Whether you plan on selling your house or simply want to improve your home’s functionality, there are certain home improvement projects that automatically increase the market value of your home.

One such improvement is kitchen remodeling. Key features to remember when remodeling a kitchen is adequate floor space, appliance placement for greatest meal preparation convenience and ease of mobility, and adequate storage space.

Kitchen Renovation / Kitchen Remodeling

The most common reasons people have for kitchen remodeling is: to upgrade materials, appliances, and fixtures, provide more floor space to accommodate more people in the kitchen at one time, and provide extra space so family members have a place to eat.

Replacing old kitchen cabinets with solid wood – whether oak, cherry, or even something less expensive like pine, and kitchen counter tops is a great way to increase the kitchen’s appearance and usability, as well as the market value of your home.

As one of the most expensive elements of kitchen remodeling, make cabinet selection carefully. Cabinets will have either dovetail or butt joints. Dovetail joints generally last longer. Cabinet draw bases should be mounted on quality glides.

If your kitchen is large enough and layout compatible, the addition of a peninsula counter would provide additional counter top work space. Extra cabinetry over the peninsula would provide more household storage space, as well.

Bathroom Renovation / Bathroom Remodeling

Another common renovation project that increases the market value of a home and makes it more functional is either the addition of another bathroom, or remodeling of an existing one. Like kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling most often requires the services of a professional contractor.

It is important to have detailed plans and know exactly what type renovation work you want before starting the project, so that code compliance laws are met and necessary permits obtained. Otherwise, work may have to be torn out and redone; high penalty fees and even imprisonment could also result.

Types of work that require permits include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and new structure building. Depending upon project complexity, you might require the services of a professional designer in addition to those of a contractor.

Before beginning work, you will need a “material take-off list.” This is a list of materials needed to complete the job. The contractor usually provides the take off list. But if you are handling all or the majority of the renovation work yourself, you will need to prepare one.

Be specific when making your list. Instead of just a lavatory, specify the type. Pedestal lavatories can cost over $300, while a simple wall-hung model can cost under $70. Designer toilets can cost over $1,500 while a standard two-piece model will cost under $100. Shop around for the best quality, at the best price for your budget.

Plan your project months, instead of just weeks, before renovation work is to begin. This will give you ample time to take advantage of online resources that offer more competitive prices for materials, and qualified professionals to complete the project.

Wall Paneling

Wall paneling is another popular home improvement project. Paneling nearly any room of the house with quality, real wood paneling improves appearance and increases market value of the home. If you’re a “do-it-yourselfer” the following handy tips will insure perfect paneling results:

1.) Once you get your paneling home, allow for a period of adjustment. This is because paneling tends to shrink or expand with the changes in humidity. Let the panels adjust to their new home by separating the panels and stand each one up in the area where you plan to install it; allow them to rest for 2 or 3 days before installation.

2.) The key to perfect paneling is in the first panel; get the first panel straight and the rest will follow suit. To do this, align the first panel against a corner; tack it in place with a small nail centered at the top. Using a level, make sure the panel is plumb. If it doesn’t fit snugly against the adjoining wall, use a compass to scribe the panel edge next to the wall. Copy the slant of the wall onto the panel; remove the panel and trim to fit.

3.) Regardless how careful you are, it is inevitable that some panels will have visible space between them. Walls darker or lighter than the paneling will be obvious. To correct this problem use a can of spray paint close in color to the panel joint to spray a 2-or-3-inch strip of the wall between each seam before installing the panels.

4.) Paneling only mildly warped and ¼ inch or less thick can still be mounted successfully using both panel adhesive and paneling nails. Thicker paneling that is badly warped should be returned.

5.) Block walls with studs or furring strips should first be covered with wallboard before mounting paneling. Not only is this a fire safety measure often required by code, but walls will be stiffer and more substantial, without bowing or warping.

6.) To help camouflage nails in paneling, place them on a natural blemish or darker line of the grain pattern.

Other Remodeling Projects

Less costly home improvements that help increase the market value of a home include the addition of an indoor wall fountain as part of the room’s décor. They cost anywhere from $350 to $4,000 on up. A large quality rock, granite, copper, or glass fountain inserted into the wall becomes an impressive, eye-catching focal point.

Indoor water features like wall fountains add moisture to the air, help block out unwanted outside sounds such as those coming from neighbor’s yards and traffic, and add therapeutic atmosphere to the room.

Vinyl floor tiles are another way to improve a room’s appearance and market value of the home. Whether replacing a whole floor or replacing just the damaged tiles, do-it-yourselfers might find the most difficult part of the job is removing old tiles already in place. Using heat will help soften both the adhesive and the tile, making it easier to pry up using a putty knife.

Simply cover the tile to be removed with a cloth. With an iron set on medium heat, iron the cloth using slow, even strokes. If heat doesn’t remove the tile, use cold. Place a covered piece of dry ice on the tile (do not touch the ice directly). When the tile is cold enough, a sharp rap of the hammer should shatter it, for easier removal.

Summary

Before starting on any home improvement project, carefully consider project costs verses enhancement of family use, improved appearance, and increased market value potential to your home.

Plan your project carefully in advance, with plenty of time to shop around for best prices and selection of materials – as well as qualified contractors and other professionals to help get the job done right!

Be sure project meets building code requirements, and all permits are obtained before beginning the project. Plan well within your budget with funds to spare for unexpected expenses. All ingredients that help to insure project success!

By: Max Sheppard