home Archives

Home Upgrades: DIY Projects to Improve ROI

Posted on March 28, 2023November 6, 2023 Noah Ryan

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.

4 Ways to Boost Your Lake Home’s Curb Appeal

Posted on October 31, 2018June 5, 2019 Staff

When it comes to your lake home’s most valuable assets, curb appeal is easily in the top three.

Not only is it a major selling point when putting your house on the market, but it’s also a mark of personality that acts as a source of pride for the homeowner.

Keep in mind that for a lake home, curb appeal applies to more than its street-side. Boaters can see your waterfront side as well, so it’s important to maintain that too.

Boosting your home’s curb appeal can also add thousands in property value, which is always a plus.

So here are four ways to spiff up your exterior to make your home the most memorable one on the block (and the lake).

Replace the Siding

Replacing the siding on your home can make it look brand new. More importantly, though, it’s a necessary part of home maintenance.

Siding is exposed to the elements 24/7. These include pests, water, UV rays, fire, snow and natural disasters.

Water damage may be gradual, but it’s harsh, and can cause cracking, swelling and mold/mildew. Also, wood composite–a common siding material–has been known to expand, buckle and crack when exposed to consistent precipitation over time.

Because of this, it’s crucial to invest in durable, long-lasting siding to ensure your home stays in tip top shape and looks good while doing it.

There are plenty of options, like vinyl, seamless steel and cedar shingles. However, fiber cement, a heavy duty siding that’s moisture, rot and fire resistant, is the number one choice for homeowners.

In fact, Remodeling Magazine has ranked it as the best value home improvement option for five years running.

While new siding can typically cost anywhere from $5,000 to $14,000 roughly, it ensures a 78 percent return on investment, on average. And it lasts! Experts report that after upgrading the siding, it can last for 25 to 40 years.

So this quality investment not only boosts curb appeal, but strengthens the longevity and health of your home.

Upgrade the Front Door

This one is cheaper, easier and also less pertinent than replacing the siding.

A shiny coat of paint, a new knocker and even upgraded door knobs can do wonders for curb appeal. However, if you have a little more change to spare, it’s always best to start fresh.

A quick front door replacement instantly enhances the appearance of your home and, according to Therma-Tru, can increase the value of a $190,000 house by $8,000.

Homeowners would be wise to invest in a steel front door, which costs about $600. They’re more affordable than most alternatives and are considered a crucial feature for owners and buyers focused on security.

This would explain why a steel door’s return on investment is, on average, 129 percent.

Manicuring and Landscaping

An eye-catching, well-manicured yard is an obvious aspect of spectacular curb appeal.

Try incorporating stone or brick edging between your lawn and planting beds. Not only does this prevent your lawn from invading your flowers and plants, but it also creates crisp barriers for a clean, finished look.

Curving brick pathways and colorful foliage that’s easily maintained are decorative favorites among homeowners.

When it comes to landscaping, it’s best to keep it simple and low-cost. Ornate lawn structures and high maintenance plants could backfire when trying to sell.

Simple touches like a healthy lawn, or well-maintained bushes, trees and flower beds can add up to a 200 percent ROI.

Architectural/Decorative Detail

Whether it’s interior design, fashion design or architectural design, the details matter more than you might think.

Consider updating the hardware on your home for a cohesive, stylish look. This can be anything from new house numbers and a new mailbox to small embellishments like planter boxes and decorative shutters.

Outdoor lighting not only adds safety and decorative drama, but it makes architectural features stand out and extends your outside living space.

None of these finishing touches are particularly expensive, but they do wonders for your curb appeal and make selling your house that much easier.

Lake Home Decor: Living in Style

Posted on June 29, 2018June 5, 2019 Staff

There’s a lot that goes into purchasing a lake home, and the process can be stressful at times. However, there’s more to it than just business. One of the most exciting aspects is knowing you get to start off with a clean slate, explore your style and re-create your living space.

Home decor can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. From minimalist to opulent, free-flowing to sophisticated, the way you choose to decorate says a lot about you.

Personal style is about as subjective as it comes, and we’ve looked at a few ways to add some unique charm to lake living in a way that won’t impede on your own personality stamp.

Nautical

Appropriately, the first lake home decor style we’ll explore is inspired by the water.

Light and breezy, this particular mode of interior design incorporates navy, white and grey hues.

When it comes to this coastal theme, think rustic meets aquatic. It’s important to make sure you include lots of natural light to the look, considering the whole point is to bring the outside in.

Vintage Accents

Wine isn’t the only thing that gets better with time.

There’s nothing wrong with a little wear and tear when it comes to home accessories, and some aged items like old ship helms, distressed wood or even framed vintage swimsuits add a subtle flair of nostalgia.

Incorporate some old family photos, particularly those that took place at the lake, around these items for a personal touch.

Aquatic Life

What’s more nautical than actual fish?

A fish tank or bowl is one of the most underrated decorative pieces. If positioned strategically, this eye-catching statement piece can be a great focal point in any room.

Color Coordination

Decoration involves so much more than just wall hangs and picture frames.

The color scheme you choose is just as important as art and knick-knacks. As stated before, the nautical theme uses specific hues to invite an airy, beachy vibe into your home.

Sheer curtains help with this breezy illusion. Opt for grey, navy and white to serve as base colors, with accents of light blue and gold to bring some depth to those neutral tones.

Classic, Country Cottage

Country chic, sometimes known as shabby or vintage chic, has humble beginnings in the world of interior design.

Remember the days of slamming screen doors and tire swings in the front yard?

A style that exudes warmth and comfort, country chic brings us back to a simpler time before stainless steel and granite counter tops were essential for modern living.

It’s a smart move for a lake home since they’re often the place where memories are made, traditions are started and familial history abounds.

This style includes vintage furnishings, wood paneling, and mixes of patterns and plaid. Here are some ways to hit a home run and create your very own cottage.

Farmhouse Decor

Any respectable country kitchen is a place where home-cooked meals are born and families come together. It should be a space filled with comfort and familiarity.

Try a gingham table cloth to bring the farmhouse aesthetic into your home.

Checked patterns have withstood the tests of time and become hallmarks of traditional country living.

Add a vase of fresh flowers to the center of the table and some matching kitchen caddies on the counter for a truly timeless appeal.

Mason jars are impressively versatile and can be used for almost anything: drinking glasses, utensil holders or just decorative accessories. Inexpensive and easy to get, these pay homage to the times when homemade jams were still a common feature of everyday life.

Warm, Natural Lighting

When you walk into a cottage, it should feel friendly and welcoming.

The use of candles, and a lot of them, is a guaranteed way to turn a house into a snug little home.

Play off the candlelight by incorporating hues of sunny yellow, burnt rust and forest green into your furnishings.

To compliment the warm glow, use wide, open windows to let in as much natural light as possible.

Repurposed Accessories

Distressed wood, old lake signs and thrift store finds.

The best part about this lake home decor is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, much of what’s used can be found in the attic or garage. The trick is to find weathered, well-loved items and reuse them in unique, unexpected ways.

For instance, grandma’s old couch might be hideous, but it’s got a sturdy build. Try reupholstering it or throwing on a slipcover.

Repaint an old dresser or convert a vintage suitcase into a coffee table. Nothing really needs to match, because you’re going for informal, not perfect.

Bohemian Chic

Lake living is known to be laid back and casual, so it’s only right to have a home that matches that free-flowing nature.

Popularized in the 1960s and 1970s, this is the true style of the flower child. Bohemian chic channels a laissez-faire, carefree attitude by being part indie, part gypsy and all charm.

When it comes to interior design, there are no actual rules other than you must love it. Some staples of this theme include fairy lights, globally-inspired art pieces and souvenirs, and a good mix of vintage furniture and contemporary statements. Use of color is imperative.

Live Plants

To emphasize the natural aspect of Bohemian living, spring for live plants. Fresh and organic, greenery is a simple step to breathe some life into your home.

The presence of flowers, ferns and succulents adds a grounded, earthy vibe by bringing nature inside. They also improve air quality, so in this case, more is more.

Throw Pillows

Use a vivid mix of tones and patterns by infusing these tastefully placed pops of color to create an inviting, bold look to any room.

Throw pillows are great for forging an eclectic, “lived-in” appearance.

Add some eye-catching tapestries and blankets of varying textures (tweed, wool, velvet), and you’ve got yourself a mellowed out retreat brimming with culture.

Wall Gallery

A wall gallery is a charmingly cluttered way to show off your unique personality.

This is an unconventional design element that gives you artistic license to be fun, spontaneous and totally unique.

It could be a variety of different picture frames, or perhaps a couple of mirrors and some graphic art. Feel free to throw in some dream catchers or handmade accessories because this is all about personal expression.

Decorating your lake home can be a ton of fun, but it helps to know which direction you want to go in.

Lake home decor is a signature of personality. What do you want your space to say? How do you want your guests to feel? Most importantly, what does lake living in style mean to you?