So you have the extra budget to finally remodel your kitchen, bath, bedroom, or living room, now what? Before hiring a contractor, do yourself and the value of your home a favor and hire a designer to put life to your vision and take the lead with your contractor to make sure your project reaches completion to all your specifications. I recently completed a renovation myself, and used Creative Concepts By Marco, and have referred him to numerous clients for renovations, with incredible results. His work speaks for itself, however if you are reading this and are not in the area, I would encourage you to consult a designer that suits your taste before hiring a contractor. The designer takes the vision and objective to the contractor to execute, and leaves less of the onus on you to interpret to the contractor exactly what you are looking for. There are a number of items to consider on both the part of the designer and contractor that you may not initially have in mind. Here are some of the services that are offered by Marco and some of the reasons that they figure importantly into a renovation.

1.Objectives: Marco uses a pre-planning session to establish client objectives and obtain a vision for the project. Whether you are looking for modern/contemporary or bohemian chic, these objectives and vision are really the work of a creative mind rather than a contractor. In addition, Marco provides project management for out of town clients, from the drafts drawings to the last decorative object.

2.Budget: When working with a contractor alone, you may have caviar taste, but a smoked fish budget. A designer can show you how to achieve a certain look with materials that are within your budget. Certain types of acrylic tubs in bathrooms, for example, may bring the budget down enough to allow for marble and maple vanities.

3.Materials: Certain materials are worth their weight in design and in value of a home. Marble is always a splurge that pays off, while certain types of tiles may not make the impact that is as noticeable. Your designer will be able to weigh in on what is worth it and what is not in terms of materials and can also suggest alternatives.

4.Design: While you may have a number of magazine images that are in your mind, your designer can make the pages come to life, and also take you to places to choose the items that will really personalize the renovated space. Some designers bring the samples so you do not get completely bogged down in the minutia of a home store and lose your vision.

Renovations increase a home’s value, however, major renovations will not substantially increase a home’s value in relation to other comparable properties in your market, so it is best to consult a Realtor regarding the value of your home on the market “as is” before renovations. To determine the value of your property in today’s market, contact me today!

I am pleased to announce my newest listing in the popular well located Berkley South Condominium. Before I expound on the updates and advantages of beautiful 10J, let me spend a bit of time introducing you to Berkley South. Berkley South is located at 3015 North Ocean Boulevard in the Central Beach Alliance area of Fort Lauderdale nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The amenities in this building are what one would find in a resort, featuring studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences ranging between 600 and 1350 square feet. This building has undergone major renovation projects recently that included new elevators, comprehensive concrete restoration on all balconies, a newly designed lobby, parking and garage restoration, and upgraded Clubroom kitchen. Building amenities include a heated freshwater pool on a 40,000 sq. ft. deck, 24 hour security, full time property manager on the premises, extra storage space for each apartment, BBQ area, tennis court, billiards room, and fitness facilities. This is a pet friendly property with lenient rental policies allowing you to rent your unit the first year of occupancy. It has direct beach access, and is close to many wonderful restaurants, shopping and nightlife in the area.

Residence 10J is a beautifully updated two bedroom and two bathroom residence with incredible upgrades, and is offered at $289,000. The views are some of the best in the building with highly desirable southern exposure to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset with views of the Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Fort Lauderdale Skyline. The kitchen has been updated with custom maple cabinetry, GE Profile appliances, granite countertops and backsplash … perfect for the casual or professional chef. Features include 18 inch diagonally laid tile floors in living area with new wood tile floors in each bedroom. Both bathrooms have updated marble and granite topped custom wood vanities, with a Jacuzzi tub in the master. Each bedroom has walk in closets. There are real wood Plantation Shutter window treatments on all openings. Each unit comes with a covered underground secure parking space; an additional underground space can be rented for $25 per month. The monthly maintenance for this unit is a very reasonable $617 per month (to include reserves), which, if purchased as an investment, would easily be absorbed since the rental prices in Fort Lauderdale have consistently been on the rise. For more information on this incredible turn-key property contact me today! 954-770-8525