Home Upgrades: DIY Projects to Improve ROI

man in a workshop with tools, wood, a laptop, and a book
Courtesy of Ivan Samkov
  • From small DIY projects to major overhauls, there are many upgrades homebuyers can do to elevate ROI:
    • Improve Curb Appeal
    • Install Metal Roofing
    • Refinish Hardwood
    • Switch to LED

We look back at old homes and like to think of them as well-loved, but houses tend to reflect the scars of time. From dents in the wall to oil spots and scuffed hardwood, most properties desperately need a facelift. So grab the caulk gun and sanding paper as we discuss four DIY projects to improve your home’s return on investment (ROI).

Improve Curb Appeal

home with dark blue accents, asphalt shingles, and and siding
Courtesy of Westlake Royal Building Products

Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home derived from its aesthetic value. Put simply, what does the average passerby think of your property from the street view? Are your hedges trimmed, your exterior freshly painted, and your flowers blooming? Curb appeal encompasses more than these few ideas, but most upgrades bring at least 50% ROI. Landscaping improvements such as planting new trees or garden beds can yield a 50% ROI and a jump in resale value by 14%. Power washing your driveway removes the grunge and costs less than $500. Not all upgrades cost a fortune; new light features, doorknobs, and small porch plants can cost under $200.

These don’t always work out, though. Not all buyers are looking for an intricate garden to tend to, and not everyone desires the maintenance that a pool requires. Costs associated with curb appeal changes depend on the property and modifications made, and you can check out some of our ideas INSERT INTERNAL BLOG LINK HERE.

Install Metal Roofing

person with glove cleaning a gutter of a metal roof
Courtesy of Sheffield Metals

Our next DIY project is no small task. Over the past few decades, the popularity of metal roofing has risen exponentially, and the market expects to hit $33.5 billion by 2030. The low-maintenance alternative boasts longevity well over the classic asphalt shingle lifespan of 12–20 years, as metal roofs last up to 70 years. Of course, depending on local conditions and weather events, homeowners must also replace asphalt shingles often. But metal roofing, whether shingles or trays, helps homebuyers in the long run with its energy-saving properties. By its nature, this product reflects UV rays and, on average, saves between 10–25% on cooling costs. Likewise, lightning strikes upon a metal roof drastically reduce the risk of nature-borne house fires. And for those concerned with sustainability, most metal roofs are constructed with at least 25% recyclable materials.

Costs of swapping to a metal roof range between $5,000–$20,000 but average a 61% ROI alongside added benefits.

Refinish Hardwood

diy brushing hardwood with a varnish
Courtesy of BuildDirect

When installing flooring, hardwood and tile instantly elevate any space as long runners tend to increase perceived depth. In fact, Professional Builder suggests that hardwood floors increase a home’s ROI by 70–80% and a 2.5% boost to the overall sale. But over the years, scratches and knicks formed in the hardwood degrade its luster. More cost-effective alternatives exist, such as vinyl or laminate, but many homebuyers prefer genuine hardwood. Don’t just take our word for it. In 2019, the National Association of Realtors conducted a Remodeling Impact Study revealing that 27% of realtors suggest refinishing hardwood before putting your home up for sale. If you want to do a DIY project for your refinished hardwood, expect to spend between $800–$2,000, dependent on quantity and desired finish. Still, this remains more cost-effective than replacing the flooring entirely — often at three times the price!

Switch to LED

person screwing in an LED bulb into a light fixture
Courtesy of Inch Calculator

LED bulbs are a cost-effective lighting choice with several benefits. Americans spend, on average, at least 15% of their electricity bills on lighting, per the U.S. Department of Energy — but LED bulbs slash those numbers. Because they put off minimal heat, energy spent on cooling is reduced, and households retain an average of $225. Like many of the other DIY projects on this list, switching to LED bulbs is an investment in longevity. LED bulbs last approximately 30,000 hours, whereas incandescent bulbs only last 1,000 hours.

These DIY upgrades to improve ROI on your home only scratch the surface of potential ideas. So, whether you’re a DIY expert or just starting, there’s always something you can do.

Preparing Your House for Extreme Weather

construction workers inspecting a home being built

Living in the South, there is one thing we have learned; you can never be too cautious about taking the steps needed to provide adequate protection for us and our homes when it comes to extreme weather.

In some parts of the South, houses can experience all sorts of extreme weather. From hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms with straight line winds, to even the occasional snowstorm.

No matter where you live, you will always be faced with the possibility of having to deal with the types of elements that our ever-changing weather will give.

Building your home to accommodate for some of these aspects could be a lifesaving investment.

Wind Damage

At some point during the year we will be exposed to some type of wind. This can be particularly true with a home on the lake.

There will be wind during spring and fall thunderstorms, from the threat of tornadoes, as well as strong winds with the passage of fast moving cold fronts that will bring snow and rain.

Here are a few ideas to help construct your house to overcome the threat of strong winds.

  • Hurricane Straps: Hurricane straps are designed to help hold your roof to your wall during high winds. These straps can also be located at the bottom of your studs, helping hold your walls down to the bottom plates of your home. It is better for these straps to be installed while your building is under construction. If your building has been completed without these straps, get in touch with your local contractor to see if your building can be modernized with these straps.
  • Extra Attic Bracing: This can also be done while in the stages of construction. But, you can always retrofit and add to the existing bracing that you have now.
  • Window and Door Shutters: Operating shutters will provide you the extra protection against wind damage to your doors and windows.

Load and Limb Damage

The damage caused will depend on your location. If you live up North, or in areas that receive a lot of snowfall, you will need to take precautions to accommodate the extra weight from the long lasting effects of the snow.

If you live south, in some of the more wooded areas, you will need to protect yourself from falling limbs due to higher winds. Here are a few precautions to consider:

  • Extra Roof Bracing: No matter in which part of the country you live, it is always a good idea to add a little extra bracing. Taking this precaution will help you, especially in areas where you are exposed to a large amount of snowfall. The excessive amount of weight that is accumulated during these periods of snowfall will put a strain on your roof. Bracing will also help protect from any damage caused from falling objects, such as tree limbs and branches.
  • snow on roofType of Roof: The type of roof should also be considered when you are building or remodeling. A metal roof could help add extra weight bearing capacity needed for long lasting protection. In some areas, windy conditions will blow away parts of a shingle roof. This can cause leaks (that will cause more damage to your home). In some colder locations, these shingles become brittle and break during high wind conditions, causing the same potential for leaks.

Regardless of the type of construction projects you are involved with, be sure to get in touch with your local contractor to help with precautions you will need to take to prepare your home for extreme weather.