Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners viewed their home as their sanctuary—a place to retreat and relax after a long day. But as they spent more time in their homes during the pandemic and endured lockdowns, they may have started to view their homes with a little more critical eye.
Now that we’re on the other side of the epidemic, many homeowners are rethinking how they use their homes, and looking for ways to improve them. But when it comes to renovations, not all projects are created equal. Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the future or simply want to upgrade for your own enjoyment, it’s important to balance cost recovery and homeowner happiness when choosing which projects to tackle.
According to NerdWallet’s research, these are the top home improvement projects for both cost recovery and happiness:
1. Painting
Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your home look newer. Be sure to choose neutral, light colors that will appeal to most buyers and don’t forget to remove outdated wallpaper, which can detract from your home’s value.
2. Adding an extra bedroom or bathroom
Adding another living space is an easy way to increase your home’s value and add more privacy for you and your family. But make sure to keep the cost and size in line with the average home sales price in your area. If you’re considering this project, it may be best to consult with a real estate agent before starting to ensure you’re not overspending.
Home improvement shows make it seem like a new bathroom or kitchen remodel can cost you thousands of dollars, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some of the most worthwhile and effective upgrades don’t even cost that much, according to real estate industry experts.
These small home upgrades are easy to do, won’t eat into your wallet and are sure to add value to your new house.
Paint
Professionals and DIYers alike tout a fresh coat of paint as one of the easiest home upgrades you can do to instantly transform a room’s mood. In fact, it’s so affordable that you can make it a regular habit to refresh the color palette every year or two.
Another way to upgrade your new house without blowing your budget is by switching out standard light switches for dimmer ones that can create a softer, more intimate ambiance in the rooms where you’ll spend the most time. Dimmer switches also allow you to save energy by lowering lighting levels in areas where you’re not using them as often, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Adding pantries in the kitchen can also give your home that luxe feel and offer more storage options, which are highly desirable by most buyers. But be careful not to go overboard; high-end upgrades such as granite countertops and custom cabinets can reduce a home’s resale value.
If you’re building a new home, ask your builder what options and upgrades are available for your floor plan before going to the design center. Many production home builders have set options for each new construction floor plan, while semi-custom home builders can typically accommodate changes to the home’s design, such as moving a room or adding a study or laundry room, for an additional fee worked out at the beginning of your contract.
Whether you’re preparing your home to sell or just want to upgrade for your own pleasure, it’s possible to make big changes without taking out a second mortgage. With some education and planning, these easy diy home renovations will make a significant impact in your living space.
1. Upgrading Shelving
If you’re tired of looking at cluttered countertops, consider adding floating or mounted shelves to your home. This simple project can give you more storage and display space, plus it’s a great way to incorporate a stylish design element into your home. 2. Installing Hardwood Floors
Replace your dated carpet with wood floors to create a modern, yet timeless look in your home. This affordable DIY project will add value to your property and is easier to clean than carpet.
3. Restoring and repurposing Furniture
If you have a creative eye, it’s possible to give old furniture a new life with sanding, painting, or upholstery. For example, Kelin Zhao of Hydrangea Treehouse created a covetable closet from IKEA’s Trofast furniture line with a few simple hacks and some cabinetry-grade plywood.
4. Adding Backsplash
Update your kitchen or bathroom with a backsplash that will add style and functionality to your home. This is an easy DIY project that you can complete in a day or two and requires little-to-no demolition.
r and r home improvement
If you’ve ever had work done on your house, chances are you’ve heard contractors spout a few terms that have you scratching your head. One such term is “r and r,” which refers to “renovation, restoration, or remodel.” While many people assume that a renovation is something big like installing new tile or fixtures in the master bath, it’s actually a lot more common than you might think.
Despite the recent drop in consumer spending, early signs point to an uptick in homeowner R&R projects as markets stabilize. Media and web searches indicate that homeowners are planning high-utility projects such as updating the kitchen or adding a new deck, as well as doing smaller do-it-yourself projects such as painting and gardening. Magazine subscriptions to home and remodeling titles on Readly are up 24% this month and 6% year-over-year, while search terms such as “home improvement” and “DIY” are at peak levels on Google.
What are your favorite budget-friendly DIY upgrades that made a huge impact on your life? Share them in the comments. u/Forged is also accepting submissions on what you’ve been up to at your place!
When your home needs repairs that can’t wait, such as a leaking roof during a storm or a heating system that breaks down, there are resources available to help you with the cost of these emergency home improvements. The government offers assistance to help homeowners make certain kinds of repairs, and there are also home improvement grants that offer a lower interest rate than typical loan options.
The home improvement programs offered by the federal government, states, counties and cities vary widely as well, so check with your local authorities to see what is available in your area. Your state’s housing agency will have information on a range of different programs from homebuyer help to homeowner funding, and many major counties and cities will also have their own specific programs for seniors.
If you are a senior citizen, there are some special programs that provide free home improvement help to improve safety and health. For example, Rebuilding Together provides a program called RESTORE that provides funds to very low-income elderly homeowners to repair homes to address health and safety hazards. It also assists with weatherization, including air sealing (caulking), attic and wall insulation, insulating hot water tanks and pipes and improving lighting. It may also cover radon mitigation, if needed.
Some long-term care insurance policies also pay for home modifications or assistive devices, such as a bath transfer bench, toilet safety frame or hospital bed. Medicare and Medicaid usually don’t pay for these items, but some organizations will provide them to eligible seniors at a reduced fee or on a sliding scale, depending on income.
Many home improvement contractors rely on referrals or word-of-mouth marketing to find new clients. While these tactics can be effective, more homeowners are researching online reviews before contacting a contractor. Home remodeling review sites showcase client testimonials and can lead to more online referrals for your business. Learn how to boost your home improvement business with a strong review marketing strategy.
Home improvement referral services connect homeowners with contractors for home repair, maintenance and remodeling. They are usually based on a paid subscription and include a project database, bid opportunities and contractor profiles. They are often considered the yellow pages for the modern age and provide a convenient way for consumers to compare local contractors. Unfortunately, some referral services are abused by fraudulent contractors and tarnish the reputation of the entire industry.
A quick search on Google will reveal a variety of home improvement referral websites. Some of these sites function as little more than community bulletin boards for contractors, while others are strictly limited to vetted and licensed contractors who have passed background checks. Others are more robust and offer additional conveniences to the consumer such as coordinating pricing, scheduling and facilitating payment.
The most popular home improvement referral site is Angi (formerly Angie’s List). Angi has the distinction of being one of the oldest and most reputable referral services. Unlike other home improvement referral services, which are free for contractors to join, Angi requires that contractors pay for leads. Despite this, Angi is still an excellent resource for finding home service professionals.
The Home Improvement episode “Eye on Tim” is a satire of the TV show and reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”. It also pokes fun at home improvement shows in general.
Jill (Patricia Richardson) tries to spruce up the house for the arrival of a visit from her visiting sister Carrie, a newspaper photojournalist. Carrie annoys Jill by passive aggressively insulting the suburbs, their family and their suburban life. Tim’s (Tim Allen) obsession with cars and tools leads him to modify or rebuild a vehicle with his “man’s way”. He often says, “More power!” to which the audience responds, “Darn right more power!”
Despite his expertise as an auto mechanic, Tim is very accident-prone when using power tools. He is constantly spraining his fingers, breaking things and otherwise destroying property with his devices. This is done to demonstrate the risks of improper use of power tools and the importance of safety precautions.
Al Borland (Richard Karn) is a grumpy, slightly overweight neighbor who often has trouble with his own idiosyncratic mannerisms and the ways of the modern world. He is always wearing a flannel, which was his father’s trademark. Al is a straight-forward, practical man who serves as the show’s contrast to the wacky and sometimes irresponsible Tim.
Each episode of the series featured Tool Time, a show-within-a-show hosted by Tim and co-host Al. It featured various projects, pranks and other humorous events relating to the improvement of homes. The show was nominated for multiple awards and won several throughout its run.
Article
Home improvement projects are a great way to improve your house’s aesthetic. A fresh coat of paint, a new rug, or a new set of kitchen appliances can make a big difference without breaking the bank.
Marty Maynard is an exterior remodeling consultant for Richmond Exteriors in Massachusetts. He has a wealth of experience and enjoys helping homeowners with their exterior renovation projects. He also loves camping with his family and helping them solve problems while outdoors.
Briefed to extend and enhance this suburban Melbourne home, Maynard sought simple, pragmatic means to boost the home’s performance. A folded steel stair saves a riser; the kitchen bench becomes part of the stair; council-mandated screening reflects heat and glare, eliminating the need for curtains; insulation is everywhere, including inside the roof space; and the design avoids any gimmicks or ‘green gadgetry’. These are clever, well-thought-out strategies that make good use of the existing footprint and resources.
Home improvement is already a booming industry, with many Americans looking to upgrade their homes before they retire. This activity has been even more robust during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many homeowners spending billions on projects to improve their properties. This trend should not be surprising, given that many millennials will be entering the housing market at the same time as older homeowners looking to improve their existing properties.
In addition, new laws have made it easier for homeowners to build ADUs on their property. For example, in 2021, the Terner Center estimated that more than 700,000 homes could be built on single-family lots through SB 9, which allows owners to split their land into multiple units and eliminates single-family-only zoning. However, it’s important to remember that the number of SB 9 applications is a small proportion of the total number of homes that could be built on these sites. Planners have told us that while SB 9 applications are low, inquiries to their departments are high. This suggests that the low number of SB 9 applications may simply reflect the fact that homeowners are not interested in taking on the complexity and expense of an SB 9 project. Instead, they may be opting to pursue an ADU instead.
Sb home improvement in Jeffersontown, KY is a well-known construction and remodeling contractor that provides services for a variety of renovations. They have been recommended by many local homeowners for their quality work on various projects, such as basement remodels and deck expansions. Their team of experts is highly qualified and experienced, making them a great choice for any homeowner looking to update their home.
A few simple, affordable DIY home improvement projects can make a huge impact on your space. Add a pop of color with an accent wall; paint the ceiling to give your room drama; or update the cabinets with a fresh coat of stain or paint. These inexpensive upgrades make a dramatic impact on your décor and help your space work harder for you.
Add more storage to your kitchen with a built-in breakfast bar. This smart, budget-friendly project will create a new gathering spot for families to dine together or entertain guests. You can also mount a wine rack in a corner or next to upper cabinets for easy access to your favorite vino.
Invest in a new set of window treatments to refresh your space. Roman shades are versatile, stylish and easy to install. With the right fabric and pattern, they can really tie your home design together.
Installing a backsplash in your kitchen is another low-cost way to upgrade your space. This practical DIY project takes just a day or two and requires minimal skills.
Paint can make a dramatic change to your space and is one of the best DIY home improvement projects for beginners. You can use a light color to brighten a dark room or opt for a deep shade for a dramatic statement.
Adding an outdoor fireplace to your backyard is a fun project that transforms an unused space into a cozy place for family and friends. It’s also a great opportunity to learn basic concrete and hardscaping skills, as well as masonry, that can evolve into a wide variety of other DIY projects for your home.