Home Improvement Projects That
REALLY Pay Off
by Maureen Grenier
Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous transformation of homes and
gardens by professionals and amateur do-it-yourselfers. Is it really that easy,
we ask ourselves. Could I do it? Where do I begin? What improvement projects
will generate the biggest increase in the value of my home?
What Do You Want and What Can You Afford?
There are several good reasons for wanting to redecorate or remodel your
home. If your residence no longer reflects your changing tastes and lifestyle
but you don’t want to leave a desirable neighborhood, maybe all you need to do
is make one or two basic changes. Altering a color scheme, converting a bedroom
into a home office, or upgrading the kitchen and bathroom are practical
improvements that add esthetic appeal and financial value. If a move is in the
future, you want home improvement projects that will give you the biggest bang
for your buck when it’s time to sell.
Whatever your motives for improving your home, make a wish list with three categories:
* Must have
* Would like to have
* Dreams can come true
When your list is complete, consider the amount of money you have available
or are prepared to borrow. Unless you have unlimited funds, make a realistic
estimate of what you can afford. Are you planning major renovations that will
require the services of an architect or a contractor? Will you need an
electrician, a plumber, a carpenter, a painter, or all four? How much work can
you do yourself? All these factors must be taken into account as you pare down
your list into affordable home improvement projects.
How Do You Begin?
Every project starts with a plan. Itemize everything you want and think you can afford, and include a design of rooms to be remodeled. If you are going to require professional help, now is the time to talk to contractors, plumbers, and other tradesmen, and to ask for estimates. Comparison-shopping is a must. If you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, price materials and tools needed. If you can’t afford to do everything on your list, reassess your prime needs and make a new plan.
What Projects Are Key?
The best projects for improving the value of your home are, happily, the most affordable and the easiest to do yourself, even if you are a super klutz. Ask any real estate agent for tips on how to prepare a home for resale and you will be told that the house and yard should be cleaned and all clutter removed. Creating suitable home storage facilities and cleaning and painting the interior and exterior of your house, therefore, are the jobs that top the list of desirable improvements. The premium projects that usually require professional help are kitchen remodeling first and bathroom remodeling second. These particular upgrades will provide the best return for your money, and the real estate industry has statistics to prove it.
Clean Everything in Sight
Cleaning your home and yard is a great improvement project, and if you are
remodeling, it will be the final step after the dust has settled. You will need
something heavy-duty like tri-sodium phosphate or its equivalent to wash most
surfaces inside and outside the house. There are also special cleaners for
glass, tile, porcelain, stainless steel, and wood, and for getting rid of
unpleasant molds and mildew. Visit your friendly hardware store and read labels.
There are cleaners for almost every material and for solving almost every
cleaning problem. Make sure rooms are well ventilated whenever you are cleaning,
carefully follow directions, and wear gloves and a mask.
Removing clutter is another worthwhile project and requires adequate home
storage with a combination of cabinets, shelves and bins, and sufficient
strength of mind to discard all junk, no matter how much you love it. You can
buy easy-to-assemble shelving and cabinets in a great variety of sizes and
materials at affordable prices. Small, decorative containers can be used to
organize and conceal the ongoing accumulations of such items as incoming mail.
In the yard, removing clutter means getting rid of dead trees, dead branches,
broken slabs and stones in patios and walkways, and tidying up the garden and
lawn. When faced with clutter, ruthlessly throw it out, recycle it, hold a
garage sale, donate it to the charity of your choice – get rid of it.
Interior painting and exterior painting should be next on your list of
preferred home improvement projects. Fresh paint helps make your home look
clean, bright, and spacious. When selecting colors for the exterior, don’t
forget to do something about that bland front door. Have fun! Fresh, harmonious
colors add beauty and personality to your home both inside and out.
Put Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling High on the List
Although remodeling a kitchen seems like a daunting task, a complete overhaul
pays great dividends if and when you sell your home. Purchasing new cabinets and
appliances are worthy goals, but you can also make minor changes that will
create impact. If you can’t replace the kitchen cabinets, replace the cabinet
doors at least. If that is also beyond your means, add molding to the cabinet
doors, paint them, and replace the hardware. It’s not that difficult or
expensive to replace an outdated sink, and if you can’t afford a new stove,
fridge and dishwasher, don’t hang on to those gold or avocado monstrosities –
buy attractive reconditioned replacements.
Bathroom remodeling is the next most important improvement and the biggest
dividends come from installing a new sink, bathtub, toilet, and shower stall, as
well as attractive tiles and custom cabinets. Again, if you can’t manage a
complete makeover, replace the tired old taps, faucets and showerhead; add
shelves; and paint and redecorate the cabinets.
Other Projects to Consider
After you have decided on and planned for the most important home improvement
projects, new window covering and upgraded flooring should receive your
attention. You can choose from a large array of window dressings and styles, or
simply buy fabric, turn hems with iron-on tape, and dramatically drape the
material over attractive curtain rods. Shutters are another possibility and lend
themselves to many different decorating styles.
Your choice of flooring is limited only by your taste and budget. Rip up the
old carpet and replace it with contemporary hardwood flooring or laminate
flooring. If you already have hardwood, simply sanding and re-staining it or
giving it a clear finish may give your rooms the lift they need. Other flooring
replacements that can transform a room include tile, vinyl, linoleum, or
textured rubber.
Finally, save a little energy and money to improve the appearance of your
yard. Maybe all you have to do to improve the
landscape is trim, mow, weed, and then plant a few flowers. Adding or
upgrading an existing patio, deck, or walkway can also be very worthwhile.
Choosing the best modeling and redecorating projects will not only increase the long-term value of your home, they will also provide satisfaction and pleasure for you, the smart homeowner.
About the Author: Maureen Grenier is former editor and writer for Meridian Magazine, and for the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. She is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing tips to consumers for home improvement projects, home products and do it yourself catalogs.