NOT FOUND: contractor.jpgRegardless if your business is thriving right now or not, we all can benefit from being frugal. With home prices down it is important that you are doing everything you can to avoid your house being caught in that downward trend. The best way to avoid that is to upgrade and maintain your home. So if you're looking to update your home to add or maintain its value, all the while saving a buck or two, here are a few things that may help.
Cabinets:
Installing all new cabinets and counter tops can be very expensive. One option to save some money and still get a new look is "Resurfacing". Resurfacing cabinets is the process of removing the doors and hardware, sanding and then either painting or staining. While not inexpensive, it is a cost saving alternative to a complete overhaul. Don't just think of kitchens when we are talking cabinets. You can use this idea for bathrooms and hallways. It is amazing what the transformation and new hardware can make in a kitchen or bathroom.
Curb Appeal:
Take a walk across the street and look at your home. From a distance it may be easier to observe some of the things that could use some tender loving care. Sometimes we can become blind to things that have become problems and overlook them driving up to our home. Ask a trusted friend or neighbor if they have any suggestions that may help.
Ground Covering:
Recently I added some much needed bark to my backyard. I had some fabulous help from my in-laws, and 3 1/2 yards of bark later, the back yard is looking great. You may not be in need of that much ground cover but your local hardware store sells bark, stone and other materials that can really freshen up an old planter or weed covered area. Just adding a small amount of similar material will help the overall look of the planter.
Lighting:
Changing a light fixture can definitely change the feel of a room. You can certainly spend as much as you want on a chandelier but there are cheaper alternatives, and hardware stores are full of them. Make sure when updating your lighting fixtures that you factor in size. A great looking large fixture in a tiny half bath would be out of place, and a small light hanging off a 18 foot vaulted ceiling would seem just as odd. The bulbs you put in fixtures can transform a room as well. A rule of wisdom is "No Florescent Bulbs in Bathrooms", because nobody looks good in florescent lighting. One more thing on lighting; don't work on circuits that are live. The electricity needs to be off when you are
working around it.
Painting:
A few friends and relatives have been painting rooms inside their homes. A fresh coat of paint or a new color could just be the thing your house needs to give it an updated look. While painting an entire house inside or out is best left to a professional, painting a wall or room could be a fun project. It could also prove to be addicting and you may find yourself moving room to room to freshen up or add color to areas of your home.
Keep your house up-to-date and maintain its value. If you end up wanting to sell, you will thank yourself for the improvements you made. A little goes a long way and a few hours a month maintaining your largest investment is a smart move.