The time is coming in the DFW area to do your Spring cleaning and start those outdoor and indoor improvements on your home. Whether you decide to landscape your yard, put in a pool, paint your home inside and out, or are planning an addition, you need to weigh your options and consider why you are taking on the project. If you are doing the improvements to a home that you plan on living in for the long haul, then your dollar is being spent on your own personal satisfaction. However, if you are looking to increase the value or curb appeal of your home, you need to be careful to ensure that you are going to get your money back. Many home improvements turn out to be a waste of time and money that do little to improve your home?s value; however, they may just set your home apart in the eyes of a perspective buyer. So, before digging a giant hole in your yard for that pool, be sure to do your homework, and then decide if it is all worth it.
Swimming pools and outdoor living areas are a sexy addition to your home. We dream about those hot Texas days spent sipping margaritas poolside, while our friends splash around in the pool. You might just become the coolest of all your friends during the hottest August days; but, before you go buying those water weenies, consider the costs. Let?s start with the installing of the pool itself. The average price of an inground pool is $22,000, and can easily hit the $50K mark if you get carried away. While a pool may be attractive to potential buyers, it can also scare them away. Families with young children may not want to take on the safety hazards that a pool can bring. Plus, you will never get back what you spent installing the pool. Another drawback to owning a pool is the maintenance and costs associated with it. Pool maintenance will run you about $2,200 annually, not to mention the cost of heating it if you choose to do so in the cooler months, and the additional costs added to your homeowners insurance. You also should be aware of the replacement of any parts and the repairing of any cracks that will inevitably form. You might even decide to add an outdoor kitchen, sunroom, or other living space to go along with your new swimming hole. Again, this can be appealing to buyers, or be a great place to hang out almost year round in DFW. There are many options and price ranges you can go with. Built in barbeques, sinks, ovens, decking, fire pits, entertainment centers, and furniture can make this space a popular place on a variety of budgets. So, if you are planning on enjoying this all for yourselves, the by all means, go nuts. However do not expect to see all that money in return when you choose to sell.
If you are thinking of some indoor improvements, like a kitchen remodel, for example, consider the current condition. If your cabinetry is tattered and falling apart, your appliances are out of date, and your flooring is awful, then it may be an investment with a great return. If everything is still in pretty good shape, the adage, ?If it aint broke, don?t fix it? might be your best advice. The same goes for flooring and carpet throughout your home. Sometimes a good buffing or shampooing can bring new life to your floors.
One project that can really improve the look and value of your home is new paint. Painting the inside, outside, and even the front door can really put a new shine on a home?s old look. If you plan on selling anytime soon, it is a good idea to keep the colors neutral. Perspective buyers might be scared away by the blood red bathroom walls. Again, if you are doing this for yourselves, then go ahead and paint your hallway that baby-poop orange you?ve had your eye on! The good thing about painting is that it can be a relatively cheap project and is only semi-permanent.
Other cheap ways to make your aging home seem new involve some old fashioned elbow grease. A good weekend clean can add a sparkle that will last a long time. Pay special attention to tile, grout, and caulking in kitchens and bathrooms, and if needed, replace the grout or caulking in the problemed area. Having a garage sale and/or making a run to the dump is a great way to get rid of clutter and even reclaim some of your home?s square footage. Plus, it will prevent you from ending up on a reality show about hoarding. Replacing cabinet hardware is also easy, and can add a new look to your drawers and cabinets.
There are countless options and reasons for making over a home. They range from hundreds of dollars to tens-of-thousands of dollars. Some are do-it-yourself projects, while some require bringing in an expert. Whatever your flavor may be, do some research prior to jumping into a project, and carefully weigh the costs versus the rewards.
Contact Dallas home inspector Keith Boggs if you have any questions about the information in this blog or to schedule a home inspection at www.homeinspection-dallas.com.
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Source: http://www.homeinspection-dallas.com/home-inspections-dallas-blog/?p=386
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