Have you ever considered home improvement as an option? Whether it’s something small like painting or wallpapering a room, or something big like adding an extra bathroom, it can be a big undertaking. But the potential payoff is great. Home improvement can be a profitable investment.
Making the right kind of modifications to your home can add resale value and provide years of joy. Whether you want to increase the square footage of your current home, renovate a kitchen or bath, or simply add a fresh coat of paint, there are so many ways to improve the look and feel of your home and your overall lifestyle.
But where does one start when it comes to home improvement? Is it best to do it yourself, or is it better to hire a professional to handle the job? Hiring a professional can often save time, money and stress, but some aspects of home improvement can be done relatively quickly and inexpensively by a DIYer.
Speaking of time and money, home improvement projects can range from inexpensive and quick jobs to large, expensive home-rehab projects. Some projects (like landscaping, adding an outdoor deck or patio, and repainting cabinets or walls), may cost relatively little to do but add so much instant value to your home that they more than pay for themselves in resale.
On the flip side, certain home improvements may require a sizable financial commitment – like new flooring, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, or home additions – but they will increase your home’s value far more in the long run. An important question to consider is how much work you want to put into maintaining a more expensive remodel project.
When it comes to the cost of home improvements, you must remain within your budget. It’s a great idea to create a list of projects and prioritize according to a timeline and your budget. From there, you can determine which projects you can tackle now and which ones may need to be put on the backburner.
Home improvements don’t necessarily have to break the bank. Even small projects can give an old room a new look and make it feel like new. The key is to focus on quality, not quantity. It’s worth investing for items that will last, but by making smarter investments in projects that will bring a return on your investment, you can still make a profit in the long run.
Painting and wallpapering can add so much visual interest to a room, and they’re one of the least expensive home projects you can undertake. Painting one wall a bold color or framing a brilliant colored print could be just the thing to really make a room pop.
If you have hardwood floors, have you ever thought about refinishing them? Re-sanding and refinishing hardwood floors can be an inexpensive and surprisingly easy DIY project that restores the beauty and charm of old, dingy floors.
Updating existing window treatments can be a great way to add style and flair without spending a lot of money. Whether you cover the windows in a bright, eye-catching print or add sheers for texture, taking the time to find the right treatment can completely transform the look and feel of a room.
Adding more storage to a room can definitely give the illusion of more space. A little creativity and craftsmanship can yield a lot more room in your home. Some cost-effective storage options include open shelf units, built-in bookcases, floor-to-ceiling shelving, and hanging cabinets.
If you have an older home, chances are you may not have modern plumbing fixtures. Upgrading these key elements can make all the difference in the world. An added bonus is that you’ll save money on your monthly water bills.
Installing modern, energy-efficient fixtures and appliances around the house is not only satisfying, but it will reduce energy costs too. Swapping out your lightbulbs for LED bulbs, replacing an energy-inefficient fridge, and investing in low-flow showerheads are all simple projects that make a big impact.
Finally, there’s landscaping. If you’re not interested in doing the job yourself, consider hiring a professional landscaper. Transforming your outdoor space through landscaping can be an enormously positive experience and make your home look much more appealing from the outside.