From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Inexpensive Renovations That Increase a Home’s Value
By James Sarles
Sep 10, 2009 - 12:11:05 AM
If you have had your home on the market for a long time in Freeport you
will may not believe this next statement but its true…. There are a few Buyers on the island
and now is the time to make sure your home stands out if you want to sell. Home
value is top of mind for many homeowners, particularly as our housing market
begins to show early signs of recovery from the recent downturn. Renovations and remodeling can play a
critical role in both increasing the value of a home and ensuring that it
stands out to potential buyers.
At a time when most people are
looking to do more with less, few homeowners may be ready to commit the
thousands of dollars it can take to fully redo even a single room. But here are eight affordable home improvements for
potentially increasing the overall value of a home, without breaking the
budget:
Reface Kitchen Cabinets. Kitchen updates are among
the smartest remodeling projects when it comes to “upping” the resale value of
a home. But homeowners do not need to spring for an entire new cabinet set to
improve the room’s appeal. Refacing existing cabinets, applying a fresh coat of
paint or replacing tarnished pulls and
knobs with new hardware might be just the quick fix a kitchen needs to make it
look and feel like new.
Improve the Lighting. Updating lights and lighting fixtures is another simple enhancement that
does not require a major investment. Replacing old bulbs with stronger, more energy-efficient compact fluorescent
bulbs will brighten up the house and make it more inviting – while cutting down
on energy costs over the long term. In addition, replacing recessed lights in a
dining or living room with an
affordable chandelier or installing accent lighting to draw attention to artwork
or other room features can create an entirely fresh ambiance.
Freshen up a Fan. An updated ceiling fan can give a room a more
contemporary feel, but purchasing a new one isn’t always a necessity when looking
to upgrade. Improving an existing fan is simpler than homeowners might think
and does not have to come at a high price. First, try
unscrewing the fan blades and turning them over. Typically, blades have
alternate colors or patterns on the reverse side. If not, simply add a
coat of paint and reattach. One can even install new pull chains to complete
the look as well as match the fan accents to new lighting fixtures or cabinet
hardware.
Hang More
Mirrors. It sounds simple, but the addition of a mirror on any wall adds depth
and light to a room, making even the smallest space seem larger. Mirrors also add elegance and charm to a home’s décor, and
often at a reasonable price.
Break Out
the Paint Brushes. Applying a couple coats of paint can make a remarkable
difference and is always a low-cost, high-return project. Experts recommend a warm, neutral wall color that can make a room seem
more spacious, create a more modern feel and appeal to a wider variety of
buyers.
Install
Laminate Flooring. Even if the cost of hardwood or tile floors is out
of the question, for under $5 per square foot, homeowners can easily install laminate
flooring in their kitchens, hallways and bathrooms – provided that floors are
level with those in adjacent rooms. Laminate flooring can hide chipped tiles or
old linoleum and give the room a more modern feel.
Refinish
Your Appliances. Purchasing brand new matching appliances can cost
thousands of dollars. However, for a few hundred dollars, an appliance refinisher
can re-enamel the surfaces of appliances covering up any out-dated colors that
may be ruining the look of your kitchen.
Spruce up
Your Home’s Exterior. When planning to put money into a house, homeowners should not overlook
simple exterior renovations that can add substantial worth and attract more
buyers. A freshly-mowed lawn, a clean, even walkway and a few
well-placed bushes can make a huge difference. If you don't have a green thumb,
consider hiring a landscaper on a one-time basis to plant some shrubs or give the
front yard a good cleanup.
Even if you can’t do these projects yourself go ahead and hire a local
contractor or handyman because the simple tweaks will increase the value of
your home and help the home sell !
Until Next week…
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