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Did you set new year’s resolutions this year? How are you making out so far? Resolutions to improve your home could be easier to keep especially if you plan ahead for them- what’s more, they tend to pay dividends long after those other resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Hi i’m Michele Irizarry CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. The good news is, is that there are many ways to increase your home’s value yourself without breaking the bank. Here are a few simple DIY projects that can make your home more beautiful, more valuable, more pleasant to live in. They require minimal financial commitment while potentially boosting return on investment and you can spread out your projects and their costs over the course of the year.
Winter Projects: Replace outdated hardware: Although they’re highly desirable kitchen renovations tend to be expensive- thousands of dollars expensive. Instead of spending money on a new back splash or cabinets consider a more cost-effective alternative by replacing weathered hardware: This simple change can transform your kitchen while still keeping your budget intact. Estimated costs per hardware one to twenty dollars plus depending on the material.
Swap out light switch face plates: whether you live in an older home or a brand new build, light switch face plates are often overlooked. While functional, swapping them out for a decorative face plate can add a stylish finishing touch to your home. With only needle nose pliers and a screwdriver you can upgrade your light switch in minutes- just make sure that the power to the circuit is out before you begin. The estimated cost per plate is less than a dollar to thirty dollars plus.
Add a fresh coat of paint: One of the most affordable ways to transform a room or your whole home is with paint. Start by sprucing up a small space-your favorite room with no VOC paint or go bigger by transforming your kitchen through painted cabinetry. You’re only limited by your time and imagination. Estimated cost with paint and tools: $30 to $80 depending on the room size and supplies.
Consult your real estate professional: Your most important resolution for 2022 could be to talk to your real estate agent. An agent will be able to walk you through the design trends that everyone is clamoring for right now which will allow you to make a more informed decision about where to spend your home improvement dollars. An agent can also refer a trusted home inspector if need be. Estimated cost: free!
Spring Projects: Give your mail a new home: Too often mailboxes don’t get as much as a second glance. However replacing your mailbox is a simple update that can add a pop of sophistication to your outdoor decor and increase your curb appeal. You can choose how much of your mailbox you want to replace whether it’s just the mailbox itself or the entire mailbox and post unit. Your local hardware store is bound to carry something that will fit your style. Estimated cost for mailbox replacement 20 to 60 dollars and the estimated cost for the mailbox and post replacement is $30 to $100 plus.
Revive your deck: If you have a deck that could use a makeover consider refinishing it in spring when there’s less foot traffic and more moderate temperatures to allow for proper curing. Give your deck a thorough cleaning and applying a protective coat of semi transparent stain can bring it back to life. Estimated cost plus tools $30 to $100 depending on the size of your deck.
Spring or Summer Projects: Accentuate your entrance: You may think the most profitable home improvements are those that you make in the kitchen and bathrooms. In reality, however, the biggest bang for your remodeling buck often comes from replacing your front door and sprucing up your home’s facade. While you may need help hanging the door, you can add new house numbers and new hardware yourself quickly and inexpensively and if you want to spend more on added flare you can have the former customized with your name or full address or opt for a door with glass. Estimated cost two to ten dollars for hardware 150 to 600 dollars for the door.
Spring through Fall Projects: Get your lawn in shape: Yet another way to add major curb appeal on a tiny budget is by ensuring that your lawn is in top condition. Overall this is usually a multi-step month-long process that lasts from Spring to Fall and is easily doable if you maintain a proper seeding and feeding schedule. However if you frequently fall behind on lawn care you may want to enlist the help of a landscaping service to help your yard get back into shape and keep it looking its best. Estimated cost fifteen to sixty dollars per bag for fertilizer and ten to a hundred dollars for spreader and this will vary based on the size of your yard.
With a little creativity and patience these easy DIY tasks will give your living space a much needed facelift this year and if you plan today for tomorrow’s projects it will make doing them affordable and much more feasible. If you need any advice about curb appeal or home improvement projects that will bring you a return on your investment feel free to reach out to us here at Shore Prime Properties. We are always happy to help. I’m Michele Irizarry selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
