Shrewsbury Plumbing: Making A Good House Great

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“It’s a nice house.” Barbara, a Shrewsbury realtor, told us. “But in this market?” She shrugged. “Nice just isn’t enough. Buyers have their pick of the market, and they can afford to be picky. So they are.” Barbara pinpointed plumbing as one area that can make or break a house’s chances on the market. “Good plumbing just isn’t enough. That’s the baseline. That’s what buyers expect. But buyers aren’t biting when they find what they expect. They’re waiting for the wow – they want to be blown away!” If you’re not planning to sell, Barbara said, “Do this for yourself. It makes a real difference in the enjoyment you get from your home. And,” she continued, “who knows what tomorrow holds? If this recession has taught us anything, it’s that we need to build real, meaningful equity in our homes.”

Kitchens Count: Start Here For Maximum Impact

One of the best places to upgrade your plumbing is in your kitchen. “Kitchens sell,” Barbara told us. “Every home I show, they want to see the kitchen first.” Features that attract buyers include second sinks and hot water on demand faucets. “Style matters! Go with timeless classic design and focus on quality,” Barbara continued. “As for the refrigerator, the better, the better. Buyers want the fridge to be able to do everything – ice, water, walk the dog…” While your Shrewsbury plumber might not be able to help you out with the dog walking, everything else is a snap!

Better Bathrooms = Better Home

Second only to the kitchen, bathrooms are one of the most frequently used rooms in the house. “More is, of course, better,” Barbara told us. “We’re seeing more and more half baths being installed, now that a toilet can be installed almost anywhere. That adds a lot of value, particularly in a larger home.” Luxury upgrades, such as whirlpool or edgeless tubs, attract buyers and add enjoyment for the homeowner. A bathroom can be your private retreat, a place to hide out and relax after a stressful day at the office. Multi-jet showers are the plumbing upgrade of choice for many.

Outdoor Living Brings Instant Appeal

“Whatever you can do to make outdoor living easier, do it!” Barbara advised. “People don’t want to be inside. They want to barbecue. They want to hang out on the porch. They want to have fun.” Make the fun easy and safe by having your Shrewsbury plumber fix you up. An outdoor sink is a boon to grill masters – no worry about cross contamination or food borne illness when you can wash everything easily and frequently. Hoses for gardens – and garden sprinklers, the favorite lawn feature of grandchildren everywhere – are an easy upgrade. Fountains and other water features add aesthetic appeal and an element of elegance to your yard.

Ecologically Aware Plumbing

“Green, green, green! Some buyers, that’s the number one thing they’re after. They want the green home. Sustainability is a big word. So is conservation.” Capitalize on Barbara’s wisdom by making smart upgrades to your home’s plumbing system. The single biggest upgrade to make is to a low consumption toilet. You can save gallons of water with every flush – an easy and effortless way to make the planet breathe a little easier. Older appliances are often ‘thirsty’ – using far more water and electricity than they need to. Upgrading water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and other major appliances saves water – and in some regions can result in a tax credit or incentive payment! Save the planet and save money!

Think Long Term: Plumbing Upgrades For Seniors

“You have to think like a Baby Boomer,” Barbara said. “They’re looking for homes they can live in for the rest of their lives. These are people who aren’t planning on ever going to the nursing home.” Long term independence for seniors is easier when the plumbing is easy to use and operate. Universal design faucets, for example, can be turned on and off even by people with severe arthritis. “Step in tubs are big,” Barbara explained. “Showers that can be used while you’re sitting down. Think convenience, think easy to use.” Universal design is stylish and attractive, and works well in any home. “It doesn’t look industrial anymore,” Barbara assured us. “Which is great news.” Your (ANYTOWN) plumber can perform these upgrades.

Enhance Your Home’s Appeal With the Perfect Plumbing

PlumbingByFiveStar can be your secret weapon in getting your house ready to sell – or ready for you to enjoy it yourselves! Contact us about your plans. We can make it happen for you!