Now that you have decided to sell your home you may want to do a couple DIY updates to some of the main areas. Two rooms that add value when selling your home are the bathroom and the kitchen. If you want to add maximum value to your sale with some quick and easy DIY’s then a great place to start is the bathroom! If you’re looking to sell your home and want to make some bathroom updates then keep on reading!

GROUT CLEANING

When looking at your bathroom does the grout in the shower and on the flooring appear dark and dirty? If this is the case a great DIY grout cleaning will do the trick for those sad looking tiles. Follow this easy recipe: half a cup of baking soda, a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide, and one teaspoon of dish soap. Mix the ingredients together until you have a paste. Take an old tooth brush and squish it into the paste and onto the grout. Wait about ten minutes for the paste to settle then wipe it clean! 

RE-CAULKING

The shower and bathtub are areas where caulking can appear moldy despite your best efforts to keep it clean. Caulking is installed where tiling meets countertops and around the tub or shower. Often times caulking is initially installed and isn’t replaced. Ensure that when you remove and replace moldy caulking with water-resistant caulking. Apply the caulking with smooth and even pressure with a damp finger or a small sponge. Let it dry completely before starting up your bath or shower! 

FRESH PAINT

If your walls are scuffed and dirty giving them a fresh coat of paint will completely alter the appearance of your bathroom! If you want to get top dollar for your home, remember you are painting for buyers and not for yourself. Choose a soft neutral colour so that a buyer can picture themselves in the space. The only exception to neutral colors is to highlight an accent wall. Add a patterned wallpaper to a small powder room as long as the rest of the bathroom is kept a neutral colour! 

There is no doubt that the trend to having a minimalistic designed home has been more popular than ever. To achieve this contemporary and sophisticated style use low-maintenance materials when designing your home. For example, concrete has always been a prime material to use for its versatility and durability and this is why concrete polished floors have been a staple design trend in 2021. If you’re looking for a reason to incorporate concrete floors into your home then keep on reading! 

ELEGANT APPEARANCE

Polished concrete floors have a light-reflective property that can vary depending on the home-owners preference. Concrete floors can be finished with a subtle glow or a full-blown gloss. Depending on the amount of shine that is preferred, concrete floors are a suitable option for an industrial looking home or a more modern feel. Regardless of the style you are going for concrete polished floors will complete your renovation and can be incorporated all throughout the home.  

MINIMUM MAINTENANCE

Damaging this type of flooring is virtually impossible. Once your concrete floor is installed you will only have to worry about sweeping and wiping occasional dust and dirt. Any scratches, dents, or chips in the concrete that may have occurred during installation will not negatively affect the appearance of the floors as the polished finish will mask any imperfections. Don’t be afraid to install this type of flooring in any high traffic areas!  

LONG LIFE SPAN

One of the greatest advantages of installing polished concrete floors is that it requires very little maintenance and will last for years. Polished concrete floors are moisture resistant if the installation and sealing is done correctly, making this flooring last a decade! For both the installation and cleaning harsh chemicals aren’t needed for polished concrete floors and if you prefer environmentally friendly products, they can easily be used with this type of flooring. Concrete polished floors have been saved for basements and garages for far too long!  

The City of Vancouver is proposing an upgrade to the existing off-leash dog area in Coopers' Park, located adjacent to the Cambie Street Bridge. The proposed dog park will consist of many new features such as tunnels, ramps, boulders, logs, climbing blocks and agility poles. Resembling a doggie theme park the new dog area will also include water and agility features, a designated digging area, and a separate section for shy unsocial pups.  

The Vancouver Park Board has raised several issues with the existing off-leash dog park. The wide-open area lacks fencing, good lighting and covered areas. Not to mention the pre-existing lawn has been torn apart by rambunctious dogs.  

The upgraded dog park will include synthetic turf specifically designed for dogs. A secure fence will surround the park and there will be a separate area for the pups to do their business. The new design incorporates several designated play zones and seating areas.  

Other improvements coming to the park include a playground, fitness area, and a controversial $645,000 public toilet. The public washroom is set to include an exterior hand washing station and a drinking fountain, installation is planned for Fall 2021.  

The Park Board collected feedback from an online survey for the new dog park which will lead to design revisions Summer 2021. Construction in Coopers' park will commence as early as Winter 2021! 

Often when we think of a modern kitchen, we are prone to imaging shaker style cabinets and marble countertops. A modern kitchen doesn’t have to be defined by this style! There are many different kitchen trends that can involve lots of colour and functional designs. If you are looking to make an update in the kitchen and need some design tips, keep reading for modern yet unique kitchen inspiration! 

SLEEK AND SIMPLISTIC

Reinvent your kitchen design by going simple and sleek. In this design trend choose cabinetry and hardware that blend in together and embody earthy tones. Less is better! Ditch upper cabinets or even use exposed floating shelves for the extra storage. Choose industrial materials when finishing your kitchen instead of traditional elements such as quartz countertops. Tadelakt and micro-cement are textured options that aren’t porous and don’t stain so they are perfect for the counters! 

TWO-TONED

Let your mood inspire your kitchen design and slap some colour in there! You don’t have to go wild and graphic to transform your spac, try experimenting with two-toned cabinetry. Keep the bottom or top half of your cabinets a natural wood while painting the rest a navy blue, hunter green or even gray to add dimension to the space.  If you have an island, take advantage of this separation and paint those lower cabinets a completely different colour! Your space will instantly become more modern and will be the feature in your home!  

GET GROOVY

All good things come back in style! Give your kitchen a 70’s inspired makeover with quirky hardware and pale coloured cabinetry. Play around with different textures and patterns when it comes to your kitchen design. Don’t be afraid to add in beaded doors with loud handles to stray away from the traditional sleek look. Choose a bold stone for your countertops and use it as the backsplash as well! This design may be inspired by the past but it will give your kitchen a modern and polished look!