Ask The Expert
Do you have a question for Caroline Carter and the team at Done In A Day?
Click here to email ccarter@doneinaday.com.
Q. I need to sell my parents house in Washington, DC, but I live outside the area. Can you help me?
A. Absolutely! Our role is to be your eyes and ears so that you do not have to worry
about the added stress of trying to manage the project from another state. We will provide you with a detailed overview
of our recommendations, and keep you fully updated by e-mail and or telephone. We will review our suggestions and
selections with you so that you have a comfort level with the related changes that will be made.
Q. How can you make fast and affordable changes to a kitchen that has not been updated?
A. There are many quick and cost effective ideas for updating a kitchen. Among them are painting existing cabinets to create a renewed polished look, change out and update the cabinet hardware (knobs, handles etc.) redo countertops with a variety of surface choices ranging from granite, to silestone and even formica, and updating appliances. The great thing is that any of these options would immediately enhance the look and value of your home.
Q. Why do we need to stage every room of the home? Can't we just do the main level?
A. Ideally the entire home is staged because the objective is to create the best possible impression for potential buyers. If there is a gap in the overall flow due to an empty space, the connection to the property will not be as strong. Properly placed furnishings allow the buyer to visualize the potential of the home, potentially enabling them to envision themselves in that space.
Q. How do you determine what style will appeal to buyers for each home, given that people have so many different tastes in furnishings?
A. Ultimately the decision is made based on the overall style of the home. For example we would never stage a traditional style home with contemporary furnishings. Once the style has been determined, furnishings and accessories are selected that will appeal to the broadest selection of potential buyers. It is important to remember that staging a home is very different than the way someone would put their own personal stamp on the home's décor. Staging does not distract, rather it enhances the space in tasteful way.
Q. I am used to doing a home spruce-up myself, but I am short on time to work on my home. Can we work together in some way to make use of my ideas and skills in combination with yours?
A. By all means - we can absolutely work together to address your ideas, while advising you on our suggestions for the related space. Remember, we can be the perfect solution for someone who is short on time, as we take care of everything for you. We will make suggestions on how to best update and enhance your home in the most cost effective manner.
Q. How do you approach rooms that are awkwardly arranged, for instance with windows and doors in inconvenient places, or rooms that must be walked through to reach other rooms?
A. Our team of design experts have seen everything! There is not a space or a room configuration that we cannot work with. Basically, we need to determine what will make the space appear the most inviting and least crowded. We can then artfully place furniture and accessories to enhance rather than draw attention to "quirky" or awkward spaces.
