Even though we have only lived in our home for less than a year, my husband and I have been able to add significant equity to the value of our home. We spent approximately $20,000, on our $400,000 home.
Only recently, after all of our home improvement projects were completed, we had the house reappraised. Happily, it came in with a full appraisal of nearly $480,000. Adding an additional $60,000 of equity in the first year of owning a home, has added a sense of self pride in our confidence levels, and a great addition to our net worth.
What We Did
We were very careful in selecting the best types of home improvement projects to perform on the home. We knew that every dollar we invested had to generate more money than we spent. This is the only way we could increase the equity. We chose specific upgrades that were sure proof methods for adding equity.
Winterizing the House
We purchased an old home that was built back in the 1940s. We knew that there were significant issues with the home in its ability to remain energy-efficient when heating and cooling the interior. We chose to winterize the house, and bring it up to code to ensure that it operated as efficiently as possible.
We changed out the existing windows and doors (exterior) and added new weather stripping and caulking. This immediately transformed the drafty old house into a modern structure. We minimized the transfer of heat simply by changing out the windows and doors.
We also changed out the HVAC system, because it was highly inefficient. We recognized that an HVAC system is only intended to last 12 to 15 years. When we purchased the home, the existing air-conditioning/heat pump was already 18 years old. For less than $6000, we hired a professional company to install a new condenser unit and air handler. We went from a very inefficient heating and cooling system, to one with the latest most advanced technology.
We recognized almost immediately that are utility bills were lowered. We are saving every month on the amount of money it cost to heat and cool the home. This is a phenomenal savings, and an ideal choice for a home improvement project.
Exterior painting
We hired a professional painting company to completely paint the exterior of the home. The old dull finish to the home is now bright, with a neutral color and complementary accent colors. Our once boring appearing home from the outside is now one that has tremendous curb appeal, and greater value. We have gone from being the ugliest home in the neighborhood, to the most attractive one.
The last home improvement project we performed to add significant equity to the home was to change the roof. We hired a professional roofing company, and chose stylish architectural shingles. They removed the outdated, ineffective leaky roof and install the new one. The entire project only took a couple of days.
All of the home improvements we made to our house is added a substantial amount of equity to its worth. Through proper choices, we selected only the best home improvement projects that were sure to gain equity.
READ ALSO >> How To Permanently Organize Your Bedroom
Ideas To Inexpensively Update Your Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a place where you feel comfortable. It should beckon you to come in and relax. There are many cost effective ways to take your bedroom to the next level. Continue reading to find out how you can turn your bedroom into a wonderful sanctuary on a shoestring budget.
Sheets
Many people assume they need the highest thread count sheets they can afford. This is not necessarily true. Tread count stands for how tightly woven the material is. If you are always hot, you may want to do like the Europeans and opt for loosely woven linen sheet sets. Save those high thread count sheets for those cold Winter nights.
Comforters
A high quality comforter can cost you hundreds of dollars. High quality comforters will last you as long as 10 years, but you will be stuck with either spending more money or keeping the same comforter form many years. You do not have to spend a lot of money much to have a beautiful bed. You can choose to purchase a less expensive comforter so that you can change it out often or you could look for a beautiful bedspread. Bedspreads are usually quite inexpensive and can be changed out as often as wanted. Another option would be a beautiful quilt.
Curtains
Coordinating curtains make a bedroom look beautiful; however, they do not have to cost a fortune. Instead of buying the matching curtains to a comforter, you can choose to buy an inexpensive pair of curtains that coordinate with your existing bedspread. Additionally, if you are crafty, you can make your own curtains using a couple of inexpensive flat sheets that coordinate with your bedding.
Window Trim
Windows can be used as a focal point in a bedroom. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add trim and a window seal. Visit your local home improvement store for different types of trim that can be added to your windows. Installation is a breeze if you have the home improvement store to cut your trim to the size of your windows.
Flooring
There are many flooring options when it comes to bedrooms. Whether your bedroom has hardwood floors, tile floors or carpeting, you can enhance the look with a beautiful area rug. Choose an area rug that is slightly wider than your bed to help anchor your bed in the room. A sisal rug or a neutrally colored rug is your best bet when choosing an area rug.
Closets
Closets can be neat and organized easily by using closet organization systems. Installing a closet organization system with shelves and double rods can double the space in your closets. These systems can easily be installed by the average homeowner in a few hours.
Paint
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to instantly enhance your bedroom is with paint. For a calming effect in the bedroom, choose a paint in the blue color family.
As this article has shown, there are many ways to inexpensively update your bedroom. Use the information located above to help you turn your ordinary bedroom into a relaxing oasis.