Inexpensive updates can give your home new life
Every day you use your bathroom vanity, and every day you think about how bad it looks. A paint job is essential. Some new knobs wouldn’t hurt. But should you invest the time and effort?
For remodeling projects like this, the answer is a definite yes.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ latest Remodeling Impact Report, 64 percent of homeowners surveyed enjoyed their home more after completing a remodeling project, and 75 percent felt a major sense of accomplishment.
Kitchen and bathroom renovations have been the most popular remodeling projects for too many years to count, according to H. Dale Contant, 2016-17 president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
But remodeling doesn’t have to be a big, expensive, whole-room endeavor to increase value or satisfaction with a home. A little work with a screwdriver or some paint can make your home both more livable and sellable.
We talked to remodelers and real estate agents to come up with four small, inexpensive projects that can make a big difference in your home. We’ve included step-by-step directions for each of these projects with the help of Rob Jones, a remodeler in the Bowling Green area, served by Warren RECC.
First impressions
The front door and porch combine to create the first impression of your home, and just like meeting a person for the first time, that initial impression lasts.
“Curb appeal can come from some small changes,” says Contant. “A new front door, adding shutters on the windows, and creating window boxes for plants can add a little extra touch for your home.”
And a small project like changing out the hardware on your front door can have dramatic results.
DIY Inside and Out
There are other inexpensive ways you can add to your living space—indoors and outdoors. Improve the “heart of the home” with kitchen updates such as backspace, lighting, countertops, and more. Create a bedroom retreat, and get ideas for adding outdoor space with a deck: DIY Inside and Out.
