Cal Marshall Blog

Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.




rss logo RSS Feed
Buy a Home | 10 Posts
Central Texas | 17 Posts
Home Improvement | 30 Posts
Kelly, Realtors | 7 Posts
Temple | 1 Posts
Waco | 39 Posts
September
22

Home Improvement Tips

As a homeowner, it doesn't take long to realize that list of home improvements, renovations, and repairs never ends. It's a lesson that our real estate agents have learned well. 

With that in mind, it can often be hard to know where to start, especially if upcoming DIY projects start to pile up. How do you decide which home improvements come first?

It might help to get your priorities straight before you dive in. Follow these five tips to help you decide what project to work on next.

  1. Start With Something Easy
    It might help to start with an easy DIY project, even a fun one. Tackling something you can easily knock out in an afternoon will help you get your confidence up and help you realize that home improvement doesn't have to be such a chore. Beginning with an easy job is great, as long as there's nothing pressing that needs to be fixed for the integrity of your house and the safety of those within it.

  2. Improve Safety and Prevent Damage
    Safety is always a top priority. So if something needs to be fixed to keep your family safe, that should come first. These projects include repairs to gutters, stairs, railings, door locks, wiring, security systems, flooring, etc. Once safety concerns are taken care of, look into any home improvement projects that will prevent future damage and extend the longevity of your home. For example, you might need to replace cracked siding to prevent water damage underneath or seal up any cracks or holes before pests get in. 

  3. Think About Your Home's Value
    Some home improvement projects can increase the value of your home. These aren't quite as high a priority as safety and security concerns, but they might be pretty high on your list, especially if you're remodeling your home with plans to sell it in the future. You also have a choice here between prioritizing a major renovation project or hammering out a series of smaller, more cosmetic improvements. Bathroom and kitchen remodels tend to give you the best ROI. Other potential home improvement projects to add value include: 
  • Landscaping
  • Attic or basement remodel
  • Deck addition
  • Garage door replacement
  • Energy-efficient windows
  • New siding
  • Matching door hardware
  1. Hold Off on Seasonal Projects
    Some home improvement projects should take precedence if it's the right time of year to get them done. Others might be better off on the back burner if it's not the ideal season. Major outdoor home improvement projects should be done in summer when the weather is warmest and the days are long. Winter is a great time to tackle remodeling your home's interior. 

  2. Know What to Avoid
    Certain home improvements should be avoided for a variety of reasons. If your plan is to increase your home's value, steer clear of installing a pool, hot tub, or home office. The return just isn't worth it. Other projects are best left to professionals. Roof repair, for example, is a project that most homeowners should avoid. Electrical work and plumbing should generally be done by pros too. With any home improvement project, be sure to realistically assess your DIY skills before diving in. 

Contact us today to learn more about tackling home improvement projects. Whether you're remodeling a house you just bought or you're getting ready to list your Waco home for sale, we're here to help. 

Login to My Homefinder

Pixel