Home improvement is the process of enhancing, repairing or changing the physical features of your home. It can be done for a variety of reasons; it may be to personalize and increase comfort, to make a house bigger by adding rooms, to save money on energy or to improve safety.
Often, home improvements can be done on a budget. For example, painting a room or re-grouting a bathroom can cost less than hiring a professional to complete the job. But before you decide to spend the cash on a project, consider these tips:
Don’t DIY Too Much
If you are thinking of doing a do-it-yourself home renovation, make sure to consult with a licensed contractor first to ensure that your job is a safe one and will be completed to code. This is important because some DIY projects can actually decrease a house’s value.
Don’t Upgrade Too Much
If your home is already a nice place to live, it may not be worth the time and expense to add additional upgrades. Especially in areas where homes sell quickly, you don’t want to spend a lot of time and money on a renovation that will not add to the home’s resale value.
Don’t Invest Too Much
If you do plan to invest in a large home renovation, it is crucial that you have a set budget in mind. This will ensure that you don’t exceed your original price range or go into debt to pay for the work.
Don’t Over-Personalize Your Home
You may have a vision of a beautiful tiled backsplash or marble flooring in your bathroom, but unless you are selling your home, you don’t need these types of upgrades to be appealing to buyers. Instead, try to make your home more functional and appealing to a larger audience.
Don’t Over-Insulate Your Home
Insulating your attic will help keep your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs. It also helps prevent ice dams from forming in the winter and condensation in the summer.
Having an insulation barrier in your attic will help keep cold air inside and hot air outside. It can also help prevent mold from growing in your home, which can be costly and damaging to your health.
Don’t Replace Your Appliances Too Soon
If you have a large kitchen or bathroom, it might be tempting to buy a new set of appliances to help the room look its best. But before you do, think about how the appliances will affect your home’s resale value.
In general, the more expensive the appliances, the lower their resale value. For example, if you have an older refrigerator that costs more than most others on the market, it will likely not be worth reselling the unit.
Don’t Convert Your Garage Too Soon
If your garage is not currently being used as a living space, converting it into a bedroom or office might be a good idea. However, most buyers are not interested in a large garage, so you don’t want to spend the extra money to convert your existing garage into something that will not be useful.