DIY Tips For Updating Your Home

Looking to update your home but don’t have the money for a huge renovation? There are several budget friendly ways to bring those outdated rooms out of the dark ages. Not only will updating provide you with more enjoyment of your home, it can significantly increase its value as well. There are two areas of your home you need to keep in mind when planning on updating- the kitchen and bathrooms. A remodeled kitchen and bathroom can add 75%-100% to a home’s return on investment (ROI). Not only do these rooms have the highest return on investment, they can also decrease the amount of time your home is on the market.

The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, which is why it is a significant selling point to future buyers. Some easy ways to update this room include replacing the kitchen faucet and adding new cabinet door hardware. Update old, harsh florescent lighting fixtures with hanging lights above work areas, recessed lighting, and energy-efficient dimmers. If your appliances don’t match you can try ordering new doors or face panels from the manufacturer or upgrading to new energy efficient appliances. If the flooring is outdated, install hardwood or tile flooring to give it a facelift. Painting or re-facing old cabinets can make a huge difference at minimal cost. Also if it is in your budget, replace the countertop with natural stone. Putting up a simple back splash and a fresh coat of paint can nicely complement your other updates.

Renovating an existing bathroom can definitely add value to your home. This room can get a lot of wear and tear from all the moisture present that can cause fixtures to age rapidly. Update lighting, faucet sets and replace the showerhead to liven up your old bath decor. Make sure the new hardware is all the same metal finish to tie the room together. Resurfacing the current vanity cabinets, or even installing a new pedestal sink, can completely change the look of the room. Replace old discolored flooring with fresh vinyl or tile. Re-grouting tub and showers and replacing any chipped tiles will make the room feel cleaner and brighter. Replace a lackluster mirror with a framed decorative one that the complements to room or add your own frame to the current mirror by gluing molding around the edges. Lastly, paint the room a bright, neutral color that reflects light so that the room looks larger.

So if you are either updating your home because you plan on being there for many years to come or you are looking to sell, these rooms will provide the best return on investment and give a new feel to your home.

Maintenance Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home can be an exciting and proud moment, yet there can also be feelings of overwhelming responsibility.  To help curb these feelings, it is best to set up a routine for home maintenance from the very beginning. Many first time home buyers may be unaware of certain areas of their home that require ongoing attention and care. Routine maintenance will ensure certain areas of your home perform properly, decrease repair costs, and maximize the value.

• Check the seals around your doors and windows; apply weather stripping or sealant if needed
• Get your HVAC checked annually by a qualified technician
• Clean your drains periodically to prevent excessive buildup that could become a problem if neglected (avoid Drano if possible as it can damage your pipes)
• Garage doors should be kept lubricated at least twice a year by applying a silicone spray on the needles
• Get your dryer vent hose cleaned annually
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected every few years
• Change air filters monthly
• Clean out gutters and downspouts once a year
• Check roof for leaks every few months after heavy rainstorm, as well as around the foundation of the house, to make sure water is flowing away from the home.
• Check the batteries in your smoke alarms
• At least once per year, drain the water from your water heater and clean the inside surface of its floor
• Check your toilets for leaks by adding a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, and then check the toilet bowl later. If the water in the bowl has turned red, water is seeping through from the tank and you may need to change some tank parts
• Check your washing machine hoses periodically for leaks, and replace plastic hoses every three years
• Get termite and pest control service before you see a problem…don’t wait until it is too late

Take note of the above items and create a home maintenance calendar to keep you on track and ensure your home’s needs are completed.