| Summer is the time to cross a few things off your home’s to-do list. The weather is perfect for outdoor projects as well as indoor jobs which require opening the windows to air things out. Here are a few ideas to boost your home’s value. 1. Doors |  |
Installing a new entry door jazzes up the exterior of the house and makes a great first impression on guests, visitors or anyone looking at the house. New doors can also save you money on heating and cooling. With so many options to choose from, finding a door to fit your home’s style, your taste and budget is easy. If the thought of getting out some sandpaper and stain excites you, you can even pick up a salvaged door and refurbish it for a unique (and economical) accent to your home. Check out places like Habitat for Humanity’s Restore to find your new-to-you door.
2. Landscaping
An obvious choice for this list, to be sure, but there is more to landscaping than mowing and weeding. Adding plants and flowers (especially, yellow flowers) instantly improves curb appeal. Take your yard to the next level by adding lighting to walkways or using low-voltage spotlights to highlight your yard, deck or home after dark.
2. Landscaping
An obvious choice for this list, to be sure, but there is more to landscaping than mowing and weeding. Adding plants and flowers (especially, yellow flowers) instantly improves curb appeal. Take your yard to the next level by adding lighting to walkways or using low-voltage spotlights to highlight your yard, deck or home after dark.
3. Windows
Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones is one of the best investments you can make in your home. They reduce heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. Installing new windows often qualifies homeowners for substantial tax credits. Plus, when you decide to sell, having upgraded windows is a big benefit in buyer’s eyes.
4. Gutters
A crucial component of home maintenance, gutters are often overlooked until there is a problem with them. Summer is the ideal time to get out the ladder, clean them out and make sure they are functioning properly. Check for standing water, leaks or damage which can keep them from draining properly. If your gutters do require replacement, consider purchasing self-cleaning gutters for a long-lasting, low-maintenance investment.
5. Redo the Bathroom
Summer is a great time for indoor improvements as well. A modern bathroom significantly improves the resale value of any home. The bathroom is also one room in the house guaranteed to see a lot of guests when you entertain. New mirrors, fixtures and flooring can be added for a relatively small expense, and the return on investment is more than worth it.
6. Energy Efficiency
In addition to replacing windows, there are several ways to save energy and utility costs for your home. Insulation upgrades can earn you tax credits as well as keep your home comfortable throughout the year. Solar panels are also a great option for slashing energy bills. The cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically as demand has increased, and they are so efficient that tax credits of up to 30 percent are available. If you decide to install solar panels, make sure to place them on your roof in an obscure area so you don’t take away from the curb appeal of your home.
7. Replace the Garage Door
Garage doors are one of the first things someone notices about your home. An attractive new door adds to curb appeal and function to your home. The return on investment for a garage door averages 83 percent (source), making this an optimal project to make your home more comfortable and boost its resale value. Pick a garage door with features to compliment your home’s style. A more modern home might get a sleek wood and metal door while a bungalow could look amazing with a carriage style garage door.
8. Siding
Another big investment for your home, siding isn’t cheap but it will pay you back in the value it adds to your house. The average expense of replacing 1,250 square feet of siding with vinyl siding was over $11,000 in 2014. However, the average return on investment is 78.2 percent. (source). Consider spending time with a color consultant while picking out your siding to ensure it is the right color for your home’s style and neighborhood.
9. Refinish and Repaint
This project is as simple as going to the hardware store and buying a scraper, brushes and some stain or paint. If your deck or porch is looking weathered, a new coat of stain will revitalize it and protect it from winter weather. If the exterior of the house is looking faded or dated, a fresh coat of paint can give it a facelift. Even repainting just one interior room can give you a sense of accomplishment and rejuvenate your home. When repainting, choose neutral colors and add pops of personality with your accesories rather than the paint.
Whether you want to give your home’s exterior a facelift or tackle something smaller and simpler, summer is the time to get it done. Open the windows, get out the ladder or call a contractor. It won’t be long before fall arrives and the cool air blows your home’s to-do list into next year.
Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones is one of the best investments you can make in your home. They reduce heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. Installing new windows often qualifies homeowners for substantial tax credits. Plus, when you decide to sell, having upgraded windows is a big benefit in buyer’s eyes.
4. Gutters
A crucial component of home maintenance, gutters are often overlooked until there is a problem with them. Summer is the ideal time to get out the ladder, clean them out and make sure they are functioning properly. Check for standing water, leaks or damage which can keep them from draining properly. If your gutters do require replacement, consider purchasing self-cleaning gutters for a long-lasting, low-maintenance investment.
5. Redo the Bathroom
Summer is a great time for indoor improvements as well. A modern bathroom significantly improves the resale value of any home. The bathroom is also one room in the house guaranteed to see a lot of guests when you entertain. New mirrors, fixtures and flooring can be added for a relatively small expense, and the return on investment is more than worth it.
6. Energy Efficiency
In addition to replacing windows, there are several ways to save energy and utility costs for your home. Insulation upgrades can earn you tax credits as well as keep your home comfortable throughout the year. Solar panels are also a great option for slashing energy bills. The cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically as demand has increased, and they are so efficient that tax credits of up to 30 percent are available. If you decide to install solar panels, make sure to place them on your roof in an obscure area so you don’t take away from the curb appeal of your home.
7. Replace the Garage Door
Garage doors are one of the first things someone notices about your home. An attractive new door adds to curb appeal and function to your home. The return on investment for a garage door averages 83 percent (source), making this an optimal project to make your home more comfortable and boost its resale value. Pick a garage door with features to compliment your home’s style. A more modern home might get a sleek wood and metal door while a bungalow could look amazing with a carriage style garage door.
8. Siding
Another big investment for your home, siding isn’t cheap but it will pay you back in the value it adds to your house. The average expense of replacing 1,250 square feet of siding with vinyl siding was over $11,000 in 2014. However, the average return on investment is 78.2 percent. (source). Consider spending time with a color consultant while picking out your siding to ensure it is the right color for your home’s style and neighborhood.
9. Refinish and Repaint
This project is as simple as going to the hardware store and buying a scraper, brushes and some stain or paint. If your deck or porch is looking weathered, a new coat of stain will revitalize it and protect it from winter weather. If the exterior of the house is looking faded or dated, a fresh coat of paint can give it a facelift. Even repainting just one interior room can give you a sense of accomplishment and rejuvenate your home. When repainting, choose neutral colors and add pops of personality with your accesories rather than the paint.
Whether you want to give your home’s exterior a facelift or tackle something smaller and simpler, summer is the time to get it done. Open the windows, get out the ladder or call a contractor. It won’t be long before fall arrives and the cool air blows your home’s to-do list into next year.