It’s no secret that owning and maintaining a home calls for a significant investment of both time and money. The average homeowner can expect to spend 1-3% of the value of their home annually on home improvements. Of course, there are always ways to cut down on costs, so let’s take a look at some ways to save money while still maintaining and improving the home of your dreams!
You should never allow a contractor to begin work on your project without a signed contract. The best idea is to have the contract evaluated by your lawyer. Your contract should contain specifics that pertain to all work being performed, costs, warranties and beginning and ending dates.
Connecting PVC pipes requires specific PVC adhesive and PVC primer. Without these items, the pipes won’t stay together and liquids may leak from them. Also, make sure the pipes are dry.
Even a small home improvement project can mean a big increase in your home’s value. Whether you are planning to sell or not, opt for doing small home improvement projects throughout the year. It is not very hard to transform your house, outside and in, with an easy paint job. For just a few hundred dollars, you can boost your home’s value by close to a thousand dollars!
Have you considered a second bathroom? Adding a second bathroom can really up the value of your home. Often, there will be someone waiting to go to the bathroom if you only have one.
A way to stop bugs from getting into your home, and saving money while you’re at it, is to simply seal openings or cracks. Just caulk your baseboards, inside windows and around them, as well as any other place. Once the caulk is dry, bugs have a much more difficult time getting inside, and the air doesn’t escape as easy.
If your front door is well-designed and well-kept you can see an increase in value of your home as high as 10 percent. Update the appearance of your entire house by installing a brand new doorknob and matching lock to your front door.
Porches need repainting at times. Use paint that is specified for exteriors and is of good quality. Make sure the paint you choose has the same type of base as the previous paint; you should use oil over oil and latex over latex- or water-based paints. Use oil paint on trim; it will last for a long time but you should not use it outdoors on flooring.
If you plan on renovating your bathroom, consider making it handicap accessible. You don’t have to do a conversion right away, but prepping bathrooms for that eventuality saves time and money if you plan on growing old in that house. If you decide to sell your house, these improvements will add value to your home.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you can be sure to make home great home improvements at a reasonable price. By saving some money while still improving your home, you can get the best of both worlds.
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