stress if you are considering a remodeling project.

 

#1   Write Your Vision

Write down in detail your remodeling vision with a complete list the products, fixtures and finishes you want.

 

#2   Cost Saving

Trade the savings on lower-priced items for the ability to afford higher-priced items you deem more desirable to YOU. Here is an Example. If you’d like to spend on a “focal” or more prominent light fixture you love, why don’t you select more modest fixtures for hallways, laundry room, garage? Or maybe not the most expensive counter tops for your kitchen but counter tops that still give you an awesome look but about 10-20% less in price.

 

#3   May Sell

Do not go wild on items that are costly to change out if you want a better return on investment.

What the most personalized home feature you ever seen?  For me it was custom purple counter tops in the kitchen including flooring and wall color…they really liked the color purple.

 

#5   Interview Contractors

Getting a couple estimates on the exact same work, make sure to compare apples to apples.

Sometimes the lowest price does not mean it is the best contractor for you. Ask for references or to see their work.

 

#6   Verify

Verify your contractor is truly licensed in the field of work they will be doing for you.  Also, that they have proper insurances and are bonded. This is important, we could tell stories on this topic alone.

 

#7   Think Hyperlocal

Get your estimates for projects and talk with an experienced local real-state professional about home values in the neighborhood and what YOUR ROI might be.  No matter what your return on the investment maybe you still may want to proceed forward BUT IT’S BEST TO BE WELL-INFORMED. 

 

Thinking of selling a property? We would love to let our knowledge go to work for you. It’s a big decision, we know. We’re to help!

 

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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Is Your Well Water, Well? | Aiken, SC

Smart Selling tip…Check your well water before you sell your home. Well water is a concern for potential buyers and should be concern for any homeowner too.

If you have a home with well that is great. We both have one and love the taste of the water. We are also both guilty of not testing our water as often as we should either. Time for us to test our water.

 

Over the past couple years, we have experienced several properties where some well water testing results where out of EPA guidelines, which can impact the sale your home or if you are living in the home; your health. In all cases the homeowners had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the well water corrected and retested which is stressful. Some are very simple fixes and others are more complex. The time and cost build up when you have to retest the water sample several times. This can delay a closing. For example, VA loans require well water being tested and must be within the guidelines.

 

Smart Buying Tip…when buying a home, it is recommended you get a well test during your due diligence period. It is reasonable when purchasing a home to want to have the comfort of knowing your well is functional and can provide enough safe water. The two most important things a home buyer or a homeowner are looking for in a well are a strong + consistent water flow rate and clean, safe drinking water. Water testing collection can be by an inspector or certified lab tech who will collect the water samples for a fee and take to private lab for testing.  

 

As homeowner you can collect the water using proper sample bottles and following the instructions given to you. DHEC has a service available for a reasonable fee for homeowners. Click here to visit their website.

 

Depending on the test you request; your water will be tested for bacterial contamination like Coliform, E. coli as well as other contaminants like chlorine, sulfur, iron, nitrates, PH level and more. Just because the water is clear and tastes good does not mean there are not concerns with your water. Guess that means we better get our water tested sooner than later. Best practice is checking the well water and system before you buy and then routinely during your ownership.

 

Need an experienced team to help with your home buying or selling needs? It’s a big decision, we know. We’re here to help!

 

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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Buying a Home, 7 RED Flags | Aiken, SC

Buying a home is a serious step. Here are some RED FLAGS to look for, which might indicate there is deeper problem or concern.

 

1.      Too Much Scent

Could be masking offensive odors.

2.      Wonky Windows

Can signal issue with installation or foundation. Might have to budget on spending some money to repair of fix.

3.      Bad Ventilation

Could allow moisture to stick around creating mold inside a home or in the crawl space. We see this in poorly ventilated bathrooms or just owners who fail to turn on the exhaust fan.

4.      Poor Tiling

Maybe DIY or bad installer, can be costly to redo entire area.

5.      Water Damage

Musty odors could be an indicator. Check walls, ceilings, even flooring for water marks or staining. Investigate history of these areas as best as possible.

6.      Foundation Issues

Large Gaps in foundation, uneven floors, and remarkable cracks inside or outside the house.

7.      Poor Maintenance

Can indicate seller ignored other ongoing issues or an investment property and tenant did not share active issues.

 

We always recommend having a home inspector, licensed contractor or expert in that field to evaluate any areas of concern to confirm you know what you are buying. We want our clients as well informed as possible. Do you need help and guidance buying or selling your property? We would love to be your entrusted team.

 

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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Pros + Cons of Aiken, South Carolina

Every area has it’s pros and cons of living there… right? We thought we would share our pros and cons of Aiken, South Carolina.

My CON is the lack of shopping with the bigger type stores since mall has been gone.

That’s funny my PRO is the charming boutiques downtown, I do love shopping locally.

Yes, she does and so do I.  We have a wonderful variety of exceptional stores and shopping opportunites downtown.

Also, don’t forget  the old Aiken mall is starting to take shape and in about a year we should have a destination place to shop, dine, play and live, they say.

Do you think they will call it the “Old Aiken Mall”?

For fun comment below and give us your thoughts on a name. The one with the most likes will get a prize!

Here’s my PRO. It’s central location, ideal for day trips or overnights.

Within 2.5 hours you can be in the coastal areas, mountains or big city life. There’s Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia.

Just 30 minutes away is Augusta, Georgia across the Savannah River. An hour away… Columbia our state Capital. Want to mention the Riverbank Zoo there is really awesome, plus both cities have airports. 

Another point within an hour is 2 large freshwater lakes.

My CON may not be popular to say but we are getting too many of the same type of new developments with smaller lots with similar style built homes.

Are you wanting to see neighborhoods created with larger or maybe acreage sized lots where you have a variety of builders  who can build  there which will provide a more  diversity in style and looks? Yes exactly.  It’s not as profitable but there is a demand for that type of development in my opinion.

So what’s your last  PRO? The friendly people here in the community. There are so many giving, big hearted people here in Aiken.

 

Don’t forget to share your names for “ old Aiken mall” let’s have some fun and laughs with this. We’re just glad to see some progress there!

 

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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Hammond’s Ferry | N. Augusta Waterfront + The Village at Woodside | Aike...

Two Village Style Neighborhoods- Riverfront and Southern Inspired Homes in South Carolina

This week we are going to highlight two “village style neighborhoods” that offer mixed use. What I mean is they could have businesses, restaurants, different types of housing like single-family homes; small and large, semi-attached housing such as a townhome or even apartments.

 

We chose to start with two communities that influence Southern or Riverfront Living that offers style from yesteryear combined with modern conveniences of newer construction. Both have good amount of greenspace, walk-ways, common areas; where people come to meet, work out or just relax.

 

Then first one is Hammond’s Ferry in the charming City of North Augusta in South Carolina. Overlooking the timeless beauty of the Savannah River, Riverside Village, and the popular North Augusta Greeneway; where you can walk or bike for miles. Plus, its easy drive to Augusta Georgia.

Hammond’s Ferry is named for the ferry service that, in the late 1700s, plied the river between Augusta, Georgia, and Campbell Town, South Carolina. – which would later become North Augusta.

The properties were designed for easy maintenance and feature porches, balconies, verandas, or broad entries within “conversation distance” of the sidewalk. The homes are close and lots small; it’s all about using the common areas. The result is a strong, old-fashioned sense of community.

Currently there is very slim inventory in this community, most recent pricing starts at $400,000 and up. There are some magnificent waterfront properties that will go over $1,000,000+. There are homeowner associations and covenants in a community like this. It is truly a picturesque community where you have access to the Savannah River and more.

 

The second community is in Aiken, South Carolina… “The Village at Woodside”.

This is a Southern Living inspired community, that is very quaint, mixed use community with a variety of lifestyles; many common and walking areas, businesses, and restaurants. The idea here is to live, work and play in a neotraditional neighborhood setting.

The Village is located at one of Woodside’s gated community entrances off Silver Bluff Road.

Here you can embrace Southern charm and gracious living from the front porch of your cottage, classic home, luxury apartment, or townhome. This community is located within 15 minutes of downtown Aiken and famous Hitchcock Woods.

There are several medical and professional offices, a wellness center, day spa and numerous great eateries. The Pavilion, the community’s gathering space with a water feature and seating area, now plays host to many events. Here it is all within footsteps of your front door.

Currently there is very slim inventory here too, most recent pricing starts at  $325,000 and up depending on the property. This community offers small easy-care lots and yes, the homes are close but there is a lot of common areas. There is a homeowner association and covenants in this community.

To avoid confusion, this charming community is not in Woodside Plantation and there is no requirement to join either country club, it would be your option. It is just extremely convenient if you decide you want to join a country club and enjoy that lifestyle too.

 

Did you find this overview informative and interesting? What type of communities would you like us to share in the future? Just comment below or message us.

 

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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