New construction is a hot commodity in the luxury Westfield marketplace. To keep up with newly built homes, many homeowners opt to renovate their older home before they sell. Tearing down walls to create a more open floor plan and updating the kitchen for today’s modern lifestyle may be a great idea. But don’t get rid of everything. Today’s Westfield home renovation tip is important for owners of older homes. Some of the features original to your house should never be thrown out, covered up or replaced unless they are absolutely beyond repair.

Westfield Home Renovation Tip: “Must Keep” Original Features

Hardwood Floors

Buyers love to see these two words when looking at a Westfield home: original hardwoods. Modern construction rarely incorporates traditional hardwood flooring anymore. When ripping up your carpet or tearing into the linoleum in the kitchen, check to see if you have original hardwood flooring underneath. If they’re in good shape, you simply need to sand them down and stain them to restore them to their original beauty. Oftentimes, it’s worth the time and money involved to fix damaged hardwood floors instead of replacing them with new flooring. Consult your contractor for the costs. Then, talk to your Westfield REALTOR® about whether they believe the cost is worth it when it comes time to sell.

Fireplace

Fireplaces create beautiful focal points in most rooms. For older Westfield homes, in particular, this proves especially true. First, have the chimney and flue inspected by a professional to make sure they work properly. Soap and water work well to clean up a stone surround. But a wooden mantel requires a more delicate touch. Sand it down before applying a fresh stain or coat of paint. Pay special attention to any original detailing. Even a non-functioning fireplace can still be a focal point after you restore its appearance. Set candles inside instead of logs once you’ve finished renovating it.

Hardware

Finally, never throw out your Westfield home’s original hardware. Old fashioned doorknobs, drawer pulls, and even light fixtures can be repurposed into modern design schemes. In fact, many buyers want to see original pieces like this included in an older home. They don’t necessarily have to be put back in their original locations, though. Kitchen pulls can be incorporated into the master bathroom. Exterior doorknobs can be used on the pantry door, linen closet or master bedroom door. And light fixtures can be moved to just about anywhere in your home.

You’ve heard the saying “they just don’t make them like they used to”. Well, it’s true. They don’t. If you plan on doing a home renovation on your older Westfield property, try to keep the original features listed above as part of the new design. Create something beautiful by marrying the old with the new. Buyers will love it.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes