Home improvements and upgrades sometimes take a backseat when finances are involved. However, there are alternatives. The good news is DIY property owners do not necessarily need to possess professional-level carpentry skills to make meaningful upgrades. With a little DIY elbow grease, handy property owners can implement cost-effective home improvements.
Although kitchens generally see the most foot traffic of any room in the house, staircases seem to sustain significant wear and tear.
Sanding hardwood staircases and restoring them to their original luster requires little money and delivers a significant return on investment. Consider using a belt sander to remove the bulk of any paint or coatings. If you don't already own one, hand-held edging sanders can typically be purchased for less than $100.
Once you have sanded the staircase down to its original wood, consider either staining it to match the decor or applying clear floor-grade polyurethane.
Homeowners will likely need to lay protective matting over the stairs while sanding them because the project usually takes more than one day. Once your relatively low-cost project is complete, luxurious wood stairways improve the ambiance and home value.
The notion of taking down kitchen cabinets and reinstalling them may seem like something only professionals can accomplish. While the process does require at least two people, it may not be as complicated as it appears. Consider following these steps to remove the units safely:
The screws are typically located above the visible top, inside and underneath the cabinet. Carpentry professionals tend to favor removing inside screws followed by the lowest to the highest ones. Once you have removed the cabinets, they can be disassembled, sanded, primed, stained and coated. Follow the removal steps in reverse order to reinstall them.
There are a wide range of inexpensive flooring products and materials the average homeowner can install in one day.
The flooring material homeowners select should match the anticipated use of the mudroom, which may involve hard impacts from foot traffic to tools used outside. It's also reasonable to expect this space will get wet and require routine sweeping. Big box home outlets offer vinyl, engineered wood and other relatively inexpensive homeowner-friendly products to install. It's important to vet the selection for its ability to resist water penetrations, denting, and cracking.
Homeowners on tight budgets may increase the peaceful enjoyment of their living spaces by making low-cost improvements and not worrying about major remodels. It's essential to feel good about being at home in small ways knowing big-ticket upgrades will happen when the time is right.
Hi! We are David and Evelyn - The Hickox Team!
With a shared passion for helping people find where you truly belong—whether it’s a dream home or a strategic commercial space—we’ve combined our experience, heart, and hustle to better serve you, as our client across the Chattahoochee Valley.
David brings sharp negotiation skills and market insight, and I bring creative strategy, relationship-driven service, and a love for both Residential and Commercial real estate. Together, we bring a perfect blend of strategy, service, and savvy, to elevate every step of your Real Estate journey.
We believe that real estate is not just about property—it’s about people, purpose, and possibility.
If you’re buying, selling, investing, or just want advice—we’re here for you.
-TheHickoxTeam
Every Home Begins with 'H"
Keller Williams Realty River Cities
Meet David
"When I think of dedication and drive in Real Estate, I think of David Hickox. Not only is David my professional partner, he’s also my fiancé — which means I get a front-row seat to the determination and care he puts into every property detail and client interaction."
-Evelyn Forston
I’m David Hickox—a dedicated real estate advisor serving the Chattahoochee Valley with a focus on results, relationships, and real value. My approach is grounded in strategy, honesty, and a deep respect for the goals and dreams of every client I work with.
I bring sharp market insight, strong negotiation skills, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset to every transaction. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or expanding your portfolio, I’m here to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful.
As co-lead of The Hickox Team with my fiancé Evelyn—an incredible Realtor and partner in every sense—we combine our strengths to deliver a real estate experience that’s both heart-led and results-driven. Together, we bring creativity, clarity, and commitment to the table every step of the way.
Outside of real estate, I enjoy staying active, watching the Braves and SEC football, working out, spending time with family and my sweet fiancé, Evelyn.
Let’s connect—I’d be honored to help you take the next step with confidence.
Call me at 912-596-4261
Meet Evelyn
Hi, I’m Evelyn Forston —a people-oriented, house-obsessed, dog-loving soul!💛🏡🐾
I'm a Realtor, Advisor and Associate Broker serving both Residential and Commercial Real Estate clients across Georgia and Alabama. I believe Real Estate is more than closings and contracts—it’s about connection, service, and walking with people through some of life’s biggest milestones.
I don't just sell properties—I shepherd people through meaningful life transitions with my professional partner, who is also my fiancé- David Hickox.
Whether I’m helping a family buy their first home, assisting an investor with a new commercial venture, or supporting someone in a major life transition, I treat every client with care, strategy, and heart. My experience spans residential and commercial sales, multi-family, single-family, and property management—which means I can offer smart advice, creative solutions, and real results.
I grew up in the Chattahoochee Valley and proudly graduated from both Brookstone School and Columbus State University. I love this community deeply and it shows in how I live and serve. I’m a 2022 East Alabama Leadership graduate, a 2025 “star” for the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Columbus, a member of the East Alabama Board of Realtors, and I serve as the 2025 Entertainment Committee Chair for the Columbus Board of Realtors.
I live, work, and thrive in the Columbus, GA / Phenix City, AL area with my fiancé and real estate partner, David Hickox and my two pups, Cupcake and Aubs. We love helping people turn dreams into keys and investments into income.
Call me at 205-901-6756
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