Remove Wood Paneling
Nothing screams old and outdated as loudly as wood paneling. Like glittery bell bottoms, that style is never making a comeback. Don’t be afraid to rip it out, insulate, and put up drywall. If you really like a “wood” look, try reclaimed wood installed horizontally. The project is manageable and inexpensive and the end result is attractive and will instantly up the value of your home. Always keep in mind the market value of your home; some projects will out price your home for the neighborhood. Sometimes it makes more sense to give the paneling a nice paint job vs. the cost of drywall; either way, bright and fresh wins out.
Front Yard Makeover
In the case of home improvement, a book is certainly judged by its cover. People are less inclined to walk into a house with an overgrown yard and rickety, unpainted fence expecting to be impressed by the house’s interior. Whether it’s a beautifully paved walkway or adding some vibrantly colorful flowerbeds, keeping your front yard looking fresh is not only inexpensive, but also enhances your nice curb appeal.
Furnace/HVAC Replacement
This is usually not on the top of anyone’s mind when it comes to home improvement, but between the rebates and the energy savings, replacing a forced-air unit can start to pump not only comfort, but money into your living space. If you plan on being in the home a long time, it’s a good investment. Typically, you need at least five years to reap the benefits from the cost savings versus the cost of the unit and installation but, if your current furnace is old or isn’t working, it’s best to replace it.
Update Plumbing
There’s no sense putting good money into a home when the mechanics are bad. That’s why updating plumbing is a win-win. One of the scariest things for new owners is the thought that a potentially huge and expensive undertaking such as plumbing or electrical will present itself. You have old, rusty iron pipes and sometimes get panicked that you’re ingesting sufficient metal in your drinking water to build a small ship, it’s time to consider replacing the plumbing. Home appraisers take plumbing into heavy consideration when assigning the value to a home. Updating your plumbing is far less of a hassle and less costly than it used to be. Re-piping is usually done with PEX plastic tubing that is safe, reliable, and can be run through your walls like an extension cord. This means fewer holes, smaller mess, and less money spent on materials and labor.
To help consumers better understand which jobs offer the highest potential returns, take a look at the 2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for a list of the best home improvement projects for your money.
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