SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
A FEW KEY UPGRADES THAT CAN REALLY PAY OFF
Making a few upgrades around your house can add value when you ’ re trying to sell your home , or allow you to find a new love for where you live . We ’ ve outlined some of the top updates that provide the most return in home appeal .
1 . New garage doors – Replacing old and worn garage doors is said by many to be one of the best investments you can make in terms of ROI when selling . If the motor is still working well , you can simply choose to update the doors , adding curb appeal and a fresh , updated look to your home ’ s exterior . According to a report by Remodeling magazine , sellers can expect nearly 98 percent return on investment for this easy update .
2 . Fix up your fixtures – Cabinet pulls , handles , doorknobs , faucets , shower heads , even light fixtures and switches are all small changes that can make a big difference in the appearance of a room . Swapping in new metals and materials can create an updated look in any room of your home for a low cost .
3 . A fresh coat of paint – A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for a home update . If you ’ re planning on selling your home , choose neutral , clean colors that appeal to the masses . If potential buyers don ’ t like the color , they can at least see the space as a clean slate for what it can become . If you ’ re looking to update your home , be daring ! Try a color that pops or try color blocking for a fun twist . ( Remember , it ’ s only paint !)
4 . Reimagine a room – Whether it ’ s finishing a basement or remodeling a spare bedroom , make something old new again with a fresh vision for what it can become . If a spare bedroom has gone unused , change it into a home office . Since many people are working from home , a dedicated office space is a valuable addition for many buyers . Finishing a basement adds more square footage for playrooms , laundry rooms , or relaxation rooms . You can also create a dedicated space for storage !
5 . Home maintenance – While fancy kitchens and lavish bathrooms are showstoppers , a poorly maintained home can stop a home sale . Keeping the existing structure of your home well-maintained is something potential buyers will notice . From roof to foundation , it ’ s important to ensure that structural issues are taken care of quickly to eliminate the potential for additional damage in the future . Even issues that aren ’ t immediately visible can be uncovered during inspection , potentially costing you the sale of your home .
DO-IT-YOURSELF LANDSCAPING THAT DOESN ’ T LOOK IT
If you ’ ve ever attempted to transform your backyard into a beautifully designed paradise , then you have probably planted , trimmed and dug your way into a few minor frustrations along the way . While good landscaping can vary by degrees including budget , skills and climate , there are a few easy things you can do in order to be proud of your landscaping without paying an expert .
The following tips will guide you on the right path to do-ityourself landscaping :
• Always layer your planting beds . Layering in three rows , begin with your tallest plants in the back row , next tallest in the middle and your shortest plants in the front . And don ’ t just plant one bed — put another elsewhere in your yard to help provide a sense of harmony .
• Calm your yard with water features . Providing focal points in your landscaping work is a must , and one great way is to incorporate water features such as ponds and simple waterfalls . They both look appealing and add an attractive element to your yard — the calming sounds of moving water .
• Utilize retaining walls . If you are planning on protecting the fragile landscaping work around your home , it ’ s imperative to construct a strong retaining wall . Erosion-prone areas in your yard will benefit greatly by incorporating segmental retaining walls constructed from concrete masonry . Using concrete not only provides the best value for the investment , it also delivers superior design flexibility and aesthetic appeal to any landscape idea .
• When planting flowers , go with annuals . To have a continuous sense of color throughout your yard , plant annual flowers alongside your favorite perennials . Research and lay out creative flower combinations that make use of both kinds of flowers for beauty throughout the year .
• Think year-round . One of the biggest mistakes one can make is only providing one or two seasons ’ worth of eye-catching landscaping . Plan for having plentiful trees and shrubs during the springtime , fall foliage during autumn months , and visually interesting plant life in the winter , such as holly shrubs or bayberry bushes .
DECKED OUT
One of the most inexpensive ways to add living space to your home is the addition of an outdoor deck or patio . Having a great outdoor space is like adding an extra room to your house . It can be enjoyed by the whole family , or experienced in quiet solitude as a retreat to the zen of outdoor living .
If you like to entertain , then an outdoor space is a must . Guests can spill out onto the patio , extending your home to allow more freedom for guests to mingle , both inside and out .
Though the words “ patio ” and “ deck ” are often used interchangeably , there is a difference . A patio is generally constructed of stone pavers , tile or a simple concrete foundation that sits squarely on the ground . Decks are usually made of wood ,
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