Remodeling contractors have it better now than new home builders since interior remodeling requires less of scarce, expensive lumber. However, shortages of essential materials and busy subcontractors have reduced our schedulling efficiency. For years, we had it easy and took it all for granted. Isn’t that how it is?
Despite the new challenges and cost increases, Triangle area property values are likely to continue increasing with FUJIFILM and APPLE bringing more high-paying jobs. Your house is worth more than it was two years ago. Remodeling your home is a great investment, likely to make your life better right away.
My top ten list for less materials-intensive home improvements that focus on “finishes”, lighting and landscaping:
- Replace bathroom countertop, sinks/faucets, vanity lighting and toilets. Buy some nice towels.
- Replace ceiling fans and light fixtures with new, more stylish ones.
- Paint your house, interior and/or exterior. Tip: a good pressure washing might take care of the outside for a few years. Tip #2: paint colors look more intense than the sample chip when painted on the interior and look lighter than the sample chip when painted on the exterior.
- Replace your kitchen countertops and backsplash tile.
- Make coming home a pleasant experience with a new (or new color) front door. Bring home some colorful planters and flower boxes from Logan’s or Homewood nursery.
- Buy some lamps, rugs, and artwork to revitalize your home interior – to like it more than you do now.
- Rearrange furniture (you can slide it on thick towels) and move artwork to different walls.
- Invest $5,000 – $6,000 (of your increased home value) in outdoor landscaping. Colorful plants and neat edges (mulch) dress up a boring front yard. Perennials come back year after year.
- Resurface your old deck with new decking and get a cool, new railing installed. (Cables or horizontal pipes don’t need repainting in five years).
- Replace tired carpet with luxury vinyl tile (LVT) which looks like wood planks.
Liking your home is a huge influence in how much you like your life. Happy homeowning.
