The U.S. home improvement industry is more diversified today than it was ten years ago. These industries include building materials, appliances, decor, and other home enhancements, as well as the services provided by workers, contractors, and other tradespeople. Together, they make up a significant portion of the U.S. economy. And while it is hard to gauge the overall economic impact of home improvement, there are several reasons to undertake home improvements.
Interior or exterior paint
When painting the exterior of your house, whether interior or exterior, you should choose a paint color that will complement the exterior of the home. Choosing the wrong color can make the paint look old and faded quickly. This is because exterior paint is more exposed to sunlight and rain and accumulates dust. The price of painting the exterior of your home depends on many factors. Average costs for exterior house paint range from $4,000 to $7,000.
When deciding which type of paint to use, make sure you consider the VOCs that are emitted by both types. Straight exterior paint contains too many VOCs, making it unsuitable for use in enclosed spaces. Fortunately, there are now interior/exterior paint products available that are safe for use in the home without compromising the color or finish of the walls. These products also offer many options for faux-finish effects.
The difference between interior and exterior paint is the composition and formula of each type. Paints for exterior walls need to resist moisture, UV rays, and fungal growth, while those for interior walls need to protect against scratching and scuffing. Because interior walls don’t need protection from UV rays, the paint resins are more rigid. Also, interior paint resins need to be resistant to fading, peeling, and chipping caused by humidity.
Choosing between interior and exterior paint for your home can be a challenge. Both types are effective at covering a variety of surfaces, including walls and trim. But the question is: which is best? Ultimately, it depends on your needs. Choose a paint that is easy to clean, does not produce harmful VOCs, and doesn’t fade easily. When deciding between interior and exterior paint, make sure the paint you buy is designed to protect the interior as well as the exterior.
Plumbing upgrades
A plumbing upgrade can be a great home improvement project that will not only prevent flooding, but will also improve the overall condition of the entire system. Not only will these upgrades make your home more attractive to potential buyers, but they can also increase the resale value of your property. Therefore, if you are thinking about selling your house, these upgrades are a great choice! As long as you are aware of the benefits and costs of a plumbing upgrade, you should not hesitate to take the plunge.
Adding new plumbing fixtures to your home is not only an attractive way to increase your home’s value, but they will also make the space feel fresh. Plumbing systems are a large part of a home’s essential systems, including water and sewer. Improving them can improve your home’s value, even if they are outdated. It’s important to choose an experienced provider who has a good reputation and a license to work in your area.
It’s a good idea to upgrade your plumbing system when you are renovating your home. Not only will you improve the look of your house, but you can also save money on water and energy bills. Plumbing upgrades can be very beneficial when you are renovating the bathroom or kitchen. The upgrades can also help you keep up with lifestyle changes. By replacing old fixtures with modern ones, you can maintain the functionality of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Pipe wraps are an excellent home improvement project that requires little skill on your part. These are an affordable, easy-to-install, and effective way to make your plumbing system more energy-efficient. Excess moisture can ruin your floors and walls. Leaky plumbing can lead to a number of health problems. You can solve these problems with plumbing upgrades. There are several advantages to installing new pipes, and you can also find financing options for your new plumbing.
Kitchen renovations
Homeowners may want to consider kitchen renovations as part of a larger home improvement project. While it might not be necessary for your kitchen to be completely renovated, it can add value and joy to the rest of the home. If you love cooking, a new kitchen can increase your enjoyment and satisfaction with the space. If you plan to renovate your kitchen, be sure to contact a professional to help you. Choosing a cheap renovation option could cost you more money in the long run.
In addition to hiring a general contractor, it is possible to do the entire project yourself. A full-service design-build firm can handle every aspect of your kitchen renovation, including the design and procurement of materials. These contractors offer procurement benefits through their networks of vendors. Moreover, they can simplify the process of getting permits, choosing finishes, and securing them. If you live in New York City, a full-service design-build firm is essential for gut renovations.
Before you begin the project, think about the layout you’d like. This depends on what’s already in the kitchen, what you want to change, and your budget. You may want to consider a refacing option, which involves keeping the existing framework of your kitchen cabinets, but replacing the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and side panels. Manhattan-based designer Carolyn DiCarlo recently refaced her kitchen cabinets and added space to the kitchen.
Adding stainless steel appliances to your kitchen can cost anywhere from $1,398 to $5,102. A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that over 40 percent of home buyers would pay up to $1,850 for a new kitchen, so it’s well worth the expense. When it comes time to sell your home, a renovation will increase the value of the property. You can choose to hire professionals to do it for you or do it yourself.
Converting a basement into a home office or in-law apartment
If you’re considering turning your basement into a home office or in law apartment, you may have several questions. Whether you’re converting the space to a separate unit or simply to serve as a home office, you’ll want to make sure you have the necessary amenities. First, you’ll want to make sure it has a dedicated laundry area (a simple stacked unit can serve this purpose) and an oven or stovetop.
Luckily, converting a basement into an in-law apartment or home office is a relatively inexpensive project. There are several basic steps that you can take to make this happen, including installing walkout doors and adding a bathroom. While basements are inexpensive to finish, attic conversions require major repairs, including reinforcing floor joists, new plumbing and electrical wiring.
Whether you’re looking for a home office or an in-law suite, converting your basement is a good way to earn extra income. It can also be an excellent source of rental income. Oftentimes, homeowners earn their money back within a year. It can also serve as additional living space if you rarely use the basement. For this reason, it’s important to create a basement apartment plan with a functional layout and separate entrance. Unlike studio apartments, which don’t require any separate rooms, basement apartment plans must include a separate exterior entrance.
If you have a sloping lot, you can also consider enlarging the space in the basement. The downhill face of the basement unit can be elevated so that the entire space has windows. You may have to install a retaining wall or amend the foundation before you can begin work on your new in-law suite. In the end, your in-law apartment will be bright and spacious.
Roofing replacement
One of the most common home improvements is replacing your roof. While it may seem like an easy task, the truth is that replacing a roof requires a bit of effort. For starters, you need to choose the material and style of the new roof carefully. Roofing materials are typically about 40% of the total cost of the home improvement project. In addition, you should consider your neighborhood’s preferences for roofing. Depending on the area, you may want to consider installing premium shingles for energy efficiency.
A recent study from the NARI shows that homeowners who re-roofed their homes realized a higher return than homeowners who did not replace the roof. The reason for this is that the average price of a reroofing project is $7,796 USD. However, homeowners who choose to spend more may have selected more expensive shingles or added other features to their roof. Although the national average cost of a reroofing project is $7,796 USD, homeowners in NARI’s survey spent less. This suggests that the monetary investment may be more efficient and yield a higher return.
