Inexpensive remodeling: projects with the best performance
How to hire the contractor
Interview each contractor you are considering. Here are some questions to ask.
1. How long have you been in business? Find a well established company and check it out with the BBB.
2. Are you licensed and registered in the state?
3. Get a list of similar projects. You don’t need anyone to learn on your own.
4. Get references
5. Ask to see current insurance and workers’ compensation policies. Low offers may not cover the cost of adequate insurance.
6. Obtain a written contract on letterhead with complete contact information and license number.
7. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down payment.
Contact your local or state consumer agency to find out what the law is in your area.
8. Make partial payments against the job based on milestones. Pay as parts of the project are completed and you are satisfied.
9. Do not make the final payment until the job is done and you are satisfied.
10. Try remodeling in the off-season, when contractors need the job.
How to remodel at a low cost and generate the maximum return on your investment
ROI’s top four remodels are the kitchen, bathroom, floors, and windows. These four areas have a high emotional impact and are very visible. Your first dollars should consider
THE KITCHEN
This is where the maximum increase in home value is found.
Paint – The least expensive way to get a face lift is to paint. Do your best with paint. It’s amazing how much a fresh coat of paint and some contemporary color schemes can liven up a space. A textured paint finish can cover damage and save repair cost.
1. Refinishing the cabinets: Consider updating old kitchen cabinets and adding some new hardware. Often you don’t have to buy new to look new.
2. Replace the vinyl – Pick up that old vinyl, there is likely a wood floor underneath and a good stain and repaint will add beauty and value to your home. Hardwood floors have a great return on investment.
BATHROOM
Another space of great emotional appeal is the bathroom.
1. Re-varnish old tubs – As with kitchen cabinets, you can re-varnish old tubs and sinks that are now too porous to clean. They will look new and shiny at a fraction of the cost.
2. Skylights – An inexpensive way to add the appearance of space is to use skylights or add bay windows.
3. Utilize the space: If there is an underused closet, you can expand it to that area and create usable square footage and replace the storage area with shelves to save space.
4. Increase square footage: Another inexpensive way to create space would be to remove the tub and replace it with a glass-enclosed shower. Pretty tiles along the edges would be very attractive and create an open color feel where there was none.
BASEMENTS and PENTHOUSES
1.Increase Living Area: Put your unused space to work. Create a storage area or workspace. Put on some plaster and create another room for the family. In other words, both can be affordable ways to create a living space without pouring concrete.
2. Create a new living room to use as an office or entertainment room with a large flat screen and good sound and a wet bar.
WINDOWS
Windows have great appeal and can change the entire look of a room and even the house itself. Window replacement has an excellent return on investment
1. Replace old windows – with modern double pane glass for greater energy efficiency. Choose large, open areas of light that can change the entire look of a room. If you’re careful not to move your windows and cause structural changes, this can be a cost-effective way to modernize and create a sense of space and novelty while saving energy.
FLOORS
We love the hardwood floors. They have beautiful, naturally appealing homes that are much easier to sell or rent with hardwood floors.
1. Refinishing – Some wonderful new materials are being used, such as bamboo and other sustainable floor finishes. But by far the least expensive way to beautify your home is to repaint and
re-polish existing floors. Pick up that old rug and repeat it.
Howard Bell for yourpropertypath.com
