Home Insurance Articles
Renovations That Make Your House Into a Castle
2010-06-09
Most home renovations are time and money consuming, not to mention all the hard work and labor that can go into it. That's why it's important to make sure you're making improvements that will pay off in the long run. Ideally, a renovation should either bring your home up-to-date or lower the energy costs for you and the next owner. Improvements could even help you secure home insurance at a lower rate. There are many Web sites that offer online quotes for homeowner's insurance.
Start by replacing old floors. Installing new hardwood floors will instantly give the room a brand new look and more open feel. And you can do it yourself if you're willing to do some hard work for about a week. Laminate flooring is relatively easy to install because it doesn't have to be nailed down, like a true hardwood floor. Plus, laminate is very durable so it's ideal for high-traffic areas. It usually runs about $1.25 to $2 per square foot at big-box retailers. Ceramic tile for bathroom and kitchen renovations costs only 50 cents per square foot. For more cost estimates, check the Web for online quotes.
Some kitchen and bathroom renovations can be very costly, but they really don't have to be. Think small and replace faucets and fixtures, which can really liven up the room. A quick kitchen or bathroom facelift will pay back quickly and do wonders for the overall look of your home.
Build a deck. This is one investment that will pay back quickly for you and your family. Adding a deck is like adding another room on to your home. You immediately increase the overall living space and have a place to enjoy the outdoors.
While clearly not as glamorous as a sparkling new kitchen or bathroom, updating your closets can be a real value-added renovation. Organize your closets and storage space with shelving, drawers and racks. Draw up a feasible plan ahead of time so you don't overspend on hooks and dividers you don't need.
While it may not be as visible, installing energy-efficient windows and doors can help lower utility bills. However, you should realize that high-quality windows are not cheap. This investment, unlike other quick fixes, could take several years to pay back. You can get online quotes about how much these improvements cost.
Home improvements don't need to cost a fortune, and in fact, can help you secure home insurance at a lower cost. There are ways to renovate affordably while still increasing the overall value of your property. It just takes a little bit of time and research and your home will look better while still saving you money.