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5 weekend projects that will add value to your house

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Leaders
5 weekend projects that will add value to your house

800px_QVB_mosaic.jpg If you are looking for things to do on weekends, why not try some small DIY projects in your home?  It can be as easy as changing all the light bulbs to energy saving lights to painting each room in the house to a more stylish color.  Doing these small projects on weekends can keep you busy, while adding valuable dollars to your nest egg.

I've come across an article in CNNMoney.com; "Small projects that pay off big" that is a good read for those who are preparing their house to sell, but have a limited budget.  It suggested 5 easy indoor upgrades that will make your home more appealing to buyers at a minimal cost.

Here is the list of 5 small projects you can do over the weekend:

1) Entryway: Tile the floor

For a four feet by four feet area, the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) cost for the tiles and materials are $265.  Upgrading from a linoleum to even the cheapest tile can definitely make a difference.  It can make your house look more expensive even if you did not spend much.  You can find directions here.

2) The Kitchen: Paint the Cabinets

DIY cost is $135 for paint and supplies and $5 and up for each knob.  The kitchen is one of the main focal points in a house.  Having an outdated kitchen can be a bargaining point for potential buyers. However, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars for a kitchen makeover.  The best way to add life to an old kitchen is to paint the cabinets.  You'll be surprised how a fresh coat of paint can make it look new and more appealing.  You can find directions here.

3) Family Room: Build Bookshelves

DIY Cost is $500 for two six-foot-by-eight-foot oak shelves and $200 for tools.  It can add character to your family room, making it look cozier.  It can also suggest a use to the buyer, adding  to the plus points of your house. You can find directions here.

4) Dining Room: Replace the Overhead Fixture

DIY Cost is $39 to $300 for the lamp and $40 for the tools. Replace old fixtures with a more stylish and functional lighting, such as a chandelier.  It can set the tone and leave a lasting impression to the buyer.

5) Master Bath: Add glass shower doors

DIY cost is around $300 to $800 for a glass door kit and $70 for the tools.  It is one of the best bathrooms upgrades you can do.  A glass door can give an illusion that your bathroom looks large as oppose to just using an ordinary shower curtain. Different kits have different instructions, so it is best to follow the DIY direction that comes with it.

It's never too early to think about preparing your home for sale.  Moreover, think of it as a double deal; you get to enjoy the new features of your home while adding value to it. 

Once you're done with all the hard work of renovating your home in time for the big sale, make sure you choose an agent that could best market your home.  A good product requires an effective marketing strategy that will give it maximum exposure to buyers.  Otherwise, you will put all your efforts in vain. 

If you're planning to sell your house, give me call.  We can have a chat on how to best present and market your home.  To add, take advantage of our extensive advertising services on television, print media and the internet.  My team and I have all the right marketing channels to successfully sell your home.

See you soon,

Sherry

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Clayton, MO
Hi Sherry! These are some great suggestions. I just had a client build a bookshelf to help sell his home and I painted it for him. Oh the life of a realtor. :) These are some great ideas!
Sep 25, 2007 05:37 AM
Brian Hoots
Real Living Speckman Realty, Inc. - Bourbonnais, IL
Sherry, welcome to active rain!, great post.
Sep 25, 2007 05:00 PM