Any homeowner who embarks on home renovation faces a dilemma: Whether the money will pay off in the long run? There is no right way to know this since what the home buyer is willing to pay depends on several factors ranging from the materials you have used to the choice of the renovation project and the other homes in your neighborhood. However, it is important to have an idea of what the improvements might be worth. In case you want to live in the home for longer and are willing to invest more, you need to consider which renovations are worth the extra investment. Here’s a guide to help you avoid unpleasant surprises while you are renovating the space. 

Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling remains at the top of the list for increasing the return on your investment. This is because the kitchen is the heart of your home and it can easily look outdated if you do not maintain it well. They are also the priciest fixes in the home. If you want to sell your house, someone will check the kitchen first and if they walk into an outdated kitchen, they will immediately think of the renovation costs. The idea is to renovate the kitchen in such a way that it looks updated and still has a timeless charm to it. Look for a granite or marble countertop and stick to classic designs. An intricate or very modern design may not look the same in 10 years or more. It is possible to upgrade an average kitchen for less than $20,000 with paint, countertops, and a few new appliances. It is possible to do it for less than that too. You need to think of timeless kitchen renovations because you want to make your kitchen look up-to-date while also increasing the return on your investment. 

Roof

One of the most important aspects of your home is the roof. If the roof isn’t in the right condition, it can bring in a lot of trouble. Rain or shine, the roof will protect you from it, and even if you do not intend to sell the home anytime in the future, you need to ensure that the roof is in the best condition. It is advisable to take a good look at the roof before the onset of monsoon, ideally in summer, so that if it needs any work, you can get it done before it starts to pour. Any home buyer will be keen to take a look at the roof’s condition and if it isn’t in a good condition, they will factor in the cost of roof replacement. The experts at Ocala residential roof replacement state, “The cost of full roof replacement can range anywhere from $7,000 to $70,000, depending on the type, roof area, and materials you choose”. If you have a limited budget for renovation, focus on the roof first. 

Bathrooms

After you have got the roof and kitchen out of the way, focus on the bathroom. Just like kitchens, think of a timeless style but use modern bathroom fixtures. You will also need to upgrade things like a showerhead to give it a completely modern look. Many are inexpensive fixes that can change the way your bathroom looks. A new tub could be slightly pricier but it can transform the space. Besides the tub, you can focus on updating the sink and the counter space. Even the cabinets could be easily updated with new hardware. This is not a very costly renovation but if you can make the bathroom look as good as new, it will pay off. 

Front door and the garage door

You can instantly increase the home’s value by getting a new front door. It is a very popular and inexpensive fix to have. Get a new door which could cost you around $2,000 or just update the door with fresh paint and add new hardware for a small cost. If you have a garage, update the garage door as well and see a higher value on your home. 

There are many reasons why you could be thinking about renovating the home. One solid reason is when you do not like something about the home and want to change it. Another reason for renovating could be because you are thinking of selling it at some point in time. No matter the reason behind home renovations, updating the home will increase its appeal and market value. Some repairs are minor and do not need a lot of time and money. Even if you do not want to sell the home anytime in the future, it will help upgrade your lifestyle. Set a budget and stick to it so that you do not overspend on home renovations. 

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Bathroom tiles may start to crack and fall off as time progresses. Appliances may begin to malfunction or stop working altogether. Pipes become rusty and corroded. The task of repairing things in your home can often seem daunting, but it’s fairly easy to repair things yourself these days because of the wealth of information available through free do-it-yourself sites.

Repairing Damaged Doors and Windows

Replacing a glass windowpane is easier than it looks. You can simply remove the old pane and seal the new one with caulk. Door repair may seem challenging, but it’s relatively easy to replace a broken hinge or fix a damaged frame. The hinge screws on fairly easily, and the use of power tools can make the act of replacing a door take fewer than five minutes if you know what you are doing. Wood glue or wood filler can be used to repair a cracked door frame. Replacing the entire frame should probably be done by a professional, but you won’t likely need to do this unless the frame is completely destroyed.

Dealing With Drywall and Fixtures

Many homes today are assembled using drywall because it’s cheap and easy to set up, but drywall isn’t the most durable material. A slight knock can dent drywall. It’s fortunately pretty inexpensive and easy to patch a hole in the drywall. It only takes about an hour to patch and sand a small hole. You may want to have professionals fix larger holes because it’s difficult to keep the drywall even.

Some patching kits come with objects you can attach to the back of the hole to use as a base. This is necessary for large holes because the drywall will simply fall through to the other side. Some people use newspapers or other materials to fill the space between the wall, but this will be a losing battle if the space between the wall is too large. Carefully examine the drywall before you decide to do proceed with one of these projects on your own.

Fixing damaged light fixtures can be relatively simple. Many of these fixtures contain parts that can be easily replaced by searching for them online. You generally only need to unscrew and replace the broken part of the fixture. Bathroom fixtures generally also take only a few minutes to repair or replace. Toilet seats can be unscrewed and replaced within minutes. Broken tiles can be reattached using inexpensive adhesive. You may enjoy using a grout marker pen to paint the faded space between the old tiles white. This can make a shower look brand new.

Replacing Kitchen’s Backsplash and Wallpaper in the Bedroom

Remodeling a kitchen typically costs thousands of dollars, but you can replace the backsplash on your own without spending very much at all. You can use peelable tiles to quickly brighten up an existing kitchen setup. You may also want to consider replacing the kitchen cabinet handles while you are at it. This is often relatively easy to do because most handles screw on with standard size screws. You may want to use wood filler on the holes if the handle you are replacing is bigger or smaller than the one that was previously there. The results may not be the same as if you had a professional company remodel your entire kitchen, but you’re completing the work at a tiny percentage of the comparable cost.

You may want to replace your old bedroom wallpaper if the room is feeling a little bit musty and worn. Wallpaper should be replaced every decade if you want to keep a room looking fresh and new. Some companies now offer adhesive wallpaper that doesn’t need to be attached using glue. You can remodel a room within just a few hours, and children may enjoy participating in this project. You’ll probably know that it’s time to replace things when they start becoming problematic to use. There’s a difference between a bathroom shower door that looks unsightly and one that is physically difficult to open because of rust damage. Carefully consider cost-effective ways to improve your home’s look and feel, and make the repairs on your own if it seems feasible.

Photos By: Annie Elliot

The price of property continues to rise while the economy remains uncertain. This can make it very difficult to get established on the property ladder. The answer in many cases is either to undertake a self-build or to purchase a property for renovation. Choosing the self-build option is desirable but often a very difficult process. It can be much easier to purchase a renovation and convert it into the property of your dreams. However; there are pitfalls! Here are 7 things you should know before you start a home renovation:

1. Pests

When a home has been left unused and unloved for even a short period of time nature moves in. While it may be difficult for plants to start growing inside, it is relatively easy for a huge number of pests to take up residence. If you don’t take a look at the issue before you start renovating you can find a major stumbling block during your renovation. In the worst case you may even complete the renovation before you discover the pests; then you’ll have to undo some of your hard work! Even if you don’t think there is a pest issue it is worth getting a professional in to advice on the weak spots in your home; prevention is better than cure!

2. Have It Surveyed

Most people have the building surveyed before they complete the purchase. In fact this is often a condition of the mortgage. However, you should also have the land surveyed. This will ensure your exact borders are marked and that you are aware of any utilities that go under your land. This may affect your renovation project!

3. Change Is Inevitable

The idea is to plan what you would like your new property to look like and then undertake the renovations. This is a good plan. However, you also need to be aware that changes do happen. As you renovate you’ll get more of a feel for how the house flows. This can affect your plans and should be embraced.

4. Set A Budget

It is essential that you work out what your budget is for the house before you start. Unfortunately things never go exactly to plan and there is always something that has been overlooked. Avoid potential issues by having a reserve budget but remember this is for emergencies! It is very difficult to renovate within your budget!

5. Managing It

When you have different contractors coming and going it can be very difficult to keep track of everything and everyone. You need to record everything in writing so that there are no disputes further down the line. You should also appoint one person to manage the renovation. If you are not working then it can be you. If not it is worth paying someone to do this; it will make the renovations go much smoother.

6. Regulations

It is very important that you check with your local planning office regarding your intended renovations. You need to know if any of these are affected by planning regulations. If they are then get your planning sorted before you start the renovation; this will prevent you from being held up during the process.

7. DIY

Finally you need to consider whether you are going to do most of the work yourself or not. This will depend on your skill set and the time you have available. It can certainly save you funds but will you be able to achieve the finish you desire? Once you’ve prepared as much as possible start renovating, remember that it will always take longer than you think and enjoy the journey!

Photo: HGTV

When should you consult your local jurisdiction for a permit to remodel your home? A good contractor will usually advise you beforehand if you need a permit. However, you need to have this information at your fingertips to avoid any violations instead of relying on contractors’ advice. And in some cases, unlicensed contractors may give you false information to seal the deal. Here are some of the projects that may require a permit depending on the regulations in your city or state.

1. Plumbing and Repairing the Electrical System

You may need a permit to replace the electrical wiring in your house. Electrical work, in this case, includes changing the overhead lighting, outlet, fans, or switches. Local governments are especially concerned about electrical systems since faulty wiring may lead to electrocution and electrical fires. In some cases, you’ll have no choice but to work with an electrician.

In addition, you will also need a permit to replace or install plumbing. Minor repairs may not require a permit but changing the whole system or major parts of the system will require a permit.

Photo: Via Pinterest

2. Heating System Maintenance

If your water heater develops mechanical problems, replacing it will require a permit. Your contractor will also need a permit to replace wood or gas fireplaces, ventilation system, and ducts. You can clean, lubricate, and change filters in the heating equipment without a permit but you cannot change the heating system.

3. Repairing or Installing a Fence

Some city governments have specific guidelines on the permitted height for fences in their jurisdiction. Even if you are replacing old fencing with the same type of fencing, you need to recheck the height restrictions and obtain a permit beforehand.

You may be forced to cut down or remove your fence after installation if you ignore the restrictions. Installing a durable fence is an expensive project and a simple error like not checking local regulations can set you back quite a bit. Check the restrictions in your neighborhood. Your suburb may have a homeowners’ association that restricts the height of fences within the area.

Photo: Dover Shores Modern

4. Window Installation

Do you want to bring in more light to your house with bigger windows? Consult your local government planning department before your contractor starts the work. The same measure applies to new doors and skylights. Check your states lead certification requirements if there happens to be lead in the house. You need lead certification for any remodeling in older buildings that may contain lead.

5. Structural Changes

Your contractor needs a permit to implement any structural changes on your property. The changes include replacing the foundation flooring, roof, balcony, porches, decks, and load-bearing walls. These types of major changes may interfere with the safety and stability of your home, so this is why a permit is usually required.

Photo: Modern House Magz

Conclusion

Obtaining a permit may seem tedious, especially when you want quick repairs. However, the laws are established for your safety. The laws protect you from contractors who may want to take shortcuts and use substandard materials for the repairs.