Cost Effective Home Improvement Ideas

That May Just Add Value Too!

Easy To Do Interior Decorating Ideas

VALUE ADDED HOME IMPROVEMENT Ideas

Doing your own home improvements is a popular way of adding value to your home.

The general idea is that you make improvements, sell, and buy another property only to start the process again ...and then end up with a house you want to stay living in!

On a rising property market it is hard to go wrong with this method.

But on a flat and declining property market, this way of making money is not for the faint hearted.

(I have a friend who does this on any market by working to her own formula.)

Nonetheless increasing your property's value by making home improvements continues to be popular and effective as long as you stick to a few basic rules.

Tip 1

My key mantra is...

You Make Your Money When You Buy

By this I mean, don’t pay too much for the property in the first place.

Buying a house is probably the most expensive purchase that many of us ever make.

It can be an emotional process and it is easy to get caught up in the feeling that you can get from looking at a great house!

Here I’m talking about buying a house that you intend to resell in the short term, not buying a house that you want to live in as a family home.

In the long term, it really doesn’t matter if you spend a little more if you are not selling for twenty or so years for example...creating a family home.

Tip 2

When buying a house with a view of selling again, you will need to do your homework.

There is a saying "knowledge is power”.

Learn as much as you can about the area you wish to buy.

• Which houses are currently for sale?

• What did other houses sell for in the last six months in the area you want to buy?

• Look out for bargains which arise from "forced sales”.

Examples of these are mortgage foreclosures, deceased estates, marriage breakups, or even people on transfer wanting to leave town in a hurry.

Although it isn't pleasant taking advantage of another person's unfortunate circumstances, someone will... so it may as well be you.

• “Tame” or make friends with a realtor in the area.

If they know what you are looking for, you may get advance notice of houses coming on to the market.

Don't Overcapitalize!

By this I mean if you spend too much on your home remodeling, you probably won't get your investment back ...not only your money but time and hard work!

Some types of home improvements will add value more than others.

There are basic rules for this but they vary according to location and type of house.

Being undisciplined and inexperienced are the two single pitfalls for those beginning home renovation with the goal of growing their home equity (amount you own).

If mistakes are made, learn from them and avoid making the same ones next time around!

There are general guidelines for adding value such as increasing the number of bedrooms a place has although every rule has its exception.

For example, increasing the number of bedrooms in a house from 2 to 3, or 3 to 4 is, generally,more profitable than increasing a house from 4 to 5 and beyond.

What works will vary depending on your market. Again, do your research. Talk to or hire a property valuer or appraiser.

A few hundred dollars spent early on could be worth thousands to you later on.

That old real estate saying, "location, location, location" and another variation, "buy the worst house in the best street" are definitely worth keeping in mind!!

Again, do your homework and become knowledgeable so will quickly recognize a bargain.

Practically anything you do to a house bought well to improve it.

And more chance achieving you a profit when it comes time to sell!!

Learn about what home improvements will give you the best return.

• Painting a house throughout both inside and outside tends to give you the best return on your dollar spent.

If you do the work yourself, you will optimize your investment!

The key to a successful paint job is preparation and using the right paint

• Bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling. These are two areas in a home renovation project where you can easily low the budget.

They are also the two rooms which can “sell” a house.

If you decide to undertake home renovation in these areas you will certainly need self discipline!

It’s really easy to get lured in by gorgeous looking kitchen cabinetry, countertops, taps and appliances.

The same goes for bathroom fittings.

Choose mid range fittings or go for reductions on better models.

A display kitchen purchased at a Home Show can save you thousands..

Kitchen manufacturers also sell their ex display models online.

It the kitchen cabinets themselves are in pretty good order, you may get away with doing a “facelift”.

This is a really cost effective way of updating your kitchen.

Resurfacing kitchen cupboard door and drawer fronts, while leaving the actual cabinets intact will save you a pile of money.

There are options here:

• The least expensive option is to repaint the cupboard/door fronts yourself if the surface allows it.

Only do this if you are an experienced with painting.

• Take the cupboard/door fronts to a paint shop to be lacquered- a really hard wearing surface.

Get a joiner to replace the cupboards doors. A great option when painting isn’t a suitable option. A tradesman will measure and fit which is a bonus with those tricky door hinges. (I like this last option myself)

• Pretend you are a buyer for your house. Be critical. Take a good look at your counter top.

Replacing it will uplift your kitchen but keep an eye on the budget as there’s no point to installing a top notch counter top when the rest of the kitchen is of average quality.

• Replacing tired handles with stylish and affordable ones will give good results.

As a rule, choose mid range hardware not bargain basement.

• The kitchen taps are also worth replacing if needed.

People are drawn to kitchen mixers so make sure your looks the part.

Your sink mixer has to be one of the hardest working fixtures in your kitchen so a ceramic cartridge is a must.

Also, ensure you buy one made from a brass alloy and food safe materials.

Tip5

Cheap often looks cheap

...exactly what you need to avoid when you are trying to create a stylish impression!

But on the other hand, don’t go nuts and overspend on making improvements.

It may be hard to recoup your money.

Of course there are good quality discounted products available if you take the time to ferret them out.

Spending less money on bathroom remodeling is more difficult to avoid.

A really basic makeover could consist of a fresh coat of paint, new mirror, new window treatment, and light fitting.

If you are tempted to replace any of the main fixtures, such as bath, shower, vanity or washbasin, you are better to renew them all... replacing only one of them can make the remaining fittings look shabby.

If you decide to hire a contractor for any of the work done, get several quotes from reputable tradesman or company.

The last thing you want is to be a candidate for the “Holmes on Homes” show!

Make sure the scope of works is detailed and that you know the costs involved.


Adding value to your home by doing much of the work yourself can be fun as well as rewarding.

But it can also be frustrating, expensive, and stressful for your partner and children.

Especially if they aren’t “into” it the way you are!

The key is in the planning, and keeping work areas tidy.

Better still, work on one room at a time.

If you doing a full scale renovation or addition, moving into your parents home or renting short term may be worth considering.