Typically, a do-it-yourself homeowner will constantly look for home improvement projects that can add a significant value to the home. Many of the projects are small enough that they will not break the bank or overextend their budget, but will provide additional equity to the home, once the project has been completed.
Many homeowners will limit their budget to approximately $5000 for any type of large remodeling project around the house. While not a sizable sum, there are many things that can be accomplished to enhance the beauty of the home, add to its functionality, or replace much-needed equipment.
- Installing a Wood Fence
For less than $5000, it is easy to add a wood fence around the exterior of the property. This type of fence can add significant value to the home’s existing landscaping. They can also provide backyard privacy, or be used as a containment for dogs. In addition, installing a wood fence as a home improvement project adds an additional layer of security to the home.
Installing a wood fence can easily fit into most homeowner’s budget. They can be installed as a small picket fence, or paneling that has been pre-assembled, and only requires the upright post and some heavy lifting.
- Replacing the Heat Pump
Heat pump air conditioning systems are only designed to last between 10 and 12 years, and that is with proper maintenance every year. As the home begins to age, many homeowners are faced with the idea that their home improvement project will be nothing more than replacing the existing heat pump air conditioning system. For less than $5000, a professional air conditioning company can replace the interior air handler, and the exterior condenser, and have the home heated and cooled properly for decades to come.
A newly installed heat pump air conditioning system is more cost-effective because it can make the home more energy-efficient. It can significantly reduce the amount of energy that is consumed just maintaining the heat or cooling year-round.
- Painting the Exterior of the Home
One of the most common home improvement projects for the do-it-yourselfer is painting the exterior of their home. Often times, the siding can become sun-bleached, and take on a washed out appearance. A fresh coat of paint can easily put on a fresh sheen to the exterior of the home.
High quality paint for the exterior of the home along with all the necessary supplies can typically be purchased for less than $3000, which is significantly lower than the budget. It can protect the siding of the home for decades, especially when it is applied properly. Depending on the type of siding installed on the house, whether it is fiber-cement, vinyl or stucco, a fresh coat of exterior paint can add a high level of protection.
There are significant ways to add extra value to the equity of the home. By selecting the right types of home improvement projects, any homeowner can increase the home’s value, while enhancing its appearance or functionality.
A Flood Led To Us Improving Our House
Last year our house was flooded by a tropical storm. It was amazing how much damage just six inches of water could do. We needed major repairs to our house, and we hired a contractor to do what needed to be done. Since our house was already being worked on, my husband and I decided to go ahead and make a few cosmetic changes that we had only talked about before the flood happened.
The first thing we decided to do was add recessed lighting to our master bedroom and our living room. It baffles me why the home builder neglected to add lighting to these two rooms, and I had always hated how dark they were. We added six canned lights to our bedroom, and four to the living room. These rooms are so much brighter and I enjoy being in them now.
Next, we talked to our contractor about knocking down the wall between our kitchen and dining room. He verified that the wall in question was not a load-bearing wall, and down it came. In place of the wall our contractor extended the counter space and cabinets from our kitchen. Removing the wall was a huge improvement to our home. It opened up the entire house with that one change. Our kitchen had previously been a dark, cramped place. Now it is bright and inviting, and we can easily talk between the kitchen and dining room.
When we knocked down the wall, we also blocked one of two entrances on one side of the kitchen. Instead of the extra entrance which was, quite honestly, stupid, we now have something I had only dreamed of before – built-in book shelf in the kitchen. I have a tremendous love of cookbooks, which has led to my large collection of said books. Now, I have a place to keep my cookbooks in my kitchen. Even better, at least for my husband, the book shelf has doors so no one has to look at my books unless they open the doors. My books are safely hidden from view, which my husband had long wanted.
The last thing that we did was add a door between our master bedroom and the attached master bathroom. That was the one design flaw, in my opinion, from the original builders. I always hated the fact that the bathroom led right into the bedroom without a door. Don’t get me wrong, way in the back was the toilet and shower part of the bathroom and that had a door. But the part with the sinks did not, and we could hear each other when we brushed our teeth or washed our hands. The addition of a door was simple, yet has added many a good night’s sleep to us.
As difficult as dealing with a flood was, it led to us making home improvement decisions that we otherwise would have never done. It was our way of taking a bad thing and turning it into something good.