You’ve done it: found what’s soon to become your family’s new home! It’s in a great neighborhood…reasonable commute…decent kitchen (size is right: definitely upgradable). All this and it fits the budget! Congrats! Looks like your housing hunt is over…
Yet…before you sign on the dotted line, there should be one last check-off in all the costs that improving the house to your liking will entail. The cost of home improvements can be light, but since that’s not always the case, there are areas where the possible impact on your bottom line can be meaningful. For instance:
Anyone who has had the experience of paying for new fencing has learned to respect the fencing cost. Depending on the type and size, it will be fairly simple to go online to find a generic online calculator that will estimate a price.
Although repairing split or broken concrete can sometimes be as easy as pouring new concrete over the old, often the old has to be jackhammered and hauled away before new concrete can be poured. There are different types of concrete to choose, including coloring and texturing. This is one home improvement that can easily run to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the renovation.
If sick or otherwise damaged trees are on the property, you could be a storm or two away from a dangerous issue. If removing the tree or trees has been advised, it will be best to plan on acting promptly.
Window replacement, when called for, requires an estimate by a home improvement contractor experienced in the specialty. Depending on how many windows and the type of trim involved, it’s a home improvement project that usually runs in the hundreds of dollars per window. The good news: it also increases the value of the home and you may qualify for a tax credit for window replacements.
If you’re considering a property with old wiring, ungrounded outlets or other known electrical issues, a certified electrician’s estimate is your best bet to foresee the extent that re-wiring could be needed.
Home improvement can be immediately gratifying or they can be the kind where peace of mind is the principal reward. Either way, after you’ve found a house that looks like a great find, it’s worth the effort to project the cost of improvements you will want to undertake during the first year.
If you’re looking to buy this fall, I’m here to help with a full portfolio of quality home improvements resources and referrals.
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