Homeowners Increase the Value of Your Home
1.Landscaping - Curb appeal is most important. A well maintained
lawn with flowers and shrubs in defined bordered planting areas.
Trees are an added plus. Using plants that maintain their leaves
during winter in colder areas will help keep the landscaped
look. By hiring a local landscape contractor to design a proper
layout and purchasing planting materials from them you may get
the design for free.
2.Exterior Painting - Your homes exterior should be repainted
every 3 to 7 years by power washing the exterior, replacing any
damaged wood, recaulk all openings you may be able to paint only
the trim, windows, shutters, doors, and porches. This will give
a fresh look to your exterior. This work is not for everyone to
try some of us may need to hire a contractor.
3.Patios and Decks - A well defined outside entertainment area
is a must in today's homes. You don't need a 3 level deck with
stone walkway to the lake. But you will find that a larger size
deck or patio up off the lawn with cooking and eating areas will
be useful to your family and add to your homes value. These can
be weekend projects unless city/county inspections are required
check with your local code officials.
4.Exterior Lighting - Landscape lights are available at all
major home stores a well lighted exterior will make your home a
show place. Low voltage systems can provide an interesting look
with walkway lighting, up lighting through trees, against the
house or to set off a landscape feature. If you don't have
sufficient GCFI circuits outside you will need an electrical
contractor to install the correct number at the locations you
require. Don't use the 75 watt spot lights a builders model home
is not the appearance we are going for.
5.Exterior Hardware - House numbers, mail box, door knocker,
door locks and handles are a great place to spruce up by
repainting or replacing. A brass or brushed nickel kick plate at
the front door, a large escutcheon plate at the dead bolt and
door knob will set off the entry. Replace entry light fixture.
6.Garage - A must clean up area. Move everything outside. Paint
the walls and ceiling (painting the floor is a plus and can be a
real challenge to do it right) Add shelves and wall hooks to
hang tools keeping them off the floor. Keep it neat and clean,
only move back inside things that you use, get rid of the junk.
An electronic garage door opener is an easy installation of a
couple of hours.
7.Interior Fixes - Clean the carpets have a professional with a
truck mounted system clean the carpets, other systems and the
rentals all leave in excess soap the suction is not strong
enough to pull the soap and cleaning agents completely out of
your carpet. Soap in the carpet will become dirty easier. Repair
all trim, doors make drawers and doors operated properly. Repair
or replace any broken shades or blinds. Repair and repaint walls
as needed.