There is something awesome about buying a fixer upper and doing the renovations yourself. Some people fix them up a bit at a time, using cash as they have it available. If you want to make a big impact by doing small things, here are 10 things you need to include.
Nothing says outdated like an old-fashioned gold chandelier. Lighting is something that can be updated easily and won’t cost a bunch of money. It is one of the smallest things you can do that will have the biggest impact.
There is an old saying that states “if a barn needs to be painted, slap some paint on it.” You will be amazed at what some paint can do to your home. A new hue can cover imperfections and give the room the blast of color it needs. Forget drab, white walls that are lackluster. Give your home a color makeover.
Just like the lighting, the fixtures in the home become outdated quickly. Startwith the kitchen faucet and then move on to the bathroom. You can update and upgrade a fixer upper by just adding these small touches.
If you have new cabinets in the budget, then you should go for it. However, if your budget is limited, then you may want to try to paint them. Painting old cabinets and installing new hardware will give the kitchen a facelift. If the cabinets are old but sturdy, then you can bring them back to life. Painting is inexpensive and has a huge impact.
Carpet is great when it is new; however, when it is old and dingy, it can really have a negative impact on a space. Hardwoods are the best option, followed by laminate floors. However, if you are stretched for money, you may try a bag floor or a penny style one. There are creative options online that allow you to do great things with your floors for less.
The curb appeal of the home is everything. It does not matter how great the inside looks if the outside is in shambles. Clean up any dead plants and add some new. Be sure to pick flowers and shrubs that bloom at different times. This will allow you to have color year-round. Add some shutters and a fresh coat of paint to the porch. Use decorative numbers to display the address. Finally, replace the mailbox if necessary.
Ceilings are often overlooked. They are usually white and the color is reserved for the walls. However, people do not realize how dirty these ceilings can be. A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling can really enhance the whole room. The walls are not the only thing that needs to be painted.
The biggest impact you can have on the outside of a home is to replace or paint siding. If you have it in the budget, you can add brick and stone accents. Most fixer upper homes have chipping paint and worn out siding. Splurge for some nice siding or paint a great color to update the home’s look.
New windows are expensive, but they are important. If you have old windows in your home, you need to spend the money to upgrade them. Windows are great for keeping the elements at bay. You will save yourself money in the long run by sealing off old-drafty openings.
To help the process of heating and cooling a home, you need to make sure the home has an updated HVAC unit. The air filters are just as important as the unit. Filters with a rating of Merv 11, have "astro pleating" to help ensure no dirt or dust gets into your system. Extend the livelihood of your unit by selecting quality air filters.Originally Posted on March 22, 2017 RISMedia's Housecall by Cary Teller
Renovating your kitchen can mean serious profit when selling your home. Even small, basic improvements to your kitchen can pay big dividends. For most buyers, the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that means it has the greatest profit potential. Here are a few suggestions for improving your kitchen without investing tens of thousands in remodeling costs. In the short term, consider changing floors, cabinets, and fixtures. Consider sanding, staining, or painting dingy looking cabinets. Replacing old cabinet hardware (a low-cost improvement) can make a huge difference in appearance. Look at your counter tops and other surface areas that draw the eye. Also, look at the kitchen sink and fixtures. If they’re old and worn, replacing them with contemporary fixtures and a new sink can make a world of difference…not just in aesthetics, but in hard dollars.In some cases, spending $4,000 on a cosmetically outdated kitchen can add as much as $15,000 in extra value of the home. One of our Investor Clients recently purchased a single family home in East Orlando, making major improvements to the kitchen which included new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring and raising the ceiling. The photos below show the vast difference in the "before and after" appearance. Click here to view more photos of this outstanding kitchen makeover. There are a number of factors that go into determining how well your project will pay back. Payback value depends a lot on the current market conditions in your area. If the market is hot and homes are selling fast, you can expect a higher payback value than you would get in a slow market.Another factor to consider is the cost of the improvements. If you can do the work yourself, you can save significantly on the cost of the project and greatly improve the chances of getting a good return on the investment.