Planning for some home improvement is always an exciting prospect, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing, especially if it’s your first time ever to take on the challenge. The home is often the single largest investment people sink their hard-earned money into, so getting a home improvement project right is of utmost importance. The home’s value, appearance, and overall comfort are at stake – no wonder projects often cause quite a bit of anxiety, too.
Despite their trepidation, homeowners willingly take on improvements because they often bring enough value to make the additional investment worthwhile. The good news for homeowners is that, with the plethora of resources and online tips available, taking on a home project or two is now less daunting than it once used to be. To prove that, here’s a post that aims to share with you the basics of home improvement. Read on to get tips on choosing the projects you should invest in, as well as other important information.
The Benefits of Home Improvement
MULTI-WAY IMPROVEMENT. Home improvement projects can enhance a lot of aspects in the home, from aesthetics to energy efficiency.
Before we get into tips and recommendations, let us first discuss the benefits of home improvement – what’s really in store for you and how spending for these projects can be of advantage to you.
Some homeowners tend to put off home improvement projects because of the cost and attention required, thinking that their homes are livable even without the modifications, so why bother? However, home improvements are not meant to just make your home more livable, but more lovable and valuable, too!
- Enhanced comfort. If you have been living in your home for a long time, chances are it’s already hiding some issues which may compromise comfort and function. Take, for example, old and drafty windows. They can let air and cold drafts in, and let heated or cooled air out. Deterioration can mean your windows can no longer help you maintain comfortable indoor temperatures; moreover, windows that don’t function properly contribute towards energy wastage, as your heating and cooling systems will need to work double time. Window replacement can eliminate these concerns.
- Maximized space. If your home feels cramped or you have extra space that can be put to better use, a home improvement project can help you redesign those spaces to help you open up and maximize your living area. You can have new cabinets installed or opt for a room addition or extension to make more efficient use of the unused space.
- Easier maintenance. A lot of building materials and home fixtures available today are manufactured with ease of maintenance in mind. When considering the materials to use on your home improvement projects, seriously think about the many advantages that modern and technologically-advanced products bring to the table, and leverage this advantage to cut down on maintenance costs in the days to come.
- Better curb appeal. Exterior home improvements will naturally improve your home’s aesthetic appeal and add to its overall value. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, having a home that you can enjoy looking at can be very satisfying and a great source of pride.
- Improved energy efficiency. A number of home improvement projects can help lower your monthly energy bills. New windows, doors, and siding can improve your home’s insulation, for instance. New attic insulation can bring the same benefit as well, adding greater thermal comfort to the home as a whole and bringing better energy efficiency.
Tips on Deciding Which Home Improvement Projects to Invest In
When it comes to home improvement, it’s easy for one to want everything done, especially once you know of the benefits. However, you can’t have your projects done all at once, unless you’re planning on renovating your home altogether. Here are some tips to help make sure that you invest in the right projects:
- Declutter and assess your home’s condition. Before you get down to deliberating which home improvement projects to have done, take the time to declutter. Sell, donate, or throw away stuff that you don’t want and use anymore. Without the unnecessary clutter, you will be able to have a better look at what really needs improvement. Oftentimes, it’s the clutter that makes the home look outdated and cramped. Decluttering the home also leads to the discovery of hidden issues that need fixing.
- Make a list. Once your home is free of clutter, make a list of projects that you want done – from repainting to room additions. Then, take a good look at your list and ask yourself, which of them do we really need? Which are just “cosmetic” improvements, and which will significantly impact on comfort, function, and my home’s value? Group the projects together according to importance and urgency. Roof, window, door, and siding replacement are some projects that you can prioritize, giving urgency to projects to fix noticeable damage, of course.
- Determine your budget. Even if you have determined which projects need to be done first, you will still need to consider if your budget can cover the expense, or if you are willing to go over and spend regardless of the cost. If you are unsure of how much to budget for each project, you had best consult with a trusted contractor in your area who offers free estimates.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. Getting a professional contractor to inspect your home can help you determine which home improvement projects need to be prioritized.
- Get professional help. To make sure that you choose the right home improvement projects and that they’ll be done properly and safely, hire professional contractors. Professionals know to perform a thorough inspection of your home to see what may need immediate repair, replacement, or improvement. Keep in mind that these projects are bound to be a lot more complex than simply, say, changing a dead light bulb. By hiring a licensed, experienced, insured, and reputable contractor, you are assured of a successful project. Additionally, you will also benefit from the warranties and guarantees that they usually offer.
Cost- Efficient Home Improvement: Window and Door Replacement
WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENT. Cost-efficient home improvement projects to boost curb appeal, aesthetics, comfort, and energy efficiency.
If you want to give your home an instant boost in terms of aesthetics, comfort, energy efficiency, and value, then window and door replacement are projects that you’d want to consider.
Updating and replacing your windows and doors may require a considerable investment up front, but often prove to be among the most affordable and cost-effective projects over the long term, given the multitude of benefits that can bring your home additional value.
Window and door replacement can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and, as a result, lower energy bills. About half of the energy loss in a home occurs through and around windows and doors, so replacing old units with weathertight, high-insulation products can dramatically reduce your energy consumption.
Replacement windows and doors come in a wide variety of types, styles, colors, and designs which can greatly impact on both interior and exterior home appeal. Replacing damaged windows and doors will also improve your home’s security and reduce your need for constant maintenance.
Improving your home through a renovation or upgrade can be truly exciting. However, before sinking your money into anything, do take the time to consult a professional who can steer you right by providing you with recommendations and helping you make educated decisions about your home.
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Author Bio:
With over 30 years of experience in the home improvement industry, Kenneth Biddle is committed to working with homeowners to get what they want, need, and deserve. His team of window and door replacement professionals in Dallas understands and respect the same principles, working each day to earn the trust and confidence of the communities they serve, one homeowner at a time.
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