Summer may be a great time to do a lot of things but as a property owner, it is the perfect time to break out the tools, call the contractors and make some financially smart home improvements. Here are 10 cost effect home improvement projects that can offer serious financial return.
1. Window Replacement
Old, cracked and broken windows can lead to a variety of problems including drafts, pest problems, moisture problems, noise problems and more. Luckily, you can fix these issues by installing all new windows.
Window replacement may not be cheap, but over time new windows can lead to lower DWP bills. Done right, you can recoup between 60% and 90% of your costs. As a bonus, property owners that install ENERGY STAR certified windows may also be eligible for a green energy tax credit, thus saving you more money.
2. Door Replacement
Like window replacement, door replacement can make your home more energy efficient, leading to more DWP savings. Replacing your front door can also improve your home’s curb appeal and may increase its resale value.
3, Kitchen Upgrade
Kitchen upgrades are a smart investment because you can recoup as much as 92% of your investment at the time of sale. The important thing to remember when remodeling your kitchen is to keep your plumbing upgrades and appliance upgrades reasonably priced. This will help you recover your costs at the time of sale.
4. Bathroom Upgrade
Like a kitchen upgrade, the costs for a bathroom upgrade can be largely recovered when you sell your home. As with a kitchen upgrade, the trick to recouping your investment is to keep the cost of the remodel low. Avoid splurging on big fixtures like a hot tub or a spa tub. A new coat of paint, new faucets and a new shower head can go a long way to making your bathroom look new and improved.
5. Deck Installation
Decks are a relatively inexpensive improvement that can make your home more appealing to buyers. Once the deck is in place, we recommend using quality paint or stain to seal and protect the wood.
6. Maintenance of Existing Deck
If you already have a deck, it’s important to maintain the wood and protect the structure from the elements. Inspect your deck for problems like peeling paint and faded sealer, then repaint or reseal as necessary.
7. Room Painting
Every room looks better with a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Painting a room is a relatively inexpensive home improvement, even if you have to buy all new painting supplies. If you plan to sell your home in the next year or two, a freshly painted room will help you stage your home as buyers come to take a look.
8. Exterior Home Painting
Repainting the exterior of your home can boost your property’s curb appeal. More importantly, a fresh coat of paint can protect your home’s wood siding or stucco from moisture (which could become important if it actually rains in Los Angeles this winter).
9. Security Upgrades
Security upgrades like installation of solar powered outdoor LED security lighting and security window screens won’t lower your utility bills, but you’ll recoup your money all the same. After all, you live in Los Angeles. Making your home secure will help you to fend off thieves, give you piece of mind and add to your home’s resale value.
10. Refinish Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are an important aspect of a home’s visual appeal and can play a significant role in helping sell your home or condominium. If your hardwood floors are worn and scuffed but haven’t had multiple refinishings, in most instance you won’t have to replace them; you can simply refinish them.
While this can be accomplished by a skilled, experience DIYer, it’s a dirty. laborious and time consuming activity; and if it’s not done properly, all the DIYer’s hard work may wind up diminishing the home’s appearance rather than improving it. Before taking on the task it would be wise to first get multiple bids from professional floor refinishers to see what they think will be required (rebuffing the floor or sanding and refinishing), how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Tashman Home Center
As your neighborhood home improvement store, Tashman Home Center, is the place to head to for the supplies you need to make these improvements or anything else that might strike your fancy, including window and door repair and replacement. Stop by Tashman Home Center’s Hardware Store or shop on line at TashmanHomeCenter.com, because we carry it all, from light fixtures to paint brushes, cleaning products and more. We have a knowledgable and friendly staff and we’re always happy to help in any way we can!
Tashman Home Center’s Hardware Store Counter