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DIY Repairs and Upgrades
to Increase the Value of Your Home
Repairing and
upgrading one's home can seem daunting. If you have lived in your
home for many years, the list of issues may have accumulated.
However, there are plenty of simple DIY projects you can do
yourself, which may also raise the value of your home.
Check the Minor Details
Investing in your home can improve livability, raise quality of
life, and potentially boost its value. Before starting on repairs
and upgrades, it's important to establish your home's
worth so that you know what value could be gained from
DIY projects. Addressing minor repairs is a good start. Do you have
uncooperative windows? Doors that stick or squeak? Dents in walls?
An un-insulated attic? Thankfully, this sort of DIY neither has to
take up much time, nor be expensive. The more issues that you
resolve, the more your house may gain in value.
Kitchen
The basis of any home is the kitchen,
and repairs and enhancements there can significantly impact value.
Look to the basics, like changing out cabinet handles and painting
unit surfaces to conceal wear and tear. As a supplement to that, you
could also replace cabinet drawers. Also consider replacing faucets,
as they can help create a modern appearance while remedying any
functionality issues. There are numerous YouTube instructional
videos to help make their replacement easy and trouble-free. Old
lighting fixtures could also be substituted for energy-efficient
alternatives. Not only may it add value to your home, but
it could save you money in the long run.
Bathroom
Your bathroom is another area where improvements can add value to
your house. You do not have to spend a whole lot, and the tasks can
be relatively modest in scope. For instance, a fresh coat of paint
can give your bathroom a
bright new look. Don't overlook filling cracks before doing so,
however. Other practical upgrades could be as simple as replacing a
toilet seat and installing vinyl tiles to create a clean, new
surface. They’re easy to place, and can be put on top of existing
flooring. If your bath has old or unreliable fixtures, replace or
repair them. The process is inexpensive and straightforward, and it
makes your bathroom less of a hassle to use.
Space
One of the best ways to create space and value to a home is through storage capacity
and de-cluttering. Everyone wants storage, and increased space can
make a house feel more modern and inviting. As a simple DIY task,
you could upgrade your storage by adding wire shelving or laminated
closets, or adding a well-integrated breakfast nook. Before adding
space, it is a good idea to declutter your home and put some
belongings in storage. Go through your home and identify items which
are unnecessary and can be put away or even discarded. You might be
surprised how much this can influence your home's appearance and
hospitality.
Flooring
What is beneath our feet may be the most visible evidence of wear
and tear. Do you have floorboards or other hard surfaces showing
scratches or that are in a general state of disrepair? If so, first,
re-sand the surface, and then assess the options for repairs, such
as lime washing, painting, or re-sealing. Are there undesirable
squeaks, too? A few nails in the right places may be sufficient to
eliminate unpleasant noises. Broken tiles are also easily
repairable, and can really impact a home's look. Sometimes, floors
do have to be replaced, but that doesn't have to be too involved,
either. There are plenty of online guides offering advice for an
investment that can pay off when it comes to your home's appeal and
value.
Safety First
Remember that in doing DIY home repairs and upgrades, safety should
be your first consideration. Be sure you know how to use hand tools,
follow directions for using power tools, and wear all necessary
protective gear. If your home contains any health hazards, like lead
paint or asbestos, call in a professional for help, and leave any
projects that involve extensive electrical or plumbing work to
experienced contractors.
Home improvements
do not have to be complex or expensive. They can, however, be of
huge benefit to your home’s value. If you ever decide to sell your
house, DIY projects can be an effective way to increase your ROI.
Until that time, simply enjoy the rewards that come from making
much-needed repairs and enhancements.
Written by: Posted 2/21/2020
Bret Engle |
DiyGuys.net
bret.engle@diyguys.net
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