Getting Top Dollar for a Townhouse

Homeowners John Capostoe and Jeff Hopp are tired of driving to work — they want to walk instead. So, they have decided to pack up, sell their suburban Virginia home and move to downtown Washington, D.C. Their two-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot home has a lot of great selling features. It is located in a trendy part of town, has a finished basement and the spacious living room sports a big fireplace.

Real estate expert Terry Haas points out the flaws that will prevent this home from being a quick sale. She likes the townhouse-condominium concept, with each unit having its own entryway. She thinks the living room is a nice neutral color, but the furniture placement makes no sense and doesn't highlight the room's best features. Down in the basement, Haas has a problem with the raised platform in the office area; it is awkward and makes the ceiling feel very low. She is grossed out by the basement bathroom, remarking that it is filthy with dog hair, there are burn marks on the linoleum floor, and the vanity looks cheap and dated.

Designer Taniya Nayak agrees with Haas' comments and has a $2,000 design plan that will turn all the negatives into positives.

Step 1: Rearrange the living room furniture to emphasize the room's best features.

Step 2: Remove the strange platform in the basement, and transform the room into a trendy media room.

Step 3: Overhaul the bathroom by painting, knocking down the shower wall and replacing the floors and vanity.

Contractor Simon Ley and carpenter Lynn Kegan have the all the right skills and high-powered tools to get the job done, and they are ready to get to work.