Monday, October 15, 2012

Top 6 Home Improvement Ideas You Should Know


When it comes to home remodeling projects, there is a wide range of available options. You can spend a small fortune and make a major investment in your home, or you can spend less than a thousand bucks and still enjoy a beautiful new look. Here are a few home improvement ideas you should consider before you get started.

•     Expand Floor Space to Boost Home Value
Additions provide you with additional floor space and increase your home’s value. The key is to make sure that you don’t overbuild your home for the neighborhood. Adding an addition with one or two rooms will give you the space you need for company, another child or the home office of your dreams. It’s a reasonable adjustment that should boost value while keeping you in line with the neighborhood.

•     A Coat of Paint for a Fresh Look
A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. One of the most affordable home improvement projects you can invest in, it makes the entire home look fresh and clean. If you are preparing your home for the market, it will give you the greatest return on your investment.

•     Think Efficiency to Save Money
The cost of heating and cooling your home is rising, and it isn’t going to come down anytime soon. Projects that make your property more energy efficient are always a smart choice. Start by sealing heating and cooling ducts, adding insulation to the attic and crawlspace and investing in additional insulating around fixtures and light switches. From new windows to beautiful energy efficient doors and extra rolls of attic insulation, you will save money by making the home more energy efficient and increase the value of your property.

•     Organize the Home for Efficiency and Value
People are always looking for more storage space, and a well-organized home is an attractive one. Add closet organizers to the bedrooms, extra shelves to the linen closet and additional storage in the basement. Any project that adds storage space in an attractive and efficient way is a smart investment in your home. In addition to making your home more valuable, you are also sure to love how much easier it is to find items when you need them.

•     Improved Security for Now and in the Future
You will always appreciate the feeling of a secure home. Invest in anti-kick doorjambs that will make your front door stronger. Put security locks on patio doors to keep burglars out, and add quality deadbolts to the door connecting the home and garage. The changes are affordable, and they will provide you with extra peace of mind now and in the future.

•     Beautiful Lighting for Curb Appeal and Safety
Landscape lighting looks attractive when the sun sets and your garden or walkways are illuminated. Gently guiding people as they walk up to your front door or move around the garden, these lights are easily installed and boost curb appeal. They also help deter thieves and make it safer for friends and family to walk around your property.

There are countless ways to improve your property. Adding space, storage, energy efficiency and safety, any of these changes will make your home more enjoyable while adding value to it. Most of them are also surprisingly affordable. Your home is an investment, and you can use these improvements to transform it into one that you are proud of and enjoy

About the Author
Jo Harris is a writer and the Outreach Director for the Morgan Law Firm, a firm that represents clients going through a divorce in Austin divorce firm.  See additional articles on the firm's Austin Divorce Blog.