Home Improvements to Increase Your Home’s Value

When you’re looking to sell your home, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of return on investment you’ll get from various home improvements. According to studies, specific projects tend to offer more bang for your buck than others – so it’s essential to know those before you start renovating. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five popular home improvement projects that can help increase your home’s value. 

Photo by Sharath G.

Home Improvements to Increase Your Home’s Value

Making some simple home improvements can go a long way toward increasing your home’s value. And, in many cases, the increase in value will be more than the cost of the improvement.

One area that is often overlooked is the HVAC system. Many homeowners don’t realize that upgrading to a newer, more efficient system can add to their comfort and increase the value of their homes. A new HVAC system is one of the most important investments you can make in your home and is also one of the most visible. When potential buyers see a brand new HVAC system, they’ll be impressed and may be willing to pay more for your home. So do not hesitate to contact an hvac contractor.

Another great way to add value to your home is to upgrade your windows. Old, drafty windows can make your home less comfortable and raise your energy bills. Replacing them with new, energy-efficient windows will make your home more comfortable and save you money on your utility bills. And, like a new HVAC system, new windows are also a great selling point for potential buyers.

If you’re looking for other ways to increase the value of your home, consider adding some additional living space. For example, an extra bedroom or bathroom can go a long way toward making your home more valuable. And, if you want to add some value, consider finishing your basement or attic to create even more living space.

Making some simple home improvements can have a significant impact on your home’s value. So, if you’re looking to sell your home or want to increase its value, consider making some upgrades.

However, if You are on a Budget, the Following DIY Projects May Suit You Better

Here are a few inexpensive remodeling projects that will make your home more valuable:

  • Paint: A fresh coat of paint is one of the most accessible and affordable ways to update your home’s appearance.
  • Cabinets: If your cabinets are old or outdated, consider replacing them with new ones. This will give your kitchen a whole new look.
  • Flooring: New flooring can also make a big difference in the look of your home. If you have an old carpet or linoleum, consider replacing it with hardwood or tile.
  • Doors: Replacing old doors with new ones can also add to the value of your home. If you have an older home, consider replacing the front door to give it a more modern look.

These are just a few of the many ways you can increase the value of your home without spending a lot of money.

In conclusion, when it comes to home improvements that increase your home’s value, there are many options to choose from. It’s essential to research and determine which projects will offer the best return on investment. But, whether you’re looking to sell your home or want to make it more comfortable for yourself, making some simple upgrades can go a long way. So don’t hesitate to get started on your next project.

Stop Ignoring Your Leaking Faucets Right This Second!

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How many of you have leaking faucets in your home? A large proportion of you will need to stop and think about this. You haven’t really considered this issue, but now that you stop and listen, you can hear your faucets dripping away. 

The annoying thing about this issue is that it feels so minor. You see a faucet dripping a tiny bit of water every couple of seconds and learn to ignore it. It gets cast to the back of your mind, so you don’t ever deal with it. What’s the big idea, anyway? All it is is a tiny droplet of water, there’s no harm in that – it’s not like your house is being flooded! 

Well, leaking faucets can cause more damage than you initially expect. As such, it is very important that you become aware of the problem and get it fixed as soon as you can. If you still don’t think this is a big deal, here are some of the things that go wrong when you don’t fix your faucets: 

Water bills go through the roof

Have you looked at your recent water bills and wondered why they are so high? Perhaps you’ve had a little go at your kids or partner for leaving the water on when they shower or brush their teeth. Maybe you’ve become more stringent in your water usage. Still, the bill seems to be way higher than you’d expect – especially if you ask your friends/family, and they pay way less for theirs. 

This is where your leaking faucet is a massive pain in the backside. 

That drip, drip, drip of water might seem insignificant, but it really adds up. One good way to showcase this is to leave a cup under your faucet when you go to bed. In the morning, look at how much water is in that cup. You’ll be pretty shocked at how full it is, and that’s just after one night of sleep. Times that amount by three, and that’s how much water is wasted through the dripping every day. 

The longer you leave this issue, the more water you are wasting in your home. As a result, you’re wasting money at the same time. You need to fix a leaking faucet to save money on water bills and avoid ripping a needless hole in your finances. 

The environment is being damaged

As homeowners, we should always be conscious of how our properties impact the environment. Ideally, we want minimal carbon emissions to be created through our homes. Your initial instinct is to focus on reducing your energy consumption. So, you keep your heating on a lower setting, you turn the lights off, and so on. 

However, did you know that wasting water is also very bad for the environment? Why? Because water takes a lot of energy to procure. It doesn’t appear out of thin air; companies need to use machinery to get water from different sources, clean it, and pump it through to our homes. So, if we are using water in our homes – but getting no actual use out of it – then all of these processes are happening for no reason. If people only used water when they needed it, we wouldn’t have such high demands on procuring it. Therefore, less energy is used, decreasing the environmental impact. 

Again, a leaking faucet might not feel like a big issue. But, think about how much water you waste every single year because of it. You could literally fill bathtubs full of water that drips from the faucet and goes straight down the drain. 

In short, you have to fix this problem before you commit to harming the planet! 

How can you fix a leaking faucet?

There are many reasons a faucet might be leaking. Some common causes include corrosion, problems with the O-ring, a worn-out washer, or broken plumbing. Naturally, your first port of call is to figure out what is causing your issue. Ironically, you could have multiple leaking faucets in your house, all of which are caused by different things. 

In most cases, the best thing to do is to call a plumber and have them look at your faucets. As you can see on this website, a good plumber will evaluate your plumbing fixtures and fix any leaks as soon as possible. 

The overall consensus is that leaking faucets are a bigger deal than you initially think. They can burn a hole in your bank balance while making your home a massive contributor to water waste. To make matters worse, if you don’t fix the problem right away, it becomes more and more damaging. So, get on it, remove the dripping noise from your home, and keep water usage as low as can be. 

GREAT ONLINE ART SOURCES FOR CHEAP

Artwork can change the look of a room entirely. A series of prints hung above a bed or sofa completes a room. Large, bold posters bring a dull hallway to life. The internet has some excellent resources for finding one of a kind prints for any taste. Here are some go-to sources for insanely good deals.

1. ETSY

Etsy is a great resource for handmade art. This selected artist offers unique prints on pages torn from a ‘turn of the century era Deutsch-English dictionary.’ Just see how good they look in these salvaged flea market frames. Check her store for literally hundreds to choose from.

Vintage Book Page Art Print from Dreamery Studio on Etsy, $8.50 for 1, $25.50 for set of 4

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2. eBay

Posters today lack the appeal they had back in the day, the reason why a lot of great ones are so valuable and hard to find. Luckily, there are plenty of vintage reproductions that will give you the same look. Search vintage poster, and you’re bound to find something you love for as low as $5. FIVE DOLLARS!

There is a huge selection of vintage repro movie and travel posters, like this Rosemary’s Baby Polish cinema poster…

Rosemary’s Baby Vintage Repro Poster 13×19, $3.99

…or this London Underground advert, originally done in 1924.

Vintage Poster "Brightest London" 18x24

Vintage Repro Poster “Brightest London” 18×24, $5.99

3. Society 6

The Society 6 Shop is loaded with insanely colorful prints made by uber-talented artists. Virtually anything you’ll find will make you wonder what drugs the artist was taking when creating these gorgeous works of art. Fund their habit by purchasing one of your faves, here are some of mine (bonus, prints can also be purchased as ipod/iphone/laptop skins, clothing, etc).

the cage by Cappellosenzatesta Art Print / SMALL – 17″ X 22″, $25

Darklands by Katty Bouthier Art Print / SMALL – 17″ X 22″, $26

flaminGOAT by Brian Cook Art Print / SMALL – 17″ X 20″, $33.28

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4. 20×200

20×200 is an affordable art site curated by Jen Bekman, an NYC-based gallerist who supports emerging artists. All prints are limited edition exclusives. I adore this photograph of a rare African parrot from a series by Luke Stephenson, The Incomplete Dictionary of Show Birds. The best prints from this series are selling out, so snag this one up fast if you dig it.

Lovebird #6 by Luke Stephenson edition of 200, 8×10 $20

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Getting Your Garden Summer Ready Without Breaking The Bank

The weather has started to heat up, which means all too soon summer will be here. In the warmer months, having an outdoor space to relax and spend time in is something that many consider a luxury. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden attached to your home and have the ability to spend time outside while at home, it’s important to make the most of that space. 

Being able to escape into the garden on those warm sunny days and sunbathe, read a book, or simply enjoy your morning coffee outside is a total luxury, so if you’re in a position to do so, then it’s important that you take advantage of that. After all, not everyone can sit in their gardens and soak up the sun, can they? 

Photo source: Pixabay

If your garden has got into a bit of a state over winter, then you might be wondering how you can get it back in order without having to spend a fortune on it. To make the process a little easier, we’ve put together a guide to how you can get your garden summer ready without breaking the bank – read on for everything that you need to know. 

Start by mowing and cutting back 

The first step to get your garden back into a useable state is to strim any overgrown areas using a strimmer, followed by mowing your lawn. You can also use a pair of sheers to cut back any areas of overgrown bushes, foliage and trees. This process might take a while to do, but by doing it yourself you can keep costs to a minimum. 

If you can’t manage it all yourself, do what you can and then call in a gardener to deal with the rest. But to keep costs low, do as much as you can yourself first. 

Deal with pests 

The chances are that if you’ve let your garden grow into a bit of a wild space, it’s most likely teaming with pests, from bug nests to rodents. So, before you can sit outside and soak up the sun, you need to deal with any pests that may have invaded your garden. 

When it comes to dealing with pest control, calling in a specialist exterminator may be your best bet. Surprisingly, it’s not as expensive as you might think to have pests dealt with, especially if you catch infestations early. However, if you want to keep costs low, opt to deal with any easy pests yourself and call out an exterminator to deal with anything more complex. 

Be a savvy shopper

When it comes to updating your outdoor space, the chances are that you need some furniture and outdoor accessories. A great way to keep the cost of these upgrades low is to be smart about how and where you shop. 

Buy from discount stores where possible. Opt to renovate old, unwanted pieces of furniture. Don’t be afraid to buy second hand items. Utilise accessories to give your garden the glow up it deserves. Upgrading your garden doesn’t have to cost a whole lot, it’s simply a case of being smart about how you go about it. 

There you have it, a guide to how you can pull your garden back into shape ahead of summer, and all without breaking the bank. 

Repairing Your Home On A Budget 101

It can be difficult to keep up with the repairs and maintenance of your home, especially if you are living on a tight budget. However, there are ways that you can save money and still keep your home in good condition. 

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Here Are Some Tips For Repairing Your Home On A Budget:

Review Your Insurance Policy

One way to save money on home repairs is to review your insurance policy. Many policies have coverage for certain types of damage, such as wind or hail damage. If you have this type of coverage, you may be able to get discounts on your premiums or have a portion of the repair costs covered by your insurer.

Do Your Research

Before you start any repairs, it is important to do your research. This includes getting multiple estimates for the repair work and comparing prices. You should also check to see if there are any rebates or tax credits available for the repairs you plan on doing. You can save a significant amount of money on home repairs by doing your research.

Get Creative

There are a number of ways to get creative when it comes to repairing your home on a budget. For example, you could refinish old pieces instead of buying new furniture. Or, if you need to paint your walls, you could use a “color washing” technique to create an interesting effect without spending a lot of money.

Prioritize Repairs

When you are living on a tight budget, it is important to prioritize your repairs. Not all repairs are equal, and some can’t wait until you have more money available. For example, fixing a small hole in your wall is not as important as fixing a leaking roof. You can ensure that the most important ones are taken care of first by prioritizing your repairs.

Consider DIY Repairs

If you are handy around the house, you may want to consider doing some of the repairs yourself. This can be a great way to save money if you are willing to put in the time and effort. There are a number of online resources that can help you with DIY repairs, so do some research to see if this is an option for you.

Hire A Professional

If you are not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, you may need to hire professionals such as roofers. While this can be more expensive than doing it yourself, it can also save you time and hassle in the long run. Make sure to get multiple estimates and compare prices before hiring a professional.

Review Your Budget

Once you have completed the repairs, it is important to review your budget. This will help you determine how much money you have available for future repairs and maintenance. You may also want to consider setting aside some money each month so that you have funds available when unexpected repairs come up.

In Conclusion

By following these tips, you can save money and still keep your home in good condition. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can repair your home on a budget.

Spend to Save: Home Improvements That Will Ultimately Save You Money

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Thinking about the expense of some home improvements might get your head spinning, but they don’t have to be all about spending a lot of money. Some home improvements can help you to save money, which makes them sensible financial decisions in the long term. If you’re willing to spend some money now, it could help you to reduce your expenses in the future. There are some great ways to make some home improvements that benefit your home and allow you to start getting your money back. Here are some of the top options that you will probably want to consider.

Installing Smart Tech

Making your home more modern can help you to save money in a number of ways. One of the possibilities you have is using smart tech to modernize your home. Smart technology can be great for helping you to save money, especially when it comes to saving on energy and heating expenses. When you use tech like a smart thermostat or smart lighting, you have greater control over them. You can ensure you don’t waste money using smart tech that can learn to provide you with heating, lighting, or other necessities when you need them and switch off automatically when you don’t.

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Upgrade Your Water Heater

Another way to get better control of your energy bills and start to save money is by installing a tankless water heater. When you have a tankless water heater, the water is heated on demand instead of having to keep a whole tank of water hot. It’s a more efficient way of ensuring you have hot water, and you’ll never run out. With less energy required to supply you with hot water, you’ll save money and your home will be more eco-friendly too. If your water heater needs to be replaced, consider a tankless heater.

Roof Repairs (Or Replacement)

Your roof helps to protect your whole home. If there’s a problem with your roof, it can cause all kinds of other issues in your home. Any roof can last a long time, but they can start to experience problems after a while too. Roofing repairs are essential if you want to continue to protect your home. However, if you keep having to repair your roof, you might need to consider a complete replacement. Replacing your roof might be more costly than a single repair, but it will prevent the need for constant repairs in the future.

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Improve Energy Efficiency

Further methods for improving energy efficiency in your home could help you to save money too. For example, installing energy-efficient appliances will mean you can reduce your energy bills. Making sure that your doors and windows are energy-efficient and well-insulated could save you money too, as well as keeping your home at the right temperature. You can also save money by improving insulation in important places such as the roof, basement, and crawl space.

Home improvements can save you money, even if you have to spend some upfront too. It’s worth the initial cost if it will help you save in the future.