How to Get the Highest Return on Investment on Your Home Remodel

Remodeling your home is a smart move if you want to ensure a higher resale price. So many of the benefits of owning a home come when it's time to leave it; the financial gain and equity that you can build in a home can add a ton of value to your financial portfolio. 

If you have recognized that your house is going to need a bit of work before it heads to the market, it's time to start remodeling. If you're like many people, you might be questioning how you can make sure that you don't waste your money when it comes to the remodeling process. 

Don't worry -- here's a handful of our best tips for getting a great return on investment in your home remodel.

Take care of the big issues first

Structural and functional issues with your home will make it instantly unattractive to potential buyers. Bite the bullet and get the large and expensive projects out of the way. If your roof is damaged or leaky, hire a roofer. You don't want to risk trying to tackle projects that you are unfamiliar with on your own and risk damaging your house further.

Focus on aesthetics

Beyond the functional issues that need to be taken care of, the next area of focus should be how your home looks. Some projects are of course more time consuming and expensive than others. One of the least expensive and most beneficial projects that you can tackle is landscaping. 



Trimming overgrown shrubs and maintaining a neat and orderly lawn can add major curb appeal to your home. Your home's exterior is its first impression, so make sure that you spend some time improving it.

Replace the siding

Replacing siding is relatively cheap and easy and adds a ton of quick value to your home. Don't want to replace it altogether? Spend an afternoon power washing. This will make it look brand new without the need to reach for your tool belt.

Add outdoor elements

Adding a deck can make your home instantly more appealing to potential buyers. While it's certainly more expensive than other projects on the list, it's fairly reasonable when you consider the massive value that it can add to your home. Most buyers are eager to have an outdoor space to entertain.

Minor Kitchen Upgrades

Even just replacing cabinet doors and fixtures can drastically change the look and feel of your kitchen. You don’t have to spend a lot to get kitchen cabinets that will increase your home’s value and the quality of your kitchen.

Make the most of your remodel projects, and follow the above tips for getting the highest return on your investments.

5 Ways to Save Money on Home Repairs

If you own a home, you know that repairs are going to be required periodically. While it is a good idea to build savings for these costs, sometimes we get caught by surprise. Whether prepared or not, everyone wants to save money on home repairs, and here are a few tips for doing that.

Do It Yourself

If you have the skill and experience, you may be able to handle basic home repairs on your own. With the help of a few youtube videos, you can probably paint the living room or replace the aging toilet with a new one. Be sure you know how to do the job before getting started, or you could end up with a bigger job for someone else to do.

Shop for Discounted Materials

If you are able to handle the job and save the cost of hiring a professional, buy discounted products, equipment, and materials whenever possible. Compare prices online and check with local building supply or home repair product stores. You can often find discounts and rebates that will keep your overall repair costs low.

Call an Expert

Several kinds of home repairs require professional assistance. Roofing, electric, plumbing, and heating problems should be handled by licensed contractors because they have the training and certifications to do the job right. 

If problems develop, you can have the company come back out to address them. The work is usually done promptly and correctly and is worth the cost you will have to pay. 



For example, a roof repair involves climbing up on the roof, maintaining balance, knowing how to fix the problem, and ensuring there are no leaks or weaknesses in the underlying structure. An expert can handle the job efficiently and safely, which can save time and money. Ask about special rates or sale prices that may apply.

Trade Services

If you know someone who is able to do the needed repair, especially if he or she is licensed and certified, you may be able to exchange services instead of monetary payment. For example, an electrician friend may be able to install a ground wire in your home in exchange for your landscaping skill in laying mulch in his yard.

Ask for Recommendations

Friends and coworkers may be able to suggest someone who can do the job more cheaply because of the referral. Ask around to see if someone knows an expert who will charge less than market value for the repair work.

Take a proactive approach to getting repairs done correctly and efficiently. The time and stress you save will be worth as much as the reduced cost.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

4 Small Home Fixes That Become Big Expenses If Left Untreated

Are you taking proper care of your home to avoid needing expensive repairs? Owning a home is a big financial responsibility, but you must also make sure that the materials and equipment of the building are in the best condition.

Small Holes in the Siding or Roof

If your home’s roof or siding has tiny holes, then mice, wasps or other pests can squeeze through the openings to infest the building. 

After vermin enters the roof or the siding of a building, the pests can cause damage from body waste, consuming drywall or building nests for young. 

Filling the small holes is simple with liquid caulking, and you can do this on your own or you can hire a handyman to perform the chore. Make sure to inspect your home’s exterior at least twice a year to find the holes that you can cover or fill.

Replacing a Home’s Air Conditioner

It is essential to have an air conditioner in your home, but if you forget to care for this equipment, then you could have a big expense later. Changing the filter in air conditioners is an easy process, but it is amazing how many homeowners fail to complete this chore each month. 

This leads to an air conditioner that is covered with household dust, causing the equipment to overheat. Make sure to buy a filter that is the proper size, and you can use a high-efficiency particulate air filter to remove the tiniest particles of dust and pollen.

Are the Windows of Your Home in Perfect Condition?

If you are ignoring the tiny chips or cracks that can occur to a home’s windows, then you can require an expensive repair later. Cracks and chips occur on windowpanes for a variety of reasons, including having birds fly into the windows or when your children throw a ball against the window. 



When you delay making a repair to the window, the glass can break at an inopportune time from the strong winds that can occur during a rainstorm. This will lead to an additional expensive repair to your home from the damaging rainwater.

Ignoring Plumbing Leaks in Kitchens or Bathrooms

Make sure to inspect the plumbing fixtures in your home, including the toilets, sinks or bathtubs. You should also check the pipes that are near a laundry room or in other areas such as the basement. 

Don’t forget to check your home’s water heater for leaks that can occur from this appliance’s tank or intake pipes. If you find any moisture from the pipes or connectors, then fix the item on your own or contact a professional plumber right away.

Have a Home Maintenance Schedule

One of the best ways to make sure that you home is in perfect condition is to have a maintenance schedule so that you won’t forget to perform inspections of the various things that can degrade.

4 Benefits of Installing Central Air Conditioning in an Older Home

You’ve purchased an old home, and it’s heading into summer. That means heat outside. If your home has no central air, it can also mean hot and stuffy air inside. Air conditioning was not a priority before the past few decades, and the heat may have you considering central air if you lack it. Here are four benefits of installing a central air unit in your older home.

Cooler Indoor Temperatures

Overall, it’s possible to keep a house cooler with a central air unit than it is with a few window units. Central air conditioning comes with ducts that fairly evenly distribute the refreshing cool air throughout the house. 

By keeping older window units, only the rooms that house the units will remain cool. The rest of the house could be quite warm when temperatures hit the 90 or 100 degree mark.

More Efficiency

While you may have to refer to a professional for AC system repair periodically, you will not likely have to use as much energy to keep a home cool. The reason for this is the higher efficiency that’s tied to newer models when compared with those built even 10 or 20 years ago. Better efficiency ratings mean lower costs because less energy overall will be used in the process of cooling your home.

Tax Benefits

Even though the federal rebates for energy efficiency ended recently, some states provide tax credits for the purchase of a new HVAC system that’s energy efficient. This means that the overall cost of putting in a system could be much less than the sticker price any prospective installers might quote. 

These tax credits and rebates can go a long way toward making the purchase of a new AC system affordable. Of course, it would be a good idea to check into any sate or local incentives before making the purchase.

Increased Value

Most people want air conditioning. In many parts of the country, it’s a necessity. Those who are looking for a home might not pay enough to take care of the entire cost of a new system, but people are less likely to buy a home that lacks one. Prospective buyers will pay a slight premium for AC, and this premium will probably be higher in areas in which most homes lack it.

There are many benefits that come with installing central air in an older home. Newer units are more efficient so the overall cost will be lower. You’ll also be able to enjoy more comfort when relaxing at home.

How to Make Your Home Smarter

Technology is changing the way we do everything, including basic day to day processes at home. The innovation of the smart home is making life more convenient and opening up more and cooler possibilities. Best of all? 

You don’t really need to break the bank anymore to enjoy the latest and greatest home tech. Many homebuilders are making great strides in making affordable smart homes for everyone! Here are some cool inventions that will make life easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable...

Touchscreen Deadbolt

The touchscreen deadbolt series from Schlage makes it possible to lock and unlock your home doors from a remote location. The system can also be programmed with access codes that can expire after a set length of time. For example, you can give the neighbor an access code to take a package inside and then turn off that access code. 





This lock means that you will never need a key to get inside again and the built-in security system will alert you if someone tries to force the door open or tampers with the lock. Modern smartphone integrations also make it an incredible security tool for when you’re gone on holiday or work trips.

Smart Toilet

Smart toilets have been available in Japan for a while, but they will be more readily available soon. Here are just a few of the features that come with a smart toilet:

• Heated seat
• Warm water spraying and air drying (no more toilet paper!)
• Automated seat and lid lower on their own
• Self-cleaning features (no more scrubbing)
• Remote control capabilities
• Music system
• Weight, BMI, blood pressure, and blood sugar monitoring capabilities
• Potty training assistance features
• Sample catcher (no more visits to the doctor’s office to leave a sample!)

What could be better than a hands-free toilet that cleans itself, plays your favorite music, helps monitor your health, and keeps you feeling clean and fresh? We all spend more time in the bathroom each day than we’d like, so upgrading to a smart toilet is one way to make the necessities of life much more enjoyable.

Smart Oven & Range

LG has designed a line of appliances with their new THINQ technology. The THINQ electric oven and range boasts several features that are quite desirable for anyone who spends time in the kitchen. Here are just a few of the key features:

• 6.3 cubic feet of space inside with three racks (LG’s largest oven ever)
• Fastest boiling element on the range
• Infrared cooking technology (same as used on premium outdoor grills)

This smart appliance also comes equipped with several smart features to enhance the cooking experience:

• Use your smartphone to monitor cooking progress while away from the kitchen.
• Verify that all of the cooking functions are off when away from home. No need to race home to make sure you turned the oven off after baking those cookies.
• Use the LG app to browse recipes on your smartphone and then send your chosen recipe directly to the cooking unit. The unit will then automatically set the precise temperature and cooking time needed for your recipe.
• Monitor the self-cleaning functioning while you’re away from home. This means you can clean and run errands at the same time.

Expect to pay about $600 more than the cost of the standard LG oven and range to get these added features. If you love to cook, but also have a busy and demanding schedule, this might be the solution for you.

Phone-Controlled Garage Door Openers

Garage door openers are an often overlooked amenity of your home, but they make a great difference in your quality of life. A secure, quiet, and efficient garage door opener makes your life more convenient, peaceful, and secure. 

Just like any other technology, garage door openers have been impacted by the smart home revolution, as smartphone integrated technology allows you to control your garage from your pocket, with added features of security and customization.

Crockpot WeMo

Do you love using a slow cooker? Having a slow cooker means that dinner can be cooking while you are away all day. However, what do you do when you are away longer than you expected? The new Crockpot slow cooker with WeMo makes it possible to use an app on your smartphone to control your crockpot at home. 

You can also program your crockpot with multiple functions before you leave home. For example, you can set the slow cooker to cook on low for eight hours and then switch to the warm setting until you are home. You can even use your smartphone to turn the slow cooker off. With a capacity of six quarts and a dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid, you can cook for the whole family and clean up easily too.

Sleep Number Dual Temp Layer Mattress Cover

So you are always freezing and your spouse is hotter than a firecracker. Thanks to Sleep Number, your nighttime temperature battles could be over forever. No need to find a happy medium any longer. 

Sleep Number has created a layer that fits on top of your existing mattress and makes it possible to have each side of the bed set at a different temperature. You can use a remote to program your ideal temperature and even set the timer to match your alarm clock.

While this invention may sound like a dream come true, the dream does come with a hefty price tag attached. Then again, when you think about the fact that you spend about 3,000 hours each year on average sleeping in bed, maybe this solution won’t seem quite so expensive after all.

How Much Does it Cost to Upgrade Your Patio Doors?

Patio doors can open up your home to an entirely new space during good weather. Your patio, deck or backyard can be used as a comfortable and airy room during parties, for relaxation and by your energetic children. 

Your patio doors should protect you from the elements and from possible prowlers. They should also help to insulate your home and should be easy to use for whatever size space you have. 

Here are five ways that you can determine how much it will cost to upgrade your doors to a new style.

What Type of Frame Have You Chosen?

Wood is by far the most expensive material used for a patio door frame, but it can be truly beautiful, especially in traditional homes. Fiberglass is a bit cheaper but is incredibly durable. Budget-friendly frame options include aluminum and vinyl. However, keep in mind that these materials may not last for many years.

What Style of Doors Do You Want?

One of the largest costs comes from the style of door that you have chosen. The two-panel gliding door is the most frequent choice and is by far the cheapest, costing $1,000 to $2,600. Sliding doors with more than two panels will cost far more. French doors keep the traditional look and open on hinges. 



They typically come at similar prices. Bi-fold doors for a kitchen are particularly popular because they save space while also allowing you to open your home to the outdoors. Telescoping doors may cost up to $5,000 but are the best options in extremely limited spaces.

Are You Using Specialty Glass?

Obviously, custom designs cost the most. Consider whether you want or need special thermal glass, impact-resistant glass or decorative glass. You may also want to consider adding built-in blinds to your doors.

How Much Does Installation Cost?

Installation can cost from a few hundred dollars to $1,400 depending on where you live, how large the patio doors are and how much work will have to be done to prepare the area. Very large or custom-built doors generally require more labor.

Are You Just Ordering a Replacement?

If you are just ordering a simple replacement part, you will see the lowest costs. Glass replacement may cost only $1,000 or less while new rollers for sliding doors will only cost $40 or so. Knobs and screens can also be added for a fraction of the cost of installing an entirely new door.

The cost of the materials and the installation will vary dramatically based on the variables that you choose. 

Of course, it is always wisest to choose the higher quality door over the lower-quality one, which could let in cold air during the winter and hot air during the summer and that may not offer you the level of protection you want. Additionally, keep in mind that where you live in the country may also affect your final cost.

How To Save Money Decorating This Year

Regardless of whether you are a professional interior designer working on a large project or just want to redesign your kitchen, it always pays to know the best ways to save as much money as possible. 

Decorating your home is rarely a cheap thing to do and usually comes with stress, hassle and a lot of mess. Even the smaller tasks are never as easy or as quick as you think. 

Keeping that in mind, we‘ve made sure that the tips chosen in this guide will save you time, hassle and of course, money.

Saving money when decorating is always important as the budget of decorating can often determine the style we decide to go for. For example, you may wish to turn your room from modern and minimal to retro chic and to do this you will need wooden type furniture, bespoke features and vintage lighting. 

All of these things are usually every expensive, but with these tips you can achieve this look and have money to spare. In this guide we are going to show you the top 20 tips on how to save the most money when decorating this year.

Tip 1 – Find free materials around you

By this we don’t mean rummaging through bins of course. You will be surprised to find out how many things you can actually get for free! Many people will want to just get rid of items they don’t want anymore because they are moving and can’t be bothered to try and sell them. 

This is where you can get some amazing bargains. From small table lamps to large tables and chairs, people will often happily give you these things for free if you are able to pick them up.

Tip 2 – Improve your existing furniture

Before you start throwing out all of the furniture in the room it might be worth considering if it can be updated or improved. One of the biggest trends right now in interior design is repurposed and reupholstered furniture, especially with wooden furniture. 

As the vintage look has never been more popular, we are seeing a huge rise in people repurposing old tables and chairs, bringing new life to something that was once nearly thrown away.

Tip 3 – Feature Wall

One of the simplest ways of adding a fresh and new feel to a room is through painting or wallpapering the walls. Paint and wallpaper vary in price, but one thing that is consistent with this is the amount of time it takes. 

Updating the walls in your home is a long process and one that needs care and attention if it is to look right. However, to save money and time you can simply just update one wall; the feature wall. 

You might be surprised at how much a feature wall can change a room’s dynamic. It draws the eye as soon as you enter and instantly sets the tone for the rest of the space.

Tip 4 – Update the plumbing fixtures

Your bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures are often untapped resources when it comes to adding a new design feature to the room. By simply changing the usual metal finish to copper, brushed chrome or brushed bronze you can quickly update the style without having to purchase a new sink or bathtub.

Tip 5 – Laminate Worktops

Replacing your kitchen or bathroom worktop is usually a very expensive thing to do, but also one of the best ways to redecorate a room. It instantly breathes new life into the space whilst setting the tone and creating a brand new feature that is guaranteed to impress. 

This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds. This is because people will usually prefer the feel and style of natural wood or stone for their worktop. Well, the good news is that you can now have this natural style without having to pay out big thanks to modern laminate worktops. 

Recent technological advancements has meant that laminate sheets now look identical to the real thing and even have the same texture. They come in a vast selection of styles/colours and if you wanted to know more about this then please find here an ultimate laminate sheet guide.

Tip 6 – Door handles

Changing your door handles is a very quick, easy and cheap way of creating a new design style. Although small, the right colour door handle can have a surprising effect on a rooms look. Research what material and colour goes with what colour and type of home to ensure it doesn’t look out of place.

Tip 7 – Never underestimate the power of a mirror

Mirrors do so much more than you might think. They can add light to a room, increase the size and add seamless flow. However, many of us are guilty of not making the most out of the mirrors we already have. 

Before you go out and invest in new ones, look at the ones you have already and see how they can be improved. Maybe it would look better in a different room or nearer natural light.

Tip 8 – Bring the outdoors inside

The past few years has seen a surge in popularity with indoor plants being used to create a new type of bohemian style. Often in vintage looking pots and hanging from the ceiling, these indoor plants are relatively cheap and a great way of updating your interior design.

Tip 9 – Shop Second hand

This may seem like a more obvious one, but shopping through second-hand stores, thrift stores, markets and car boot sales can result in finding fantastic furniture for incredible prices. Some designers make a great living this way so it’s definitely worth checking out your local area for bargains.

Tip 10 – Use lighting

Lighting has the power to create a mood and even add size to a room. If used right, lighting can completely change how a room feels and looks. Whether you make use of the natural light more or invest in some new lamps or lampshades, lighting is an interior designers best friend. 

To save money, look at simply changing the lampshades, bulbs or position of where these are and see how different your room can look.

Tip 11 – Rearrange the Furniture

Sometimes the best way to change the dynamic of a room is to simply rearrange the furniture. For a calm and serene environment try looking into how to implement Hygge and Feng Shui into your home.

Tip 12 – Utilise Paint

If you feel like your home needs redecorating but would like to keep it as cheap as possible then sometimes all you need is paint. A new lick of paint on the walls can totally revamp your room without having to change anything else. 

If your home has a shed or garage where you keep old tins of paint then check these first before buying new ones. If there isn’t much in some of them then you could mix these to make a bespoke colour and add a touch of your own personality to your home.

Tip 13 – Use Fabric

Whether it’s sheets draped over lights or a throw on your sofa, fabric has the potential to turn your room into something completely different. By using them over lamps you can create a soft and subtle ambience that’s much cheaper than purchasing a brand new light.

Tip 14 – Don’t forget about the details

Sometimes the smaller things have the larger impact, so if you’re looking to spruce up your home but don’t want to pay big prices for big pieces of furniture then have a look at tweaking the smaller things. 

This could be anything from new cushions on the sofa to new towels in the bathroom, anything that can inject colour into a room can change the interior style.

Tip 15 – Declutter

Decluttering your home is sometimes all you need to do to revamp a room. If you think you need to redecorate then always declutter first as you may be surprised to find that this is actually all it needed!

Tip 16 – Layer rugs

Carpet or hardwood flooring can be pricey, but a fantastic way of updating your floor without having to break the bank is to simply layer rugs together. 

You haven’t got to use expensive rugs for this because you are layering them together. Get creative with it and enjoy making your own bespoke design feature.

Tip 17 – Group similar items together

If your home has large walls then this can sometimes cause a problem when decorating within a smaller budget. Trying to fill a large space can get expensive if you are looking at buying large items, such as a full length mirror. 

However, if you group smaller, cheaper items together then you can fill this gap, save money and add a whole new dynamic design feature to the room.

Tip 18 – Wallpaper Offcuts

Do you have any wallpaper offcuts at home? If you do then you can still put these to good use by adding them to staircases or wall borders. They can add a boost of colour to any room whilst also creating a beautifully bespoke design feature. You can find some great examples on Pinterest here.

Tip 19 – Mix and Match

It’s almost too easy to go over budget when decorating your home as there is just so much to choose from. Sometimes it really pays to compromise, only on the items themselves, not the style. Mixing different types of furniture is a great way of adding a modern style to any room. 

For example, a dining room chair isn’t too expensive for one, but if you need 6 then this really adds up. So, instead of this you can simply get two for the ends of the table and then cheaper chairs for the middle. It can still look fantastic and save you money.

Tip 20 – Swap Party

Swap parties have become much more popular recently thanks to the fantastic bargains you can get! We all have different tastes so these parties are a wonderfully collective mix of furniture and furnishings. Get swapping with friends and family and have a great time whilst doing it. 

How to Finance a DIY Home Project

If you have purchased a home that doesn’t quite have all the features you need, or if your present home needs updating, you may have a number of DIY home projects in mind. If you know your way around tools and materials, you can modernize a bathroom, create a dream kitchen or add a room to your house for less money than if you hired a contractor to do the work. 

Financing your DIY project can be done in a number of ways, if you are willing to contribute to the labor yourself.

Planning Your DIY Project

You can look at plans on the Internet to understand the various components of the project. In addition, you may wish to customize the project for your own family’s needs, which can take additional time and labor. 

Financing your project can be done by purchasing materials in cash from savings, from a home equity loan or by putting it on your credit card balance. However, keep in mind that most credit cards have a higher interest rate than a bank loan, and make sure you can pay it off quickly to avoid getting into a serious debt.

Buying Materials for Your Project

Comparative shopping for the materials required for your project can save you a significant amount on your costs. Smaller lumberyards may be willing to offer a better deal than the large home improvement store in your area. 



When choosing flooring, bathroom tiles and other items, keep your needs in line with your budget. You can quickly go over your expected cost by falling in love with high-end materials. Take advantage of pre-assembled sections that can save you time and money, such as prefabricated roof trusses from a company like Prefab Technology Pty Ltd that will help you quickly frame your home addition.

Determine Your Labor Needs

Determining the time your DIY project will take can be difficult. There are always unexpected situations that occur that can hold up your schedule. Based on the type of work that must be done, figure out the amount of time that each leg of the project will take. Add another ⅓ of time to this figure for sorting out problems or getting special help that may be needed. 

If you are doing your project on a part-time basis, this calculation may extend your completion significantly. But if other parts of the project go smoothly, you will be able to make up some time.

Contracting for Specialized Help

Some tasks for your DIY project may be more technical than you can readily do yourself, such as electrical work or plumbing. Scout a few local contractors that would be willing to assist you with the work, possibly in their slower season. This measure will ensure your project receives the expert assistance you need for safety and proper code compliance.

When your DIY project is completed, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Even the problems you encounter along the way will provide a deeper understanding of home improvement. With your careful planning, hard work and attention to detail, you can create greater function and increased value for your home.

3 Easy Ways to Reduce Maintenance Costs in Your Home

Maintenance is a necessary part of being a homeowner. It’s one of those expenses that adds up during the year, especially if your house is older. 

There are, however, ways to keep these costs down. With a little dedication and a few smart moves, you can bring down the costs of home upkeep. 

Below are three of the easiest ways to reduce maintenance costs in your home.

Be Proactive

If you really want to avoid some of the biggest maintenance costs for your home, you’ll need to be willing to spend a little money. 

The best way to avoid big problems is to catch them before they happen—and in this case, that’s going to mean preventative maintenance. 

Make sure that you have all of your home’s major systems checked out at least twice a year and that you schedule maintenance as soon as you notice even a minor problem. It might cost you a little now, but it will save you thousands in the long run.

Look at Newer Products

Some of the more common maintenance nightmares for homeowners come from older products. While there’s something nice about not having to shell out for a new system, the truth is that the maintenance on older systems can cost much more over the long run. 

his can even extend to areas like your flooring, in which the upkeep costs of the older floors far outstrips the cost of replacing them with newer vinyl flooring through a company like JDC Flooring. 

You should always check to see if there are newer, more efficient products to replace the failing systems of your home.

Work with Professionals

There’s a reason why some people spend years learning the ins and outs of home systems. While you might be handy with a wrench, you probably don’t have the training or experience to deal with major upkeep issues in your home. 

Unless you are incredibly skilled at DIY projects, trying to do complicated upkeep is actually more expensive when you do it on your own. Try to take stock of your own skills and decide if doing it yourself will really save you time or money. In many cases, you will be better off making a phone call.

There are ways for you to avoid some of your more outrageous home upkeep costs. Be willing to work with professionals, to take care of things early, and to replace older systems. 

If you can manage those three simple steps, you’ll save quite a bit on home maintenance.

5 Home Add-Ons That Can Add Value and Save You Money

Saving money is more important than ever in this uncertain economy. So you want to make sure your home is not unnecessarily draining money that you could be putting aside in case of emergency later. 

It is also a good idea to do things that will add value to your home in case you sell it later.

Investing in your home can actually be a very smart move because not only can you enjoy it while you live in it, but you will get a better price when you sell it. 

However, you need to know the best places in your home to invest in for the most effect. So here are five smart home add-ons that can add value and save you money. 

Open Floor Plan

Small, cramped common living areas with a lot of walls are bad for several reasons. They make the house look much less appealing to prospective buyers and they also do not let the light into the house. 

Instead, knock down the floors and combine the common areas as one open space. It will make your house look much larger and create a lot more space. You can also save money because the light will travel more efficiently through the place so you do not have to turn on as many lights to be comfortable which will shrink your electric bill. 

Add a Carport

Not only do carports add value to the home, but they will also protect your car from the elements, which will let you save on sun and snow damage to your car. 

Companies like Coast to Coast Carports Inc. will give you a quality carport that will protect your car and add value to your home. 

Remodel Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms have gotten a lot bigger over the years and often have amenities like whirlpool tubs and heated towel rack. 

Just remodeling the bathroom will make your whole house look more luxurious and definitely increase the value. It will also give you an opportunity to make the room more sustainable with things like a low-flow toilet and a skylight, which saves water and electricity. 

Home Office

With more employees telecommuting than ever, a home office is starting to become a desired feature in a lot of homes and having one will automatically add the value of your home. 

If you telecommute already, your home office will be tax-deductible which will save you money and if you do not, then having one readily available can make it more likely that you will start working for home instead of at the office which will save you time and money in commuting. Convert a spare bedroom or den into a home office with relatively little cost. 

Natural Gardens

Landscaping is often overlooked when it comes to saving money and adding value, but it can make an enormous impact when done right. In your back or front yard, add natural gardens with native plants, pathways, and benches and tables for relaxing. 

When the gardens are made to look and be as natural as possible, they take a lot less maintenance costs than a plain lawn and they look fantastic as well. Consider doing drought-resistant landscaping to save money on water and keep the gardens looking intentionally informal.

There are a lot of other things you can do as well when it comes to adding value to your home while saving yourself some money at the same time. It may not see like you are saving money at first, but remember to think long-term.

5 Cost-Effective Ways to Increase Your Home's Property Value

Getting a house ready to sell can be daunting. Property values are constantly changing and buyers can be fickle. It's a stressful undertaking, but if you are willing to put in a little work you can greatly increase your home's value and make sure that it sells quickly. 

Here are some of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can make in the days, weeks, or months leading up to your home's market debut.

1. Paint

Paint is by far the most inexpensive home improvement. High-quality paint only costs about $25 per can and you can easily do the work yourself. Neutral colors will appeal most to buyers while light colors will make a room look larger and more open. 

Accent walls painted a brighter color can also be an excellent choice, but make sure that you limit their use to one room.

2. Flooring

When you're looking to buy a home, seeing that you will have to replace floors right away is a pretty big turn off. If your house is sporting stained carpet or ripped vinyl floors, take the time to get them replaced before it goes on the market. 

If you can, opt for hardwood floors. These will retain anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of their value during a resale. If your budget doesn't allow for hardwood floors, you can always replace your flooring with carpet or engineered wood. Be aware that these other options won't hold their value as well during the sale.

3. Curb Appeal

If your house looks good on the outside, it encourages people to come in. Keeping the outside of your home in top shape is essential if you want to sell. 

It can also be one of the easiest ways to get a few more dollars out of your home. If you don't have a lot to spend on landscaping, make sure that your yard is mowed, your hedges are trimmed, and any flower beds or gardens are well-kept. 

If your budget allows it, consider adding a porch with a small sitting area to give the house a cozy feel. Replace the front door with a steel model. Add some shade trees. In addition to being beautiful, well-placed trees can lower cooling costs and provide a home for squirrels and birds. 

4. Minor Remodels

If you are going to go through with a remodel, make sure that you start with a kitchen or bathroom. 

These are the two areas of a house that consistently offer a high return. Bathroom remodels can be expensive, but following Hillary Farr’s Rules of Renovation will ensure that you get the maximum return on your investment. 

Repaint the bathroom and remove any outdated wallpaper. Dress up mirrors by adding inexpensive frames. Choose stone countertops and wood cabinets or upgrade vanities and pedestal sinks. 

If you are looking to splurge on one item in your bathroom, let it be the shower. Currently, walk-in showers and floor to ceiling steam showers are the most sought after bathroom amenities. 

Many people are even willing to forgo a bathtub if it means that they have access to a spacious shower.

Kitchens renovations tend to cost more, but many of the same basic rules apply. Opt for wood cabinets and stone countertops. 

Paint the kitchen with bright, neutral colors. Replace low-quality kitchen sinks with farmhouse sinks. Upgrade appliances or at least ensure that the ones present are fully operational. 

Avoid adding recessed lighting whenever possible. Instead, opt for classic and stylish lighting fixtures or light tubes. 

5. Fiberglass Insulation

Although adding insulation doesn't seem exciting, it does offer one of the best returns on investment. Adding high-quality insulation to the attic increases the market value of your home and lowers your heating and cooling costs all year long. 

This is one home improvement that you should definitely consider whether you plan to sell your home now or in a couple of years.

Use these simple upgrades to increase your home's market value before you put it up for sale. Buyers will be impressed with a home that looks cared for and their offers will reflect it. 

Try out some of the improvements on this list and see just how big of a difference they can make in your home.