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Top 10 Home Renovation Projects

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Many homeowners are looking for ways to improve the value of their properties. In this article, you’ll learn about the top 10 home improvement or renovation projects that offer a solid return on investment, listed from least to most costly. So, whether you’re just wanting to “spruce the place up a bit” or are looking for a way to get the most out of your old home to help pay for your new one, there’s something here for nearly every budget and dream.Garage Door

1. New front door – Replacing your old, tired front door with something more stylish is a rather inexpensive way to add some new value to your home, as well as to your curb appeal. Experts say that an upgrade to a steel door is a great investment, but warn against choosing a door strictly for its energy rating. Turns out homes lose more heat through gaps around the door than through the door itself.

2. New garage door – To echo the first item on this list, garage doors need some love too.

3. New siding – Give your entire home a facelift with a new cladding of vinyl siding. While this project is more expensive and complex than the first two, it is still relatively quick and budget-friendly while adding value and improving the look of your home.

4. New deck – A deck is a lovely and functional transition from inside to the outdoors. A new deck can be built over an existing but outdated patio or can replace an old, sagging wooden porch on the back of your home. The return on your investment is either years of enjoyable leisure, or about 75% of the costs, depending on whether you stay or go.

5. Minor kitchen updates – You don’t have to go all out. Consider replacing just the countertops, adding a backsplash, purchasing a sleek new appliance, or swapping the faucet for an elegant, water-saving model. Something as simple as new light fixtures or cabinetry hardware can add value, style, and atmosphere to an otherwise less-inspiring cooking cave. The budget and extent of the makeover is up to you.

6. Window replacement – Give your home an aesthetic and energy-efficiency makeover with new windows. While the budget for this project is larger, it’s well worth it and can pay for itself in climate efficiency over time.
7. Attic remodel – If you’re considering a real undertaking, turn that old, dusty attic into the master suite, library, or nursery of your dreams.

8. Basement remodel – Similar to the attic project, only in the basement, you’ll want to focus on family space. Adding family or “public” space in the basement can take you from cramped and cranky to peaceful and harmonious.

9. Major kitchen overhaul – And sometimes you do have to go all out. Kitchen remodels are pricey and require you do McGuyver kitchen space somewhere else in your home, but remodeling the heart of the home comes with many benefits, including a more beautiful and functional space and a solid ROI to go with it.

10. Second floor additions – You can nearly double the value of your home by doubling its size and functionality. Adding an entire floor, or even just a master suite, over your existing home can bring in a 65% or more increase in the sales price of your home. It also saves valuable landscaping and outdoor living space—a plus for smaller lots and cramped neighborhoods.

If 2014 is the year of the fresh home design for you, you’ll be off to a great start with any of the items on this list. Whether you gather your supplies for a DIY weekend or call your favorite local contractor, you’re in for a treat. Good luck!


 Read More: DIY Home Renovation Blunders to Avoid

Interested in getting a Reserve Study for your community? Click here to get a proposal!

3 of the Biggest DIY Blunders to Avoid

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DIY Home

Do You Need Permits?

Every homeowner wants to feel the pride that comes with completing do-it-yourself projects. But oftentimes when we’re on a mission, we unwittingly bite off more than we can chew. There are many DIY projects that can be tackled easily and successfully by most any homeowner without causing more harm than good, but here we’ll take a peek at a few common blunders that may require you to think twice before picking up that tool box and getting started.
Many homeowners jump right into a project before consulting city codes or condominium association rules. Oftentimes DIYers err on the side of just trying to finish a project quickly without anyone being the wiser, as permits are time-consuming. But permits are there to ensure that the time and money you invest into a project is put to good use. For example, San Diego electrical and plumbing permits are an integral part of planning any changes that might affect the integrity of these portions of the home. Oftentimes you need proof of a permit for an insurance carrier to cover it, or there may be specific height and material limits that you’ll need to adhere to in order to get the best price for your home should you choose to sell.


Buying Cheap Materials

It can be an intriguing idea to consider buying materials that are a few levels lower on quality than you originally budgeted. But trust that buying cheaper materials outright can actually cost you more in the long run. Cheap tile can break, cheap carpet can tear, cheap paint can peel, and cheap appliances can wear down or malfunction quickly. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the Cadillac of dishwashers in order to keep yourself out of the quality red zone; it simply means that sometimes a few extra dollars here can save you having to buy those materials all over again in short order. Think of it this way: you aren’t paying for labor, so you have a little extra room to get better materials.

Inaccurate Measuring

We’ve all heard the old adage, “measure twice; cut once.” It’s important not just for good measure, but because one wrong cut can cause a domino effect across an entire project. Fences, drywall, flooring, and other items in the home must be meticulously measured out, as beginning on the wrong foot can cause you to waste materials and run into issues once you hit the end of the project. Always err on the side of caution and measure everything diligently multiple times. A few minutes on the front end can save you from having to scrap yards and yards of material on the back end.
Taking heed of the potential to make these mistakes is the first step in preventing issues that can be caused by do-it-yourself projects. A little bit of planning can go a long way towards making sure your home project goes off without a hitch.

Read More: Top 10 Home Renovation Projects

Interested in getting a Reserve Study for your community? Click here to get a proposal!