In this age of granite everything, hardwood everything and crown-molding everything, it?s easy to think that taking on a home improvement project is akin to taking on Middle East peace negotiations. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Some home improvement websites and magazines would have you believe that nothing is truly ?improved? until you?ve dropped tens of thousands of dollars ? and countless hours of inconvenience if not backbreaking work ? on a kitchen or bathroom renovation. That?s because it?s common knowledge that updated kitchens and baths offer the best return on investment if you plan to sell your home.
Stop and think about it for a moment. The underlying assumption is that everyone who wishes to make improvements to their home is immediately focused on resale. It also suggests that it?s difficult if not impossible to quantify the value of simply living in a home with gorgeous updates. Perhaps you can?t put a specific dollar value on it. That doesn?t mean the money isn?t well-spent.
Once you adjust your mindset regarding what it means to pursue home improvement, it?s time to educate yourself regarding the various tasks you can tackle that aren?t necessarily as stressful as a major renovation of a kitchen or bathroom (which are, by default, some of the most expensive rooms to change).
You?ve got a lot going on, particularly if you?re just in the process of buying your home. Between the kids? soccer games, the big deadline at work, and your efforts to collect homeownersinsurance-quotes.org , you may not feel like you have the energy or creativity to think about anything pertaining to your home?s appearance.
You can dramatically improve your home?s appearance ? and yes, its resale value, if you wish ? by yourself, without hiring a contractor or draining your firstborn?s college fund. Here?s how.
1. Paint, paint, paint. Painting is one of the cheapest ways you can reinvent a room. Paint is cheap and labor is free, if you?ve got a positive outlook and a bit of energy. The sky?s the limit in regard to color, and nothing freshens up a room occupied by the same old furniture than a few daring coats of a complementary color. Don?t settle for blah beige. Look for inspiration all around you: Kleenex boxes, art magazines and even restaurants can offer clues to interesting new pairings.
2. New flooring. You may think you need help from the pros, but flooring is easy to take on yourself. Stick-on tiles can change the look of an entire kitchen or bathroom in just a few hours. Looking for something a bit more weighty? Take a quick class at your neighborhood home improvement store on how to install carpet or laminate. Do you have old, scratched-up hardwoods? Get them refinished for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Invest in a gorgeous new rug to show them off ? or simply move the dining-room rug into the kitchen or living room for a new look.
3. New fixtures. Yes, you can replace a faucet yourself. You can also replace switchplates, light fixtures and cabinet door handles. These fixes sound very small but really add up. They also offer the opportunity for you to showcase your impeccable taste. Paying attention to these kinds of details will make your home look more like a craftsman?s masterpiece than a builder?s cookie-cutter bungalow.
4. New art. You don?t have to invest in the next big artist to make a statement. Make your own art! Blow up and frame that gorgeous photo of the lakeshore from your last vacation. Paint stripes on a blank canvas, available at your local craft supply store. Hang a pretty tapestry. Frame interesting bits of found art: old skeleton keys, autumn leaves, even beloved articles of clothing or theater-ticket-type mementos. Frames are cheap; stock up on them in two or three dominant colors or styles, and you?ll have a distinctive collection of art in no time.
5. Outdoor living. You may not have the time, energy or money to repaint your home?s exterior, but you can add plenty of homey touches to give it that cozy, well-loved look. Plant bushes that bloom in the spring and summer. Add shutters to the windows, and install window boxes for flowers that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Hang a brightly colored flag. Keep the lawn neatly mowed.
These are just a few ideas to help you make your house into a true home. The sky?s the limit! Don?t be afraid to try anything (Purple walls and bamboo flooring? Why not?) because the beauty of home improvement is that you can change what you want, when you want. Go ahead. Pick up that paint brush. Dare to make your home one of a kind.
Source: http://www.eeclectic-homes.com/renovation-not-as-scary-as-it-sounds.htm
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