Strategic, Sensible Upgrades That Add Value to Older Homes
If you own an old home, logic and common sense are your best assets when making good improvement decisions. Older houses often need upgrades that aren’t necessarily aesthetically pleasing but will nevertheless add value; for example, you wouldn’t want to convert attic space into a bedroom if it lacked insulation. Your home improvement needs may be more structural than decorative, and that’s okay — an old home with a solid roof, reliable plumbing and wiring, and good energy efficiency has greater value than an old house that needs its bones shored up.
Insulation
This is always an important factor in older houses, especially those whose insulation predates 1980. According to the government’s Energy Star program, nine out of 10 houses are inadequately insulated, which results in high heating bills. If your insulation is looking dirty and frayed, it probably needs to be replaced. In fact, doing so can reduce your heating costs by as much as 10 percent, a major improvement in parts of the country that get pounded by Old Man Winter every year. If you’re not experienced with insulation, it’s probably a wise idea to reach out to a reliable contractor licensed to install fiberglass or cellulose insulation.
Adding modern new energy-saving featuresis an affordable and effective way to improve your energy efficiency. An older house can benefit considerably from the addition of features like water-efficient showerheads, faucets, and LED light bulbs.
Window Replacements
Older homes sometimes have windows with rotted framesand other indications that they’ve outlived their usefulness. Replacing them is a great improvement project for an older house because it’s an insulating, money-saving improvement as well as an aesthetic upgrade. If your house is drafty, your windows could be the reason. An investment of $5,000 can add significant value by improving your heating efficiency and adding elegance to your home’s exterior.
Classy Flooring
Few things dress up a home’s appearance like attractive hardwood flooring. If your house’s flooring has that dull and scuffed look, you can help restore it to its former glory by sanding, refinishing, and adding a new layer of protective coating. If your home is carpeted, consider that hardwood lasts about three times longer than carpeting and can be installed at a cost ranging from $7,000 to $10,000, according to Homewyse.com. Unlike insulation and window replacements, this can be a good job you can do yourself.
Kick Up the Colors
Some older homes have had the same color scheme since the Eisenhower administration. Consider bringing your house into the 21st century with a vibrant new palette that reflects your design aesthetic and preserves your home’s comfy, lived-in feel. If you’re not into sunshine yellow or sensuous shades of red, an application of earth tonesor soft pastels will add value, put your home in a good position to show, and it’s one of the easiest DIY home projects.
Landscape
When it comes to adding value, a little bit of lawn workcan go a long way. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, repeated applications of fertilizer and weed control can yield a considerable return on investment (approximately three times your original investment). A lush green lawn is the most important element in a home with true curb appeal.
Your home may be showing its age, but a few affordable improvement projects can help you modernize, economize, and add considerable value. Just bear in mind that older houses often need special attention that needs to be a priority over other, more cosmetic changes.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Article provided by Ray Flynn from DIYGuys.net.
