Fall is a great time to consider adding value to your home, and plenty of DIY home improvement projects will give you a big bang for your buck. Be careful in what you chose to take on, though, because some projects are not always safe or easy for a novice. Let’s take a look at what you can work on and what you should leave to the professionals.
GREAT HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR OWNERS:
Replace outdated kitchen lighting fixtures. Brighten up your eating area with a trendy light fixture. Replacing an existing fixture is as easy as turning the power off at the breaker box and connecting the wires.
Give your kitchen island a makeover. For as little as $20, you can give your island a whole new look by installing bead board. Add a few extra trim pieces and you’ll increase the price slightly, but you’ll still be getting a whole new kitchen look. Trimming the bead board with a jig saw will be the trickiest part. Lacerations can occur with a jigsaw, so it’s important to wear Kevlar-lined gloves for safety.
Add some crown molding. Virtually every room in your home can benefit from adding crown molding. It’s important to select a molding that will be visually appealing in your room. For example, molding that is too big will overwhelm a small space. Take a look at the other trim in your room, the baseboard molding and the window trim, and match your crown molding to its style and size for the best results.
Paint a room. A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform any room, and this can be done for as little as $30 a gallon. Keep in mind that neutral colors appeal most to homebuyers, and lighter colors will make your smaller spaces feel larger. According to homegain.com you’ll see a 250% increase on home value with fresh paint. Here are the top ten ways to paint like a pro.
Because not every home improvement project is ideal for a homeowner to tackle, here are some projects best left to the professionals.
Remodeling a kitchen. There are components of this project that can be handled by a homeowner (paint, lighting, hardware), but most of the associated tasks should be handled by professionals. Cabinet installation, rewiring, countertop installation and any sort of flooring are all updates that require a pro.
Installing a new water heater. Replacing a water heater means working with a whole lot of electricity and gas, which can result in a leak, or even an explosion. Permits are required, as well as specific code adherence and safety regulations due to carbon monoxide emissions, so this project will need to be left to a licensed plumber.
Repairing a broken garage door. Garage door springs lose their tension over time, and will eventually need to be replaced. As tempting as this project looks, don’t do it. Professionals replace the spring with a safety cable that runs through the spring and connects with the track; this prevents the snapped spring from “slingshotting.” One wrong move on this project could result in serious injury or death.
Repairing the roof. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every year 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries, and approximately 300 of these incidents prove to be fatal. You can also damage your home’s structure without knowing the proper way to replace and repair roofing material.
Whether going the DIY route or leaving it to the professionals, working on ways to improve your home’s value is always a good investment. Not only will it pay off when it comes time to sell, but there’s something to be said for enjoying a makeover.