Sprucing Up,
Saving Bucks
Updating
your home may be a necessary task if you’ve purchased a home that needs some
work or if you’ve lived in your house for decades and need to change the look
to match current trends. Before choosing which areas of your home to update, it
is important to keep in mind what is going to add the most value and that you
don’t have to do all of these updates at once.
Updates that will add the most value:
·
Replacing windows
o
This
is a pricey update so keep in mind that you can replace in phases. Do a couple
windows at a time or if replacing the windows is out of the question, consider
at least fixing broken seals.
·
Getting a new roof
o
First
check into getting your roof cleaned before investing in a new roof. A lot of
times those ugly black streaks on your roof are mold and can be treated and
cleaned to give the roof a brand new look. If the cleaning doesn’t help, time
for a new roof. Once again, a new roof is a huge plus to home buyers.
·
Update your door
o
Try
painting the door (but remember not to pick any exotic colors if you are going
to sell. Neutral colors are best). If you want to replace the door, contemplate
a door with windows that might give your home an elegant look.
·
Granite
o
Everyone
these days wants a kitchen with granite. You may not recoup all of your money
if you try to resell, but it is a definite selling point and can do a lot for
the look of your kitchen.
·
Re-facing cabinets
o
An
update that is a lot cheaper than replacing cabinets. Oak cabinets are becoming
outdated. Try a dark cherry to change things up.
Little improvements that make a big
difference include:
·
Updating
light fixtures
o
Brass
is outdated.
·
Changing
window treatments
o
Pick
something nicer than just aluminum mini blinds
·
Replace
carpet or consider putting in engineered flooring (looks like wood and holds up
so much better than real hardwood).
·
Add
knobs to kitchen cabinets
*Updating
your home may seem overwhelming once you make a list of everything you want to
do. Try to pick two projects per year to do and don’t borrow money to do so. If
you do these updates as you go, you can get some enjoyment out of them before
you are in a situation where you want or need to sell your home.
Photo credit: Image 1: http://www.thurstontalk.com/2013/03/28/replacement-windows-olympia/
Image 2: http://www.decodir.com/counter-tops-granite-laminate-quartz-decor.html
Image 3: OneHundredDollarsaMonth.com
