With the right touch, a small space, such as a dorm, apartment, or condominium, can appear to be much larger.

• Storage is the primary issue in a small space. You’ll need to be as efficient as possible, so take advantage of every storage opportunity. Add hooks along the walls of a closet and shelves at the top and bottom. The back of the closet door can be utilized for storage of shoes and other accessories using special storage hangers and organizers found at many home improvement and decorating stores.

• Make use of dual-purpose items. For example, you can convert a storage trunk into a coffee table, or use a file cabinet as an end-table.

• Coordinating color schemes throughout your space can make it seem much larger than it actually is. From bedding, bath towels, and kitchen utensils, to wallpaper, pictures, frames and decorative items, the seamless flow of a single color draws the eye around the room, making it seem more spacious.

• Opt for smaller versions of the things you need. For example, refrigerators come in a variety of sizes that can fit any dorm room or small apartment, from the traditional cube-like dorm fridge, to skinnier versions of the traditional full-sized refrigerators found in most homes.

• Finally, getting organized and clearing the clutter is the best way to add room to any space. Cut the clutter from counters and tables by using drawers and shelves to keep your belongings organized. Select personal mementos for display carefully, and keep the rest packed away until you graduate from school, or into a bigger space.

Many buyers get nervous when they see a long list of items that the inspector recommends having fixed or looked at, regardless of how easy and cheap they are to fix. Home sellers can significantly shorten the inspector’s list by spending an afternoon going through their home and taking care of several small, yet important items.

Here is a list that may be helpful for you in preparing your house for a home buyer’s inspection. Many of these items can be done at little or no cost and are part of a regular maintenance program for any home. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it’s a good start.

House Exterior:

• Remove soil or mulch from contact with siding. Six or more inches of clearance are best.
• Clean out dirty gutters and any debris from the roof.
• Check to make sure all water from downspouts, sump pump, condensation and basement entry drains is diverted away from the house.
• Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from the foundation, roof, and siding.
• Caulk all exterior wall penetrations.
• Remove any locks from gates and electrical panels.

House Interior:

• Clean or replace heating and cooling filters; clean dirty air returns and supply registers.
• Test all smoke detectors to ensure that they are working.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Replace any broken/missing outlet and light switch covers.
• Ensure all windows and doors open, close, and lock properly.
• Clean and consider lubricating window tracks on all sliding windows.
• Ensure ready access to all rooms, attics, and crawlspaces.
• Clear all furniture, boxes and other personal items that may block access to the furnace, water heater, and electrical panel.
• If the house is vacant, ensure all utilities are turned on. This includes water, electricity, and gas. Ensure pilot lights are lit on all gas appliances.

Kitchen and Bathrooms

• Check that all plumbing fixtures such as the toilet, tub, shower, and sinks are in proper working condition. Fix any leaks and caulk around fixtures if necessary.
• Caulk and gaps around the backsplash in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Caulk any gaps where tub/shower surround meets the wall or floor.
• Clean out areas under sinks so they can be properly inspected.
• Tighten up any loose hinges or handles on all cabinet doors and drawers.
• Ensure GFCI receptacles are functional.

Justin Washburn

WIN Goodyear

(623) 399-6222

(623) 399-8984 Fax

www.WINI.com/Goodyear