This is a guest post from Becky Wolfe at Fame to Freedom.
Budget Remodeling: How to Update a House without Going Overboard
When buying a home to live in (or as an investment), you want to consider a few variables before renovating. It is completely normal to think about all the cosmetic changes you would like to make as soon as you move in, but make sure you are not over-improving the home. You want to make sure that if you ever go to sell the home that you will get back all of the money you put into the home
I wanted to create a post with tips on how to remodel based on your neighborhood. This post will provide useful tips on how to remodel to your liking, but still stay within the parameters of what the neighborhood dictates as far as property value. It breaks my heart to see people remodel only to lose money on the house later.
Let me take a step back and talk about appreciation on the house first. The reason I am bringing this up first is because I had no idea what the heck appreciation even was until a couple years ago. I just want to explain it briefly so you know where I am going with this article and to maybe explain it a little more clearly. To give an example- say you buy house for $100,000 and you put $10,000 of work into the house. You have it appraised and the appraisal value after the renovation is $150,000, you already have appreciation on your home of $40,000! This is fantastic. It means, if you were to go and sell that very day, you could list your house for $150,000 and make $40,000 if someone bought the home.
So why should you care about this? Most people when they buy their first home, it is just that- a first home. They live in it for 5-7 years on average and they move on to another home. So how do you update your first home (or any home for that matter) to get extra value from it for when you move?
Here is a list of ways you can update your house based on the neighborhood to add value, but not go overboard:
Look at other houses in the neighborhood: Are there any open houses in the area? Go ahead and walk through them and see what other people are doing inside their homes.
Look on the MLS or Zillow: The MLS is the site that realtors use. It is called the Multiple Listings System, aka where all houses are listed. Realtors search this for their clients for prospective houses. MLS can be used by lay people also. Zillow is another great way to look for houses for sale in the neighborhood. You can search their photos to see what other people in the neighborhood have done on the inside of their homes
Specifically, pay attention to what the others houses look like: Are there granite counter tops or composite? Are there wood floors or laminate? Carpet? Tile in the kitchen? Try to stick with what other houses in the neighborhood are doing. If you want to put in higher grade countertops, consider saving money in another area.
Update kitchens and bathrooms first: Choose one or the other and go with it. Look at what is already in the bathroom or kitchen. Can you paint the cabinets? This will save you money, but it can really update the space. The antique look is in so you can make it look a little rough and it will be in style. Painting the cabinets can also give you a very clean look which is classic. That will never go out of style. This will allow you to spend more on countertops. Bonus!
Find tile that you like at stores that give deals: Check Ollies, Lowe’s, Home Depot or even private sellers that want to get rid of tile. You can even check Craigslist believe it or not. Find something that will fit your budget for renovation.
Consider laminate over hardwood: There are some great laminate floors out there that wear nicely and would look great and look very similar to wood. Do you like any of them or could you make them work? I personally love laminate floors because they are durable. We actually use laminate a lot in our rentals. Check places like Lumber Liquidators.
When choosing paint, buy 5 gallons: Yes, I said it. Buy 5 gallons if you are painting large spaces the same color. Look for rebates on paint as they will oftentimes offer a rebate when you buy the 5 gallon size. Also, the paint will chip and wear. You will have the paint for touch ups later. We use Pittsburgh Paints and Stains from Menards and we have been very happy with the product. They have great rebates also. We have also used Behr from Home Depot.
Carpet: I hate to say this but buying carpet at Lowes and Home Depot is actually more expensive. Even when they offer the “Free Installation” for so many rooms, it ends up being more expensive. We found this out as we used Home Depot for a rental and we paid easily a couple hundred dollars more than we should have. Look at independent installers and compare prices. We belong to a flooring warehouse of sorts (kind of like Sam’s Club for flooring) and we save money buying carpet this way.
Use spray paint for cabinet hardware: If you really want to reuse what is already in the kitchen, you can actually buy spray paint to cover cabinet hardware. We have used Rustoleum spray paint in espresso to update hardware and it works pretty nicely. Just remove the hardware, take it outside, spray it down, let it dry and put it back on. I can even do this. (Pssst….I am not very handy.)
Use appliance spray paint: This tip may rock your world a bit. It did mine when I first found out about it. You can actually buy appliance paint to spray paint appliances. It is under $10 and works great if you just need to update the color of the appliance like a fridge for example. To be clear, we have only done this in our rentals. We have done it twice and it worked great both times. Instead of paying hundreds for a new fridge, if you have one that works, but just needs some TLC, buy appliance paint. I just knocked your socks off, huh.
Phew! That seems like a lot of tips! Bottom line, it is so exciting to buy a new home, but please don’t go overboard when you are remodeling a house. Make sure you are cautious about how much updating you do. Make sure the updates fit the neighborhood so you aren’t spending a lot on updates and you still get a great return on your investment when you go to sell your house.
What other tips do you have for remodeling on a budget?
Becky Wolf writes about having an intentional focus on spending to create a life of freedom at her blog Frame to Freedom.
Thanks for sharing that idea. Budget is a very important factor in remodeling house. It is very important to focus on problem areas so you can fix it first. Renovating or remodeling your home is a sure way to increase the value of your home and property.
Kim recently posted…Understanding Everything About Car Seat Cover
Completely agree Kim! It is a great idea to have a priority list of what needs to be tackled first.
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These are really awesome tips, and this post is a great resource! Remodeling your house can be a fun and exciting project, but it can also get very pricey very quickly. You provide a lot of cost-efficient options here that are really helpful. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Thanks Morgan. It is fun and exciting and very easy to go overboard! Glad you found it helpful!
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I really like the idea to do the kitchens and bathrooms first. Being able to use what you’ve already got (to a certain extent) can make your budget go a little further, and it’s always nice to have something old look new again. I also liked the tip to find good alternatives to the expensive solutions, like laminate over hardwood floors. I really liked all of your advice on remodeling though, so thanks for sharing!
You give a great deal of cost-productive choices here that are truly useful. Much appreciated such a great amount for sharing thiThese are truly amazing tips, and this post is an extraordinary asset! Renovating your home can be a fun and energizing undertaking, yet it can likewise get extremely expensive rapidly.
Hey Buddy!
The points regarding renovation are truly commendable.You have explained it so beautifully .I want to do my bathroom renovation ,For this I really need this kind of stuff.Thanks for sharing it .I am definitely going to follow it.
Regards
Fred Wingg
Hello Kim!!
Ooooh, I love this post! Your tips are really awesome and beneficial. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your inspiration….it was fun and rewarding.Like you, we’re going to try to do most things ourselves to cut costs which has me kinda nervous. A coat of paint instead of replacing entire cabinets is really beneficial and financially so smart!
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Have A Nice Day Ahead
Darleen
Much of the metal patio furniture available today is made of aluminum, and for good reason: it’s lightweight, doesn’t rust, and is easy to maintain. It is often paired with fabric cushions or built-in easy-clean slings
The big home improvement stores carry a variety of inexpensive styles and all you need to do is stick them in the ground. Not only are they functional – lighting your way at night – but they provide ornamentation as well.
Waterproofing Kills Mold & Mildew and Keeps Them Out of Your Basement Mold and mildew love to make themselves at home in your basement. If it is dark and has any signs of water or water damages, chances are it has mold and/or mildew. Sadly, many homeowners simply accept the mold and mildew as part of having a basement. However, the truth is that both mold and mildew are very dangerous to your health! Mold, especially black mold, can be fatal, especially to children and pets. Mold spreads and reproduces with air-borne spores. These spores get into the air in the home and will make their way upstairs into the main air circulation of the home.
The big home improvement stores carry a variety of inexpensive styles and all you need to do is stick them in the ground. Not only are they functional – lighting your way at night – but they provide ornamentation as well.
A contractor could be in your home and around your family for days, weeks, or even months while changing the way your house looks and functions. So if you don’t like a contractor for any reason, don’t hire them.
Home improvement, by definition, is making changes to one’s home by making improvements on the house’s looks. Home improvement is usually done by professional contractors, handymen, and even the house owner himself.
Renovations can produce a great deal of waste if not handled properly. Here you can learn about the management issues you should consider, the availability of green building products, indoor air quality problems that might arise, how to reduce renovation waste and how to dispose of the remaining waste properly.
It’s never too late to fall in love with your home again. Whether you want to customize a basic builder design or renovate an old home, you can convert the existing space into your dream home with smart updates, careful planning, and the right professionals. Create a home that is as functional as it is livable with updates that help it reach its fullest potential
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Renovating or remodeling your home is a sure way to increase the value of your home and property.
If you’re looking to improve the look of your home without the painting, vinyl siding is a popular, affordable choice. Many homeowners and builders choose it because it’s long lasting, durable, inexpensive and relatively easy to install and maintain. Vinyl comes in a variety of grains, thickness and colors making it also a practical choice for many homeowners.
If you want to start your dream renovation project, you can do so by finding creative ways to work within your budget. One of the best ways to save is being flexible in your design.
Taking good care of your home is a priority. A home, for most people, is a lifetime investment. You want it always to be solid and in good repair. It has value. Keeping it well maintained is necessary not just so you can live in comfort, but also in case you decide to sell it. Well maintained homes sell much faster than those that are in need of repair. The other consideration is that you may want to leave the home for your children. We want our children to have the best and leaving them the family home in good condition will be a blessing for them.
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Great advice! Remodeling a home can be tough to stay on budget, but it is important to make sure you do so you don’t regret any of the additions! Thanks for sharing.
Be careful to keep your color choices aligned with the home’s architecture. In other words, don’t add cottage garden-type flowers to a bed in front of a starkly modern home. Certain plants are grown because of their interesting and colorful foliage, such as hosta and coleus, and are better suited to more modern homes. If you have questions about what to plant, consult with the experts at your local nursery.
Right on re: the carpet. Though it isn’t our specialty, we’ll still get asked from time to time for a recommendation on a carpet installer. We always recommend an independent contractor, as we’re familiar with the quality they’ll provide and that contractor is always much more invested in providing a good final product.
Awesome tips! I agree – the kitchen and bathrooms are great places to start. I didn’t know appliance paint was a thing. I bet it completely changes the look for only $10!
Thanks for this awesome advice and thanks for sharing. I have noticed more and more people gravitating to laminate for its amazing price, and it usually looks awesome!
Love this post! Updating the kitchen and bathrooms can certainly be fun projects that make a dramatic difference in the overall appearance of your house. Thanks for sharing!
Great post! These are some great tips on ways to update your home. Updating the cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom makes a big difference in changing the look and field of these rooms. Thanks for sharing.
Be picky and have lots of options. Seek at least three bids from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials and labor needed to complete the project. Homeowners should discuss bids in detail with each contractor and ask questions about variations in pricing. The lowest-priced contractor may not be the best.
This is packed with a lot of useful information. Thanks for shaving — bookmarked this for future use.
Oliver Painter ;_)
Preparing for a remodeling project is a lot like preparing to buy a car. You may know the room and style you want, but the options you choose may drive the price higher than you can reasonably afford. But there are ways to stretch the remodeling budget and end up with stylish results within budget.
Taking good care of your home is a priority. A home, for most people, is a lifetime investment. You want it always to be solid and in good repair. It has value. Keeping it well maintained is necessary not just so you can live in comfort, but also in case you decide to sell it. Well maintained homes sell much faster than those that are in need of repair. The other consideration is that you may want to leave the home for your children. We want our children to have the best and leaving them the family home in good condition will be a blessing for them.
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Many homeowners put off the idea of investing in home improvement because they consider it to be such a costly process but I thought that if you work with proper planning, So it can do at an affordable price.
Renovations can produce a great deal of waste if not handled properly. Here you can learn about the management issues you should consider, the availability of green building products, indoor air quality problems that might arise, how to reduce renovation waste and how to dispose of the remaining waste properly.
The building plan for the house should be complete, exact and followed until the end. Numerous changes and unexpected modifications in the plans could lead to a blown budget. Thus, make sure that you have a clear and exact plan from the construction to the labor to get the job done.
Start out on the right foot by measuring your room and the ideal size of the furniture you’re looking for. Although you may think that you can just ‘eye’ it, you may end up making a colossal purchasing mistake and buying something much too large or too small. When you have your exact measurements, you’ll be more focused in your search and less likely to purchase something that won’t really work.
Consider the function of your renovated basement when choosing flooring for the space: a playroom will benefit from a soft floor made from play mats or carpet while laminate or hardwood flooring will add warmth to a guest bedroom.
Consider the function of your renovated basement when choosing flooring for the space: a playroom will benefit from a soft floor made from play mats or carpet while laminate or hardwood flooring will add warmth to a guest bedroom.
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Hii,
Thanks for sharing with us. Very detailed tips and tricks to increase house value! From my experience that kitchen remodelling and energy efficient appliances are among the best investment to increase your house value.
Upgrading the house is a good idea. Changing the way of living frequently can create new style of living.
Regards,
Robert Gill
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Get some small decorative items like mini-lanterns, artsy coasters and anew coffee table book. These are more “finishing details” that give a space a modern feel.
A good repair person is going to listen to your explanation of the problem, physically look at it and then put together an estimated quote for you. That quote should include the cost of the materials, the cost of their labor and how much time to repair work or construction will take. If you agree, then it becomes a document that you both sign and that you get a copy of. This is a legal, binding agreement.
Hii,
These are some great ideas that inspire me to began my home improvement journey. I am planning to renovate my home and lucky I saw your post.These tips are a great way to update your home while on a budget. Small cosmetic things could make a big difference in your home value. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Ryan Herrera
Find the right people to do your commercial building. Don’t be cheap and go for contractors with good standing performance.
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Remodeling your house doesn’t need to be expensive. It can always be affordable with the right contractors.
Always contact and hire the best renovation contractors for your home to assure quality service.
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Built-in storage always looks sophisticated, saves space and can further add to the function of your new room. Always try to plan for the maximum amount of storage possible: from drawers carved out under the stairs, to built-in shelving and closets — one can simply never have enough.
That really looks like a lot of work? Why not hire some people to do the repairs? Contact us we might help!
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Renovating or remodeling your home is a sure way to increase the value of your home and property.
Consider the function of your renovated basement when choosing flooring for the space: a playroom will benefit from a soft floor made from play mats or carpet while laminate or hardwood flooring will add warmth to a guest bedroom.
Renovations can produce a great deal of waste if not handled properly. Here you can learn about the management issues you should consider, the availability of green building products, indoor air quality problems that might arise, how to reduce renovation waste and how to dispose of the remaining waste properly.
Add up some more value to your home by some custom renovations.
Improving the layout of your home can make your home more usable and enjoyable.
Don’t be cheap in hiring the right people to build your commercial building. It’s your commercial building and must be done in perfection on all angles.
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Great post. Thanks for the tips. I couldn’t agree more with using Zillow for doing comparable research in your neighborhood. Also, starting with bathrooms and kitchens first. I would even say kitchen over bathrooms even (if having to choose). People gather in kitchens all the time. Thanks again for the info.
That’s true – I guess gatherings in the bathroom are pretty few and far between 😉
Don’t put yourself at risk of sustaining injury in an effort to save a few dollars. Hire someone who has the training necessary to complete the job without significant risk.
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The big home improvement stores carry a variety of inexpensive styles and all you need to do is stick them in the ground. Not only are they functional – lighting your way at night – but they provide ornamentation as well.
Selecting the appropriate construction and building materials for a project entails more than just placing an order at a building supplies firm. There are several other factors that you need to consider to come up with the best choices and in compliance with building regulations.
The big home improvement stores carry a variety of inexpensive styles and all you need to do is stick them in the ground. Not only are they functional – lighting your way at night – but they provide ornamentation as well.
Remodeling your home really make a lot of difference in aesthetics and value in the long run.
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Remodeling house is quite a bit challenging and can be expensive if you do not choose the right contractor. I really appreciate this tips now budge remodeling shared here. Thanks for sharing.
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Consider the function of your renovated basement when choosing flooring for the space: a playroom will benefit from a soft floor made from play mats or carpet while laminate or hardwood flooring will add warmth to a guest bedroom.
The building plan for the house should be complete, exact and followed until the end. Numerous changes and unexpected modifications in the plans could lead to a blown budget. Thus, make sure that you have a clear and exact plan from the construction to the labor to get the job done.
If you want to start your dream renovation project, you can do so by finding creative ways to work within your budget. One of the best ways to save is being flexible in your design.
Amazing post! Best ways for home renovations and improvements that up high value’s of you home.Thanks for sharing.
Wow, great post! Definitely some very helpful info and advice. Spray painting hardware and appliances is certainly a very cost efficient idea. An awesome way you can get at least a few more years out of the stuff you already have. Thanks for sharing!
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Awesome post! Renovation projects can certainly be a lot of fun while adding value to your house. Choosing laminate over hardwood can certainly save a lot of money. Thanks for sharing!
Home improvements are an expensive investment but certainly a worthwhile one. I think bathrooms and kitchens need to be spot on to increase value. However, the importance of a well-kept garden should not be underrated.
Home renovation will be require your effort, time and money but it’s also true that all your effort and money will be worth it. Above home renovation ideas seems very creative and people can achieve result that they want. Considering these tips and other expert idea will make your home attractive and feel good as you want. It’s helps me a lot and I recommend to perform on your home also.
Selecting the appropriate construction and building materials for a project entails more than just placing an order at a building supplies firm. There are several other factors that you need to consider to come up with the best choices and in compliance with building regulations.
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All of it are true. Just focus on the work and reuse whatever is reusable. In that way, you won’t going to worry about over budgeting.
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Selecting the appropriate construction and building materials for a project entails more than just placing an order at a building supplies firm. There are several other factors that you need to consider to come up with the best choices and in compliance with building regulations.
Most new homes come equipped with lots of storage. Older homes, on the other hand, tend to lack even some of the basic storage options, such as a coat or linen closet. If you lack the space to expand closets or other storage spaces or build new ones, consider redesigning the spaces you do have.
One of the most important construction materials used for construction purposes is metal. Metal is used in constructing large buildings or skyscrapers. Metals are composed of different kinds of metal alloys, one of which is steel. Steel is strong, and can be used in constructing buildings that will be used for a long time and need to last.
Just focus on what you are aiming and what you planned for. That will not ruin your budget.
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Home modifications are changes made to adapt living spaces to meet the needs of people with physical limitations so that they can continue to live independently and safely. These modifications may include adding assistive technology or making structural changes to a home. Modifications can range from something as simple as replacing cabinet doorknobs with pull handles to full-scale construction projects that require installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways.
If you want to start your dream renovation project, you can do so by finding creative ways to work within your budget. One of the best ways to save is being flexible in your design.
I loved when you talked about updating your bathroom and kitchens first when remodeling your home. It makes sense that doing this can help you make sure you change the little things in your home that can have a big impact on how it looks and what its value is. My wife and I are thinking about remodeling our kitchen and wanted to make sure it was a good choice, so I’m glad I found your post.
Very informative post! Completely resonates with my point of view. I am a contractor and always try to educate my clients about the importance of regular inspection and preventive maintenance to keep the house in top shape always, something that enhances the curb value. I loved your idea of going through Zillow and review the top priced houses, their features and learn from them, I think this would further add to the value of a nice house with no damages.
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Indeed, renovating is a crash course in compromise. But that’s one of the great things about it, because compromise often creates the best design. “I believe it’s really joyful when you can find a way to work with both styles and come up with something better than either,”
Definitely! What a great way to put it 🙂
Budget is a very important factor in remodeling house. Renovating or remodeling the home is a great way to increase the security and value of the home.
I appreciate your post, remodeling/ renovation of the house helps to home looks fresh and also increase the value of home but as you mentioned so tips with in budget how to be renovate the home is highly appreciated. Thanks for sharing!
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It’s as easy as don’t buy any unnecessary things.
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