Do you have a long list of home improvement projects you want to complete? As a homeowner, it probably seems like you always want to fix things up around your home. However, all refurbishments come with a price tag. Before you open your wallet, take these things into consideration.
What type of return will you see?
If you ever want to sell your home, will you recoup the money you spend on a major home improvement project? In many instances, you can expect an increase in your property value, but it may not be the number you were hoping to see.
When fixing up the exterior, garage doors are a great place to start. Replacing worn doors will boost your home value, and repainting older doors may also help. If you want to spruce up the interior, it may surprise you to learn that painting a room almost always has an impressive return. Choose neutral colours that are the most appealing to potential buyers.
Unless you want to stay in your home for a few more years, fitting a new bath or upgrading the kitchen may not yield as high of a return as you hoped. These projects are better if you want to stay and enjoy them for a while.
What’s the maximum you want to spend?
Never jump into a new project without taking a good, hard look at your budget. It’s never wise to go into a great deal of debt to upgrade a few things around your home. Instead, know how you will fund the project beforehand.
Set a limit as to how much you want to spend. Don’t enter a hardware shop without having a clear picture of your budget. Make a list of the items you need to buy and keep your eye open for promotions to help you save some more.
Do you have a clear plan of action?
It’s not wise to begin a project without knowing what you want to do. For example, don’t start upgrading your kitchen without a plan of action. If you do, you may end up overspending. You may want to replace the countertops and end up retiling the floor too. Without planning for this additional expense, you will find yourself running out of funds quickly.
Depending on the size of the project, you may also want to hire a tradesperson to help you. Opting for a DIY without the right knowledge may cost you more in the long run. Work with a professional to create a design. They will work hard to keep things on task, on budget, and on time.
Did you shop around?
Prices for materials, services, and tools may vary from place to place. Make sure you compare prices from several vendors before making any purchases. If you’re at the hardware store, compare materials from different manufacturers. You may be able to find the same item for a lower price.
When hiring a tradesperson, you should get a quote from several before you choose one. Make sure you also read a few reviews. A low price doesn’t always mean quality work. Shopping around will not only help you stay on budget, but it will also help you make better decisions.