With a new year comes a new opportunity to learn from the past and look forward to the future. For the average homeowner in Southern California, the continuing decline in home prices has led to much uncertainty and feelings of helplessness. Fortunately, while homeowners can’t change the housing marketing, they can positively affect the value of their own home – often without breaking the bank. Here are just a few options for investing in your own home in 2012:
1. Research Cost-Effective Improvements
When it comes to adding value for your home, not all home improvement projects are created equal. In fact, you might be surprised to learn which investments lead to the greatest increase in home value. The best resource available is the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Annual Report. Using this data, you can quickly learn that many of the most cost-effective home improvements won’t require a wrecking ball. Two of the most cost-effective home improvements are installing a new garage door and installing a new front door. Minor home improvements can add close to 90% of their cost in resale value, while still being enjoyed by the one who still lives there (that’s you).
2. Remodel on a Budget
If you are looking to invest in a more serious remodeling project in 2012, it is important to understand what types of improvements are attractive in modern design and the current home market. Today’s remodeling projects should focus on space and light, “opening up” a home to have both function and warmth. All across the country, contractors are knocking down walls and installing skylights and windows, appealing to the space and light demands of modern homeowners. Rooms within the home, such as the kitchen and dining room, can maintain their specific function without being in isolation and away from natural light. Those who don’t wish to remodel an entire kitchen or bathroom might find that adding space and light will add significant appeal to their home.
3. Improve Storage Systems
The number of square feet that make up your home is likely not going to change in 2012 without some major expenses, but what about all those wasted cubic feet in your home? Next time you have a free afternoon, take some time to walk through your house and identify areas where you are not making the most of your home from floor to ceiling. Whether they are inside the garage or inside the home, storage racks, closet organization systems, and functional cabinetry can add great value to your home – and your life!
4. Grab a Paintbrush!
Whether you enjoy painting or not, you might want to consider picking up a paintbrush in 2012. Interior painting is one of the most cost-effective and simple ways to improve the value of your home, and it’s one of the few value-increasing projects that homeowners can do themselves. The thought of major painting projects can be overwhelming, which is why most never get started. The key is to start small, choosing a small room or a single wall that could use an upgrade. With countless websites and magazines available for inspiration and design tips, there’s no reason not to get started!
5. Preventative Maintenance:
The main reason people don’t invest in their home is because they simply cannot afford it. Riding out the recession with your current appliances, systems, water heater, pipes, windows, doors, and carpet might be the best choice for your finances. If that’s the case, make 2012 the year that you take better care of the parts in your home that you hope will take care of you for a few more years. The professionals at Ford’s Plumbing and Heating know all about preventative maintenance, and their knowledge and expertise can help you make sure that your home systems don’t experience any disasters in 2012. Talk to a Ford’s representative today about preventative maintenance services such as main line sewer inspections, drain clean outs, furnace and air-conditioning tune-ups, and leak detection.
Are you ready to get started with preventative maintenance in 2012? Ford’s Plumbing and Heating is offering $20 off your home Furnace Tune Up. PRINT THE COUPON, schedule an appointment today, and start protecting your home in 2012!
