Upgrading a home can be a long, difficult and expensive
undertaking, and few know this better than real estate
veterans and house flippers Anita and Ken Corsini, known
as the stars of HGTV’s “Flip or Flop Atlanta.” They’ve shared
their advice with Cherokee Life, whether you’re working on
one or more smaller projects or giving your whole house a
makeover.
The Woodstock residents are the owners of construction
and real estate company Red Barn Homes. They also do
consulting and renovation work for home projects.
The first decision a homeowner has to make when
considering a project is whether they’re doing it for
themselves or for a potential new buyer, Ken Corsini said.
That can inform everything from how much to invest in it
to design choices. If a family wants an expansion on their
house they can enjoy for years to come, it might be okay to
spend more than they would get back from a sale.
Home improvement on a budget
Anita Corsini emphasizes making a plan early in the process.
Once started, slight adjustments, like moving a kitchen island
an inch or two, can quickly drive up a project’s costs.
If you’re looking to increase the value of your home or
just make part of it a little more up-to-date, there are simple
ways to do it without breaking the bank.
Whatever your project is, keep plumbing and electrical
changes to a minimum if cost is an issue, Ken Corsini said.
You can often expect a project to cost more than you
think it will. When they’re flipping houses, the Corsinis add
an extra 10% to their budget.
18 CHEROKEE LIFE | MARCH - APRIL 2020
Kitchen
If you’re bored with your kitchen, you may want to start
with a fresh coat of paint. Repainting the kitchen cabinets
is an easy way to create a new look. Anita Corsini said
something that’s growing in popularity is using more color,
like blue or green.
“I think color cabinetry is cool. The color can even be
neutral. But it’s gutsy, and some people aren’t willing to do
it,” she said.
Ken Corsini said that cabinets, counter tops and a back
splash can make a huge difference.
“Just those three things, you don’t have to spend a lot of
money, you’re not moving plumbing around, maybe bop
a new fixture on there,” he said. “It makes it feel like it’s a
new kitchen.”
Anita and Ken Corsini
of ‘Flip or Flop Atlanta’
share their tips for
home renovations
By Shannon Ballew