New Year's Resolutions for Home Improvement - Fort Bend ...

Pay attention to simple updates in bathrooms, such as replacing a vanity, updating lighting or adding a mirror. Even changing a faucet and cabinet hardware to a more trend-forward style can make a bathroom appear like new, without having to break the bank (Photo credit: Lowe?s).

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The Top 10 tips to add value to your investment

By Cheryl Alexander

New Year?s resolutions are usually packed with good intentions, but sometimes the intention lacks direction and we fall off track. Don?t let that happen to you this year. Set your sights on increasing the value of your home with these improvements that will add value to your home.

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1.? Hire Professionals

Rather than thinking this is the year you?ll get around to that DIY project you?ve managed to avoid for the past few years, get the most bang for your buck (and your time) by leaving it to professionals.

? Invite a realtor or interior designer to check out your home. Allow them to help you set priorities for your home improvements before you begin. Find out what today?s market is demanding and which improvements will give you the highest return on your investment.

? Hire a professional organizer. An organizer will show you how to organize various rooms in your home and teach you tricks for keeping it organized. How does this increase your home?s value? Simple ? a clutter-free home appears cleaner and larger, which is more attractive to homebuyers and therefore more valuable.

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2.? Schedule An Inspection

Not every home improvement is cosmetic. If you don?t know about your deteriorating roof, termite infestation or outdated electrical system, you can?t have it fixed. Hire an inspector to check out the areas of your home that you don?t normally see. They may discover hidden problems that could negatively impact your home?s value. A hidden water leak or other small problems can rapidly become big, expensive problems, and the longer you put off repairs, the more expensive those repairs are likely to be.

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3.? Paint, Paint, Paint

New paint is one of the easiest, most cost-effective improvements you can implement. A fresh coat of paint immediately cleans up and updates any room ? and that spells value. When selecting paint colors, be aware that people find neutrals most appealing, making your home more desirable to the greatest number of people. Hiring a professional painter will not only save you time and energy, but also help to get the best finished product.

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4.? Boost Curb Appeal

Overgrown or patchy lawns and outsized bushes will cause your home to stand out ? in a bad way. Hire a lawn service company to trim your lawn and shape the hedges.

Additionally, remember that everyone loves a yard with thick, green grass. Replace an existing patchy mix of weeds and grass with fresh new sod. Not only will the difference amaze you, this one change will instantly add curb appeal and value to your home.

Plant shade trees. Not only will mature trees make your home more desirable, but a fully grown, properly placed tree can cut cooling costs by as much as 40 percent. Mature landscaping is also good for the environment, providing a necessary habitat for wildlife.

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5.? Cut Energy Costs

The amount of money you spend each month on energy costs may seem like a fixed amount, but many local utility companies provide free energy audits. By learning how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home, you will save money. You can apply these savings to updates that will make your home more valuable and marketable in the long run.

?Install a water filtration system in your kitchen. Not only do these systems purify the water, they will also lower your grocery bill ? no more bottled water. A water filtration system is an inexpensive addition, but it?s the sort of small luxury that homebuyers love.

? Add new energy-efficient fixtures. A functional, decorative ceiling fan is a beautiful thing. It provides necessary light and, in warm months, creates a soft breeze that reduces the need for expensive air conditioning. But an outdated, wobbly, loud or broken ceiling fan is no good; replace it to make your home more enjoyable now and to increase the bottom line should you decide to sell.

? Go tankless. Upgrade your standard water heater for a tankless model. Most old-fashioned water heaters keep 50 or so gallons of water hot, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, whether you use the water or not. Tankless water heaters heat only the water you need as you need it. Not only will they save you money now, but they?re an eco-friendly and cost-effective update that today?s homebuyers are looking for.

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6.? Improve The Air Quality Inside Your Home

Air quality isn?t just about the conditions outdoors. If you have older carpet in your home, it might be hiding contaminants and allergens. The first step to determine if these need replacing is to hire a professional company to test the indoor air quality. If the results prove that the carpeting should be replaced, choose environmentally friendly natural products like tile or laminate floors. Hard-surface floors are much easier to keep clean, don?t hold odors, give your home an updated look, and, in general, are more appealing to buyers.

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7.? Popcorn Ceilings Are Stale

Few structural elements date a house more than popcorn ceilings. Removing a popcorn ceiling may not seem like a big change, but one of the keys for adding value to your home is to repair, replace or remove anything that could turn buyers away.

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8. Bathroom Updates Equal A Big Return ?

Bathroom updates are always smart. Even if a full remodel is not in your budget, small changes such as replacing dated wallpaper with a textured finish or replacing old lighting will update the room without straining your budget. Even investing in only one cost-effective change ? like replacing an outdated vanity, old plumbing and lighting fixtures or adding a new tile floor ? will guarantee a lot of bang for your buck and give your bath an updated, modern look.

Other changes that can make a big impact include shower door updates as well as a mirror makeover. A seamless shower door will not only show off tile work, but can also make a bathroom seem larger. There are several different styles and textures of glass to complement any decor.

Give your bathroom mirror a makeover by adding moulding to an existing mirror. With a variety of molding styles available, this addition can dramatically transform a plain mirror into a show stopping focal point.

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9.? Kitchen Updates Always Add Value ?

The same rule applies in the kitchen. To maximize your home?s value, kitchen updates are key. Start by swapping out one item at a time ? maybe the stained sink or outdated microwave ? for bright new stainless models. Even small kitchen updates add big value. Donate still-working older appliances, and replace with sleek new energy-efficient ones. An appliance with an Energy Star label is certified to use 10-50 percent less energy and water than conventional appliances. Matching stainless appliances not only look great now, but will make your home stand out above the competition should you decide to sell.

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10. Keep Up With Regular?Maintenance And Repairs

Walk through your home and make a list of all the little things that are broken or in need of repair. Individually, small repairs might not seem important, but if each room has one thing wrong, all of those small things can create an impression of neglect. Hire a handyman for a day or two and watch your ?to do? list dwindle. Whether it is painting, repairs or installing new appliances, a professional handyman will alleviate the stress of doing it yourself and will actually get the job done.

The first impression of a home is from its exterior, so grab the buyer?s attention early. Trimmed landscaping indicates that a home is well cared for throughout, so make sure that the grass is cut and the flowers bed are refreshed. Replacing the mulch is a budget friendly option that will make a big impact (Photo credit: Lowe?s).

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Source: http://fortbendlifestylesandhomes.com/home-improvements-jan-2013/

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