Home Improvement Projects for New Home Owners
New homeowners can be overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start with home improvement projects. Want to transform your house into your dream home and get the most bang for your buck? Here’s a list of the best home improvement projects for new home owners:
Updating the Bathroom
What people don’t realize is that a simple remodel to a bathroom or kitchen can be easy and inexpensive. Whether you are looking to replace a leaky faucet or change an outdated vanity, it can be very affordable. Even a simple plumbing fixture (i.e., faucet or sink) can change the look and function to the bathroom immediately.
A complete bathroom remodel can cost anywhere between $9000-$16,000, but you can go as little or as big as you want. A lot of bathroom changes can be done by homeowners very easily.
For example, a new vanity from a home supply store can be bought for as low as $198.00 and a free standing porcelain pedestal can be purchased for as little as $70.00. You can also purchase a new faucet for anywhere between $26.00 and $100.00.
Installing New Windows
Most windows can be compared to a giant hole in your home’s insulation. Windows typically cost between $300 and $700 each but can be well over $1,000 for the fancy ones. Replacing windows, especially if the old ones are falling apart, can add value to your home if you are planning on selling in the near future.
If your old windows are drafty, you will be losing far more heat through them than a few dollars a year, as well as compromising indoor comfort and air quality. Finally, if your windows are just plain broken and need to to be replaced, or if you are building a brand new house, it does pay to spend a little bit more on better windows.
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Update Flooring
Does your new home’s carpet look like the previous owner’s cat used it as a scratching post? Most buyers want to update flooring before moving in. The cost of carpeting ranges by quality and design but on average, it costs anywhere from $3.34-$4.50 per square foot. So if your family room measures 15’x12’, you’ll spend around $600.00-$800.00. Not bad for achieving the look of a brand new room.
If the home has hardwood floors, then the best solution is to have them sanded and re-varnished. This can be cheaper then carpeting, with prices $3.32 to $3.70 per square foot. A cheaper alternative to replacing the carpets is to have them professionally cleaned. You can hire a company to come in and clean your carpets for about $100.00 per room. Or you could rent a steamer and do it yourself, which usually can cost about $25-$40 per day for the machine.
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Lighting
If a room seems very dull, one thing that buyers don’t think about is lighting. Replacing old light bulbs with brighter ones (within the maximum wattage a fixture will allow) and changing some fixtures completely will brighten up a room instantly. You would be amazed how taking a floor lamp and changing it to a wall or ceiling light can open up and add space to a room. Coupled with a nice paint job, you can completely transform a room in no time.
Don’t let simple projects be the reason you walk away from what could be your dream home. The process can be a lot to take in, but preparing yourself ahead of time and knowing what something can cost can really put things into perspective. Then, instead of clicking your heels 3 times and dreaming of being home, you can sit back, relax and say “there’s no place like home.”
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