Home Improvement Projects to Build Equity

Doing projects yourself can be an enjoyable learning experience.  You can personalize, save money, learn a skill and be proud of what you have accomplished.  Many times, we do home improvement projects out of necessity and sometimes we do them just for fun.  But, sometimes you can make improvements that build equity by increasing the value of your home.

Putting in the time and effort that it takes to do a project right is something that you have to want to do.  Projects often start out fun and exciting, but end up grueling.  With the right attitude, you can keep it light and fun.  Be willing to work hard and expect that a few things will go wrong.  Remember that overcoming obstacles builds character and strength!

One of the biggest ways to increase the value of your home is to update the kitchens and bathrooms.  Faucets and fixtures make a big difference.  Investing an extra $100 in a fancy faucet can turn a room from mundane to extravagant.  Faucets are pretty easy to install yourself, just make sure that you have no leaks when you are done.  Tile is another addition that is not too expensive to do yourself.  A framed mirror, fresh coat of paint and a cabinet refinishing can go a long way.  Look into selling your old appliances and replacing them with high end, energy efficient ones.

Flooring can add value if you add tile or hardwood.  Carpet won’t necessarily add a lot of value, but new carpet will definitely help a house to sell if you’re looking for that.  Using wood, tile, granite, and other sturdy materials around the home help to raise house value.  Stone and other natural materials not only look nice, but they give the house a more durable quality that buyers pay more for.

Another project you can do yourself is crown moulding and chair rail.  Chair rails are a lot like base boards that go around the center of the wall.  They set off a room and make it look more luxurious than just blank walls.  Miter the corners and cut forty five degree angles at the seams.  For a professional look, angle the seams so that they are not visible from the entrance to the room.  Replace damaged baseboards and quarter round for a clean finish.

Landscaping is one of the most important improvements you can make.  Buyers pay significantly more for homes that are beautifully maintained.  Take care of your landscaping and a small investment could turn out to gain you real profits.

If you are selling your home, make sure that the lights all work with matching bulbs.  Keep the lawn mowed and watered.  Take down your own art and photos.  Get rid of extras that are lying around.  Make your closets look more spacious by organizing them and using high end products like wood hangers or cedar accessories.  With a little diligence and care, your home’s value can be increased more than you might have imagined.