Are you looking to add value to your home before making a sale? Maybe you want to give your home an aesthetics upgrade instead. Either way, having a plan in place can save you a lot of time, effort, and money.
With this five-step checklist, you can make simple home improvements that are bound to have a big impact. These home improvement tips and tricks will beautify your home and give it additional value.
Ready to give your home the makeover it deserves? Keep reading to learn more!
1. PLAN AHEAD
The first step to making simple home improvements is to have a plan of attack before you start. Consider every minor detail, including the:
- Cost
- Time
- Materials
- Design
Considering these factors ahead of time will help you create realistic expectations for your project. Otherwise, you might not realize how expensive your home improvement project can become.
There are online design tools available that can help you conceptualize your project. Do you need to buy new furniture? If so, some companies like Amazon and Ikea now utilize virtual reality, allowing you to see how an item will look in your home.
Planning ahead will help you save money in the long-run. Make sure you recognize which simple home improvements will add the most value to your home. Then, determine which elements of your project you can either skip or splurge on.
For example, you might want to spend more money on items that are hard to replace, like a new bathtub. Meanwhile, you might want to skip using premium materials if you plan on updating your floors.
Make a list of the home improvements you must have. Remember, some updates will add more value to your home than others. Try to consider which projects will have a return on investment, especially if you have a tight budget.
Some projects are more urgent than others. For example, you’ll want to have your HVAC unit checked and repaired before the winter or summer months kick in.
In the meantime, try to complete as many small, easy projects as you can. Then, you can free up time to tackle bigger projects without interruption.
2. HEAD ONLINE
Once you have an idea of the simple home improvements you want to make, head online and start researching.
Are you planning on doing a few DIY projects? If so, you might want to sharpen your home improvement skill set first. Instead of starting a big at-home project, consider taking the time to volunteer.
That way, you can develop your skills and avoid making costly mistakes in your own home.
You can also check out resources online, such as tutorial videos, that can help walk you through a project. Make a list of the skills you’ll need to complete each task. Then, take the time to hone your skills.
The home improvement tips and tricks you find online could make the DIY process a lot easier for you.
While you’re online, head to Pinterest and other websites for a little inspiration.
Create different Pinterest boards for each project or room in your house. Then, add photos, gather materials, and determine which tools you’ll need.
Heading online for home repair advice before you start a project can save you a lot of stress in the long-run.
3. BUILD OUT A BUDGET
More than a third of homeowners don’t understand what hiring a professional will cost. Meanwhile, two-thirds of all homeowners are afraid of overpaying for professional help.
Before you start making simple home improvements around the house, build out an overall budget. Then, break that budget down by allocating funds for each project.
There are a few ways you can gather funds.
If you can’t finance a project in full, you might want to consider financing your project instead. Make sure you understand the different tax breaks for home repairs and home improvements, too. That way, you can make the proper deductions during tax season to get some money back from your project.
Are you paying private mortgage insurance? If so, home improvements that increase the value of your home can eliminate that cost!
If it doesn’t raise funds for your project, you can at least reduce your overall housing expenses.
4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
It’s also important to find a responsible handyman or contractor to help with your larger projects. Don’t choose the first contractor you come across. You could end up getting scammed.
Instead, start by asking your friends, family members, and neighbors if they’ve worked with a reputable contractor in the past. What was their experience like? Were there any issues throughout the span of the project, and if so, how were they resolved?
Once you have a list of suggestions, head online to search for any complaints against the contractor. Check the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding complaints. You can also check the Department of Consumer Affairs and your local Chamber of Commerce.
These websites can also provide you with extra resources.
If you don’t find any complaints against the contractor, the next step is to check their licensing and permit requirements. You can call your city or municipality for this information. They’ll tell you which requirements a contractor will need to meet to work in your area.
Ask the contractor for proof of insurance, too.
If the contractor you’re looking into doesn’t meet the requirements, keep looking.
As you contact different contractors, get quotes from each one. That way, you have a few options available before making your choice.
5. PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Even after planning your entire home improvement project, there’s a chance it won’t all go according to plan. Manage your stress levels by assuming a few setbacks will happen. Take the time to prepare for the worst.
That way, you can make adjustments to your budget or schedule when unexpected roadblocks pop up.
With these five steps, you can develop a smart plan for your next project. Then, you can make simple home improvements without stressing over the schedule or your budget.
Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate (636)936-8600
Published on 2020-08-05 14:53:57
