Here are seven affordable home improvement projects that’ll help you enjoy your home more today and provide excellent financial return in the future.
#1 Add the Finishing Touch of Molding
- Crown molding makes rooms seem both bigger taller. It’s an elegant addition to any home.
- Plus, wood moldings come in hundreds of options — from simple to ornate — that you can stain, paint, or leave natural.
- You can also find moldings in flexible materials, such as foam, that make installation a whole lot easier. Some moldings even include lighting that casts a soft, ambient glow.
#2 Hang Quality Ceiling Fans
If your ceiling fans are old and outdated, new ones (coupled with a fresh paint job and crown molding) could give your rooms a refreshing update while saving money.
Some tips about ceiling fans:
- Hang 7 to 8 feet above the floor.
- If you’ve got a low ceiling, buy a hugger ceiling fan that’s flush-mounted.affordable home upgrades you can make
- Go for the biggest Energy Star-rated fan that will fit the space.
- Choose quality. You’ll get better cooling results, less noise, and good looks at a digestible price point.
#3 Plant Some Trees
- Trees are moneymakers that get better with age. In urban areas, money really does grow on trees. A recent study of home sales by the Pacific Northwest Research Station of Portland showed that street trees growing in front of or near a house boosted its sale price by an average of $8,870 and shaved two days off its time on the market.
- Trees also:
- Save $100 to $250 annually in energy costs
- Lower stress
- Prevent erosion from downpours and roof runoff
- Protect your home from wind, rain, and sun
#4 Install a Deck or Patio
- Keep it simple and functional to see a return on investment. A professionally installed deck costs about $10,000 to install, but if you DIY it, you’ll save more than half that while adding to your equity.
- Don’t skimp on deck lighting. It can make all the difference in functionality and beautification.
#5 Upgrade Your Insulation
- It’s not as sexy as a kitchen remodel, but it doesn’t cost as much either.
- Plus, you’ll save all year long on your utility bills. Win-win.
#6 Add Some Creative Storage
- Adding storage is a no-brainer, but it does take a little brainpower to find your home’s hidden storage.Here are a few ways to think outside of the toy box:
- Open drywall to create storage cubbies between your wall’s studs.
- Install platform storage that hangs from your garage ceiling.
- Even stairs can give you more storage.
#7 Install Landscape Lighting
- Exterior lighting makes your home shine in the evening, accents features you like most about your house, and helps keep burglars away. Installing motion-detecting lights can even lower some homeowners’ insurance premiums.
- Place accent lights under your favorite trees to show off your landscaping’s top earners.
- Put them on a timer so you don’t waste energy running them during the day.
- Choose a warm, white light. It’ll make your home look and feel welcoming.
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GET YOUR HOME INVENTORY TODAY…AND SAVE: Tricia is offering a 10% discount from now through August 2018 for anyone interested in getting started. Contact her via phone at 925-206-0103 or by email uniquelyyours@outlook.com to schedule your inventory today.
