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their homes. Such
homeowners can create
a billiards room or paint
a room hot pink if they
so prefer. However,
if the goal is to make
improvements in order
to sell a property, overly
personal touches may
make a property less
appealing to prospective
buyers. Trends come and
go, and improvements
can be expensive. If
your ultimate goal is to
sell your home, opt for
renovations that will
look beautiful through
the ages and avoid bold
choices that may only
appeal to a select few
buyers.
Forgetting to properly
vet all workers
It is important to vet your
contractor, but don’t
forget to vet potential
subcontractors as well.
Failing to do so can
prove a costly mistake.
Contractors often look to
subcontractors to perform
certain parts of a job, and
it is the responsibility of
homeowners to vet these
workers.
Expecting everything
to go as planned
Optimism is great, but you
also should be a realist.
Knowing what potentially
could go wrong puts
you in a better position
to handle any problems
should they arise. The
project might go off
without a hitch, but plan
for a few hiccups along
the way.
v MetroCreative Connection
Handy Tips for Revitalizing
Paneled Rooms
Paneling is a low-cost way to
cover problem walls. In the 1960s
and 1970s, paneling was very
popular. Sold in large panels, paneling was relatively easy to hang, and
quickly became a staple of dens and
finished basements.
But few of today’s homeowners
are enamored with the look of faux
wood paneling. Those who purchase
homes that have paneling on the
walls often search for ways to transform the look of rooms in which the
walls are covered in paneling. While
paneling does go up quickly, removing it may not be as simple. Explore
these options for giving paneled
walls a new look.
Paint over the paneling
The fastest way to breathe new life
into a paneled room is to paint over
the paneling. The texture of the pan-
eling will show from beneath, giving
the room appeal without the dark
hue of the wood or veneer panels.
Consult with a paint store or home
improvement center to determine
the most effective way to cover up
paneling with paint. Sometimes it
is wise to lightly scuff the paneling with a fine-grit sandpaper so
that the paint will adhere. Shiny or
glossed paneling can be dulled with
a de-glossing product. Sometimes
a combination of a thick primer and
color will grip the paneling and reduce the number of coats needed to
cover it. Also, invest in a high-quality,
professional-grade paint. It may
cost a bit more, but such paint will
be well worth it when it glides over
the paneling, covering it completely.
vPaneling
continued on page 18
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TODAY’S HOME - Spring 2015 • 17