For some, purchasing a new home is much easier than renovating. But for others, keeping your existing home is important. No matter if you would like to make small or large fixes, the improvements you would like to make will often be profitable in the long run. As you prepare for a project, it is important to see what else you would like to change in the home while you will be working. While it might be time consuming at first, your preparation and efforts will be worth it. Learn more about the top reasons to renovate, how to fund your project, flooring ideas, and how you can incorporate more energy efficient ideas into your work. We will also cover how to live in a space while renovating and how to boost your curb appeal.
Top Reasons to Renovate
If you are weighing the pros and cons of renovating your existing home or looking to buy a new one, there is one key thing to consider—the market. Right now, Denver is a seller’s market. While this might benefit you as a seller, you may have a harder time finding a home with the things you are interested in that is in your price point. The trend is starting to slowly favor buyers, so if you renovate now, your home might be extremely valuable down the road. When renovating a home, you will be able to increase its overall value, which will help you sell and increase profits in the years to come. So not only will you be adding value to your home, but you will help to make the space you are in your own—so much so that you may even decide to stay!
Funding a Renovation
Once you have decided you would like to take on a home renovation project, it is important to get proper funding that you can afford. In the six ways to finance your dream home improvement project from Nerd Wallet, a popular choice among homeowners is to refinance their mortgage. Nerd Wallet explains that you could also potentially lower your interest rate in this process. You can also take out a line of credit, use a personal loan or a credit card. Be cautious with a credit card though as ones with high interest rates that are not paid off right away can lead you to pay significantly more in the long run. Consider this option if you have a zero percent interest plan. You can also look into the FHA 203k loan which allows you to take out a second mortgage specifically for a home renovation project.
Energy Efficient Ideas
There are a variety of ways you can make your home more energy efficient during a renovation project. One of the best ways to do this is through appliances. When replacing appliances, be sure to look for items that have the Energy Star logo on them. Keep in mind that appliances are much more than just your refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher. It can include your washer, dryer, faucets, toilets, and garbage disposals. Also, it can be helpful to install a thermostat that is on a timer. That way, during the time you are not home, you can turn your air conditioning or heat down depending on the season and you can set it on a timer to come back on soon before you get home so it is comfortable. In addition, you can also install energy efficient lights and power strips.
Indoor Flooring
When it comes to replacing the flooring in your home during a remodel project, hardwood is an excellent solution. It is easy to clean and maintain, perfect for kids and families and will last for decades. Plus, if you grow tired of its appearance, you can always clean and sand it then re-stain it to be a different color. This is an option you do not have with carpet or laminate flooring. When choosing hardwood in your home, you are choosing a natural method that will wow you, your family, and any guests that come into the home. You can speak with your local hardwood flooring specialist to see which types of hardwood will work out best for your renovation.
Living in a Space While Working
For many, they may not have the funds to stay in a hotel, or the ability to stay with a friend or relative during a home renovation project. While it might be loud and messy sometimes, it will be fantastic once it is all over. You will be happy with the money you saved. When renovating rooms you frequent often such as the kitchen, find workarounds that will help you cook food. This can include slow cookers or instant pots. You can find great, easy recipes that help you easily make a dinner for you and your family. If your dining room is also being renovated, create a makeshift dining room or even invest in an inexpensive outdoor dining set for your family to enjoy a meal at. It is also important to know the schedule of the workers, ask them what needs they have that you can help with, and properly rope off areas that workers frequently visit.
Outdoor Tips
When renovating the interior of your home, do not forget the outside! It is a great way to boost curb appeal which can help you sell your home later down the road. First, check out the outside of the home. If the paint is chipping, or siding is damaged, work with your insurance company to see what they will cover. During that process, it doesn’t hurt to have your roof inspected for issues. Next, replace mulch and ramp up your landscaping to fill it with welcoming colors and flowers. This is a great project to work through on the outside of your home while there might be a team working inside.
As you plan for your home renovation project, keep Ward Hardwood Flooring in mind for all of your hardwood flooring needs. Our floors will add a warmth and beauty to your house unlike anything you have ever seen before. Once installing hardwood, be sure you learn how to care for our hardwood flooring in Colorado. To get started with your project and see how we can help you renovate, call us at 303-674-6966.