Tag: home repairs

Home Improvement Projects – DIY or Call a Pro

Posted on Staff
tools laid out, ready for use

Before you start your next home project, ask yourself if it’s worth it to DIY or hire a professional.

You’re sitting on the couch watching your favorite home improvement channel, or you’re browsing the Internet and come across a great home project you’d love to create.

Maybe it’s a raised-bed garden, a beautifully built-in bookcase, or a wall tunnel for your cat.

Whatever it is, you’re probably saying to yourself, “That looks easy. I can do that.”

Hold up.

Before you make yourself into Tim “The Toolman” Taylor with your epic flub in home renovations, ask yourself if you’re really capable of getting the job done.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Do I have the time?

Home improvement projects rarely go as planned and can be more time-consuming than they initially seem.

Nothing is as easy as the pros make it look, so make sure you have a realistic time frame in mind and that you can continue the project if something goes wrong.

If you don’t have the time (sorry, you really can’t finish your whole basement in a weekend), think about hiring a contractor.

Do I have the knowledge?

If you have extensive experience in plumbing, feel free to replace that toilet or relocate your shower.

You may want to consider taking a class or consulting a professional if the answer is no.

If you are familiar with electricity and understand codes and safety measures, then you can likely add lights or outlets safely without much concern.

However, if you find yourself thinking, “I need to YouTube this,” and it involves gas, fire, electricity, or water, the safe bet is to pay someone else to do it or invest in a good class that can show you how to do it safely.

Don’t let your ego be the reason your house floods or burns to the ground!

Do I have the patience?

This aspect is often underestimated, but the reality is that many people get frustrated with home projects and tend to leave them unfinished.

If you’re a couple starting a project, keep in mind that this may either be a bonding experience or a “You’re sleeping on the couch” experience. There tends to be no middle ground.

If you have little tolerance for things going wrong or for minor injuries you may acquire, consider hiring a professional and relax while someone else does the work.

Which is more expensive: Doing the work or hiring a professional?

Another important factor in deciding whether to DIY or outsource your project is determining if you can afford it.

Strangely enough, it often ends up being more expensive to do it yourself, as you may buy more product than you need, or you may mess up entirely and have to go purchase items again.

Also, you’re spending your time and energy, and time is money! Often, a contractor can complete the job in half the time you can, and they receive discounts on the products and appliances they need to get the job done.

While it may be less exciting than doing it yourself, you may save money in the long run. And you’ll be supporting local business by doing so!

This article was originally published on February 4, 2016.

Safely Renovating Your Lake Home During COVID-19

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of @reinasierra via Twenty20

As lake homeowners, we know that renovations and repairs are a fact of life. But how do we handle these projects safely during a pandemic? If your wish list for home updates is growing fast—or you desperately need a plumber now—there are a few safety issues to consider before you embark on a new project. We talked to experts about steps you should consider prior to inviting contractors into your home.

“During these unprecedented times, nothing is more important to me, my team, and our tradespeople than following OSHA COVID-19 workforce guidelines,” says Chicago interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, owner of Michelle’s Interiors. “No matter what clients want done, I am committed to providing the safest experience possible for all of us.”

Before You Begin

Photo courtesy of zipwall.com via Michelle’s Interiors

To kick off a design project, Michelle says a great deal can be accomplished via phone, video conferencing, and email to discuss the nature of what isn’t working, what you want to be done, and style and color preferences.

Next, a brief in-home visit—mask-wearing and social distancing required—can be scheduled to take measurements and get a feel for your space layout. Then, sanitized samples of finishes and fabrics can be delivered to your front porch—or you can choose to discuss selections together inside or out in the backyard while wearing masks if preferred.

As your project gets underway, make sure your design professionals follow these tips to ensure the highest standards of safety:

  • All workers have a designated entrance, wear masks, and maintain social distancing
  • Zip-wall dividers isolate the room where installers are working
  • Porta-potty with hand sanitizer on-site for workers
  • Disinfect frequently touched items such as door pulls
  • On installation days, all delivery people wear masks and gloves

Michelle also encourages clients not to touch their new furnishings for 24 hours and sanitize glass and metal surfaces. “My goal always is to make the design process easy and enjoyable, particularly during these challenging times,” she assures. “I take care of all the design details and monitor safety so clients can focus on their day-to-day life and enjoy the results.”

Communicate with Craftspeople and Contractors

Photo courtesy of Drazen_Gwtty Images via Realtor.com

Make sure to have a conversation with contractors and renovation professionals prior to them coming into your home. In an interview with Realtor.com, Doug King, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and president of King Contracting in St. Petersburg, Florida, suggests asking these questions:

  • How do you plan to keep my family safe while you’re working here?
  • Does your company have a written policy or procedure for performing work at private residences?
  • Who will enforce these policies?

You’ll also want to discuss safety basics and cleanliness and reassure professionals coming into your home they are entering a safe work environment. Everyone—you and your contractors—should be following CDC guidelines.

King also advises that no one should enter your home if there are sick persons in the house or if any of your workers are showing COVID symptoms. He also recommends you leave the house if possible while the work is underway. If you can’t leave, avoid the area while the workers are there and keep any immunocompromised family members far away from the project site.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com

The best advice? Be flexible, be understanding if your plans change, and—above all—be patient. Keep in mind that nearly everyone has been sheltering in place for more than a year, and as a result, many renovation projects have been delayed.

The production and distribution of materials and supplies are backed up, contractors and craftspeople are booked out months in advance, and project deadlines have been impacted to an unprecedented degree.

King notes that in some cases, lead times for products such as cabinets, doors, and windows have doubled—and even tripled. Delays are inevitable, and it’s best to mentally prepare yourself for this ahead of time and adjust your expectations.

Be respectful that everyone is trying to strategically—and optimistically—recalibrate together during these uncertain times. Planning and looking forward to the outcome of your dream project is its own reward—and a great part of the fun!

Insider Tips for Home Renovating

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Decor Demon.

It’s no secret that home renovating is costly. According to Home Advisor, remodeling an average 2,500 square foot home costs anywhere between $15,000 and $200,000. For lake houses, there are additional considerations like flood preparations. Between material costs and contractor fees, one fact is certain — it’s easy to break the bank. But savvy lake homeowners know the insider tips and tricks to keep costs low. Whether you’re renovating to increase property value or to improve your aesthetic, we’ve got advice on saving money and simplifying the process. 

For Deals, Timing is Everything

Kitchen renovation by Bill Samuel
Before and After of a kitchen renovated by Bill Samuel.
Marble backsplash tiles purchased from Floor & Decor.

Home renovating should not be an impulsive task, especially when buying large materials like flooring. “For big orders, you want to plan ahead,” says Bill Samuel, a Chicago-based real estate developer. From seven years of experience flipping homes, he’s an expert in finding the best possible materials at low prices. “Know when stores like Menards and Home Depot are running specials and buy within that window.” Besides staying vigilant about sales, he also advises buying discounted gift cards online. 

For the best department store sales, a holiday weekend is a good bet. This strategy helped Ashley Buchanan, senior project manager at Obviously and Birmingham-based homeowner who recently renovated her house. By capitalizing on Memorial Day Weekend sales, she never paid full price for any of her renovation materials.

Besides holidays, seasonality affects prices. Andrew, a home improvement contractor with Contractor Advisorly, says to buy just before winter. “That’s when contractors tend to have less business. During that time, they want to get as much business as possible and are willing to reduce prices for it.”

More than Lowe’s and Home Depot

Before and After of Mike Hillis’s bathroom makeover.
Materials from Habitat for Humanity.

If your lake home is in a remote area, a Lowe’s or Home Depot might be too far. But this doesn’t mean you can’t renovate. Is there a Habitat for Humanity nearby? This nonprofit sells used materials at lower prices. If brick and mortar are out of reach, contractors and woodworkers often post leftover materials, light fixtures, and furniture at a reduced rate on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. While it’s a lot to sift through, it’s a goldmine if you’re lucky. Also, be on the lookout for demolition sales from buildings in your neighborhood. 

Another penny-pinching tip for home renovating is to take advantage of overstock. “When contractors buy materials for a project, there will often be a lot of leftover material,” says Andrew. “Usually this material is left for the customer, but if you’re willing to negotiate, you can get reduced costs on materials in return for letting the contractor keep leftover material.” If possible, find an overstock store in your area. For instance, in Birmingham, AL,  Southeastern Salvage has plenty of surplus building materials. For a second home like a lake house, overstock stores are perfect — especially if you aren’t too picky about your designs. 

Start with the Foundation

Before and After of Ashley Buchanan’s den after new paint, flooring, lighting, and window treatment.

When remodeling a lake home, a complete overhaul isn’t necessary. To save money and time, focus on the most foundational components such as paint, light, and windows. The rest is just furniture, which you can always change. “The power of paint is the biggest one — it truly cannot be underestimated,” says Ashley. “Same with lighting. It’s crazy how a $40 light fixture can change the whole vibe of the space.” She also explains how her window treatment converted the living room from “clinical” to “balanced and intentional.” By adding a simple bamboo shade and tall curtains, the whole room shifted. “Now it’s my favorite room to hang out in, and it’s where everyone hangs out when they come over,” she describes. “It feels cozy, and it feels like me.”

When in Doubt, DIY

Before and After of Ashley Buchanan‘s washer and dryer area using DIY materials to transform the space.

In home renovating, installation costs often surpass the cost of the materials. So, if you can endure the time, effort, and physical toll required for installing your own materials, try the DIY angle. Ashley says that installing her own bathroom tiling saved at least a few thousand dollars. With the right tools and resources, it’s certainly doable. Plus, you’ll have complete control over the renovation process.

For most DIY projects, it helps to start with existing, free resources before consulting an expert. “YouTube is great for people looking to DIY,” says Bill Samuel. He recommends House Improvement’s channel with plenty of videos for homeowners looking to fix things like tile and drywall. With enough DIY experience, you’ll be just like Ron Swanson in this scene from Parks and Recreation. 

For more remodeling tips, check our previous blog posts on upgrades that can backfire, outdoor renovations, and the basics of flipping a lake home. Now let’s get to renovating! 

Tips for Energy Efficient Lighting

Posted on Staff

hand screwing in an energy efficient light bulb Upgrading the lighting in your home with energy efficient bulbs or other types of lighting can cut your monthly power bill dramatically.

It may take some time, but even the more expensive energy efficient bulbs pay for themselves, and then some.

In this article, you will discover lighting options that offer you a way to be green and save money on your utilities at the same time.

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

  • Compact Fluorescent Bulbs: These energy efficient lights are far more commonplace than they used to be. Replacing any incandescent light bulbs with these will give you the largest boost in light at the lowest energy costs. They typically use 70 percent less energy, generate less heat, and last years longer than incandescent bulbs.
  • LED Lights: These are LED lights made for the home. LED bulbs have rapidly dropped in cost in recent years, and save a tremendous amount of energy. These bulbs often last a whopping 50,000 to 100,000 hours before they need to be replaced! They are more expensive than compact fluorescent bulbs, but are even more energy-efficient and long-lasting.
  • Outdoor LED Lights: These offer great lighting outdoors, as well. They can offer huge savings over traditional halogen bulbs, especially if you have a spacious yard or porch.
  • Solar Light Tubes: Also known as sun tunnels, these channel the sunlight from the roof into any room, even a roof that receives very little light at all. Once you have purchased these lights, there is no more cost. They run off of sunlight, even on cloudy days, so they are totally free. Depending on your level of skill, these may require a professional to install.

Energy Star Certified Bulbs

  • These use approximately 70 to 90 percent less energy than traditional bulbs.
  • They meet strict efficiency and quality standards that have been tested by the accredited labs, as well as third party testers.
  • Energy Star Certified Light Bulbs generate approximately 70 to 90 percent less heat as they operate, keeping your cooling bill smaller as well.
  • To find out more, click here to visit the lighting page at EnergyStar.gov.

Alternatives to the On/Off Switch

  • For exterior lights, try linking them to motion detectors. This way, your lights will only turn on when they are needed, and turn off after a set time. They also function as both a security and safety feature. Visitors will never have to approach your house in the dark.
  • Solar powered pathway lights are becoming very popular. These small lights mount on stakes next to a walkway, and spend the day soaking up the sun’s rays so they can light up your path at night.

Light usage

Factors such as wall color and window treatments also affect your energy costs. The darker the color palette, the more lighting you will need. Lighter colors reflect light better, which means the room will need less wattage to light up.

Here are some more tips that will also save you money to go along with your money saving bulbs.

  • Turn the lights off: When you leave a room, turn the lights off. If you’re not careful, it’s easy for one person moving about the house to leave the lights on in three, five or ten rooms!
  • Keep the lights clean: Many bulbs can get dirty or dusty, reducing their effectiveness. This is especially true for lamps. Wipe them down periodically, and you won’t have to turn them up as high.
  • Turn it down: Lights that use a dimmer switch typically use about 50 percent less electricity than lights with a simple on/off switch.
  • Use natural lighting: Use natural lighting as much as possible. If it is daylight out, then you should not turn on as many light bulbs indoors. Open the curtains and allow the sun to light up the rooms. Skylights make for a great addition to your home, as well, if you are building an addition.
  • Prioritize lighting upgrades: If you can only upgrade a bit at a time, then concentrate your upgrades to the rooms where you use the most lighting first.

Upgrading your lights will help keep your energy costs low.

The larger your house, the more you stand to save by switching to energy efficient bulbs and light fixtures.

This doesn’t just help you out as a resident, either. Click here for tips on how energy efficient upgrades can increase your home’s value on the market!

 

Deciding Whether Home Repair Warranties Are Worth the Cost

Posted on Nerdwallet (LHR Content Provider)

Say it’s the fifth day of temperatures over 98 degrees in South Carolina during a summer of record heat.

Your air conditioning system has kept you cool through it all — until now. The unit is still spinning, but the air coming out isn’t cool. The temperature in your house starts to climb.

hands over tiny house, protecting it

What do you do?

If you are like most people, you Google “AC repair” and start making calls. But you don’t want to pay service fees to three different companies just to come see what the problem is, so getting comparative estimates won’t work.

Besides, the whole family insists they are “dying” from the heat. You quickly pick a company to fix the AC and that’s that.

Once you get through the AC crisis, you start to wonder if maybe you should get home repair warranty insurance. But is it a good deal?

My family has had a home repair warranty on our 28-year-old home for about 10 years. Initially it ran us about $300 a year with a $35 fee per repair visit.

The premium and the visit fee increased every year until recently, when I took the time to shop around and find a better deal. However, even with lower rates, looking at the math over the last 10 years, the numbers alone don’t support the wisdom of that purchase.

So why do I buy a home warranty?

Peace of mind

What the numbers don’t show is the peace of mind the warranty gives me.

When something breaks, the home repair warranty company (let’s call it “Fictional Warranty Co.”) sends a repair company to my house to fix it. I pay $45 each time I schedule a visit, but there is no cost for the rest of the repair.

I don’t think this saves us money on repairs overall, but I like the fact that Fictional Warranty Co. calls a repair firm (“The Repair Shop”) and then monitors how much is charged.

So if my refrigerator breaks, for instance, I am protected from Bob of The Repair Shop trying to inflate the price. Instead of telling me it will be $400, when it’s really only $200, Bob has to report the price to Fictional Warranty.

Fictional Warranty also helps me resolve a situation in which The Repair Shop doesn’t do the work correctly, handling the additional cost and repairs on my behalf.

Appliance and system repairs are rarely necessary at my house, so I don’t have a network of contractors I know and trust. But Fictional Warranty vets the companies for me, manages what is charged, and resolves any problems.

That’s worth the yearly warranty cost to me.

Warranties get mixed reviews

But when I did some research, I found no consensus on whether home warranties are a good idea for older homes (all the sources I read said to avoid them for new homes).

Consumer Reports recommends avoiding warranties because of the hundreds of dollars these contracts can cost.

“It makes much more sense to buy reliable products and maintain them as the manufacturer recommends,” it says. Instead, Consumer Reports suggests placing the money you would have spent on a service contract into a savings account or repair fund.

However, other personal finance experts also point to the added benefit of peace of mind, which can make a home warranty worth the cost for some people. And your personality and risk tolerance will, of course, factor into your decision-making, as will your existing network of repair companies.

From a risk standpoint, if you typically avoid risk, you’ll probably feel more comfortable knowing your maximum out-of-pocket yearly repair costs.

Also, if you don’t know much about appliance repair and don’t know whether to trust the repair companies in your area, you may like having a home warranty.

On the other hand, if you are kind of handy and can do some work on the house yourself, or you are confident you can find service providers you like and trust, you may want to forgo the warranty.

Shop around

If you decide you want a home warranty, shop around and compare options.

Consumer Affairs provides a useful comparison of features, costs and companies that offer home warranties. Call the companies you like and ask for the price of each home visit and the yearly cost.

Then you can buy the warranty of your choice online or over the phone. Revisit your choice each year to make sure you keep getting the best deal.

  *    *    *

Kathryn Hauer is a certified financial planner and fee-only investment advisor with Wilson David Investment Advisors in Aiken, South Carolina. Learn more about Kathryn on NerdWallet’s Ask an Advisor.

This article originally appeared on NerdWallet.

NerdWallet is a Lake Homes Realty / LakeHomes.com content partner providing real estate news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of Lake Homes Realty and LakeHomes.com.

When Should You Spend Money On Your Vacation Home?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

The amount of renovation you put into your vacation home really depends on your current financial status and as well as on your desires. A home cannot be thoroughly enjoyed as a vacation home if it doesn’t meet certain standards, yet your financial priorities may still lie with your place of residence.

In this article we will discuss renovation tips for your vacation house and how much renovation is enough to do the job without ruining finances.

Before deciding to renovate, you must ask yourself several questions like:

  • How much money do I have?
  • How much money do I plan to spend in renovating this vacation house?
  • How much time will I spend in this vacation house during one year?
  • Is the house damaged? Does in need to be repaired?
  • Is renovating the home a priority?

After asking yourself these questions, you then must decide if renovation is a choice or necessity and what are the areas of the house where you will renovate if you chose to do so.

Bedroom

BedroomYou or your guests will most likely spend at least seven hours per day in the bedroom, probably more. It is one of the things that can turn off anyone who wants to stay for vacation, depending on whether it is well decorated or not maintained properly.

The bed should be big and contain white pillow, sheets, and comforter. Useful accessories such as a clock, paintings, and a mirror would make the room more beautiful and attractive. Obviously, if there are bugs, insects, or holes, you must renovate the bedroom because otherwise it would be a nightmare rather than a vacation house.

Kitchen

KitchenAlthough it may serve as a vacation house, the kitchen still plays a very important role in making the vacation a better experience. In case the kitchen is old or there are numerous aging or damaged cabinets, consider renovating the kitchen.

Roof, foundation, sidings, and windows

Protect your house for the future from collapsing by properly maintaining and repairing it when needed so it remains dry. Below are some steps you should take to fix these issues:

  • Secure the foundation. If damaged, definitely replace it.
  • Make repairs to damaged walls and beams, especially load bearing.
  • Always repair leaks in the roof immediately.
  • Replace damaged windows. This can help with energy bills, insects, and over all presentation.
  • If siding is damaged enough to allow water infiltration, repair or replace it.

Other renovations you might consider include:

  • Insulation- Depending on the area where the house is located this might or might not be a necessity.
  • Flooring- Installing flooring during renovation will most likely prevent floor surface from damage.
  • Air Conditioning and Heating- For some people this is a luxury, for others a necessity. Depending on what your choice is, A/C and heating is something to be considered while renovation is taking place.
  • Demolition- Worst case scenario: an area is so damaged it is unrepairable. Demolition will clear the area and make up space for new and renovated house to be built.

After taking into consideration the amount of money you want to spend in the house and which part of the house you want to renovate, it is time you get going and make it a reality.

Should You Consider a Home Warranty?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

A home warranty should not be confused with insurance. Home insurance covers the contents of the home and the structure. Whereas the warranty will cover major appliances that are within the home like the air conditioning unit, the water heater, and so on.

What Does A Home Warranty Cover?

It will cover the replacement or the repair of them. Here is a list of items that most home warranties cover.

  • Air Conditioner
  • Heater
  • Water Heater
  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Microwave
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Roof

Home warranties are gaining in popularity with both sellers, as well as buyers. The warranty will protect the owners and keep the buyers or renters happy.

The sellers use them in order to protect their home while it is being sold and use it as an incentive to buyers. Buyers use them to protect them from repairs that prove to be very expensive and unpredictable.

Home Warranty Pricing

Warranties are typically inexpensive. It can range from $250 to $1000, which depends on the coverage that you would like to have.

It is normally paid for an entire year up front, therefore the price should be divided by 12 to show you that the monthly cost is fairly low. Once the policy has expired, you can renew it.

Home Warranty Plans

Home WarrantyThere are many plans that are offered by different companies. Each plan will offer different coverage. Be sure to fully read the entire plan before selecting one.

Make sure that the plan covers all of the aspects of your home that you need it to. The procedure in which you will use the warranty plan is as followed:

  • Once an appliance or home system stops working or breaks, the owner will call the company.
  • The company will call the provider.
  • The provider will call the homeowner and make the appointment to access the problem.
  • The provider will then fix the problem. It will begin with a possibility of repair. If the system or appliance cannot be repaired, then the provider will replace it.
  • The owner will end up paying for the service call, but not the appliance or anything else.

The Service Contract Industry Council has stated that there are actually 32 states in which a home warranty is required to register or get a license.

It is ultimately in the best interest of everyone involved for a warranty to be purchased. When you are shopping for an appropriate warranty, it is best to ensure that the warranty covers all of the primary aspects of a home.

Pay attention to the fees and weigh the options. Make sure that the warranty covers all of the major appliances and the systems that the home includes. Also you will need to ensure that you look at the reviews of the companies to ensure they provide impeccable customer service.

Home Improvements – Where Should You Start?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Sometimes you get into a house and you start to tinker.

You make a change here, an improvement there. After a while, it starts to take on a new personality, one that matches yours.

Home Improvement: DIYOther times you may be on a tighter budget, and you wonder what will make the most impact on your home, and what will raise the resale value the most.

Here are some of the best home improvements you can make that will pay off whether you are trying to sell your home or not.

Some investments in your home go beyond financial. Some will make your house more comfortable to live in every day. These are investments like new windows and a new roof, to prevent air and water leaks.

A new furnace will be energy efficient and pay for itself in the long run thanks to lowered utility bills each month. It will also keep you warm every day, especially if the one you currently have is very old.

New siding or insulation in an older home can stop leaks and provide a more comfortable living space. Adding a bathroom in a home that currently only has one, opens up your possibilities to home buyers with families.

The fundamentals of a house are actually more important than features are. Everyone has their own idea of beauty, so a new buyer of your lakeside home can customize it to their own vision. They will be more likely to buy if they can step into a home that will be warm and safe, allowing them to take more time on the rest.

While you might think that adding travertine tile or granite counters is the best idea, what actually will get you the most return for your investment, should you choose to sell, is making those rooms functional. If the layout is clunky, no matter how gorgeous the kitchen is, no one will want to gather there. Something as simple as replacing the cabinets or extending the counter space could make a huge improvement.

Many times a buyer will want to have a move-in ready home. This is because after the stress of buying a home, they will want moving to be easy. They can change things, like paint color, as their time permits, but they don’t want to have to worry about whether the roof will leak on their head in the first storm of the year.

They also want to have a nice looking but easy to care for yard that looks good from the street. Maintaining landscaping is much easier for the buyer than starting from scratch.

Something else to consider is what your neighbors are doing in terms of home improvements. Are they just doing the basics, or are they going for extravagant things like a fancy chef’s kitchen or a bi-level deck leading down to the dock? Improvements like this could cause your home to be overlooked by potential buyers.

In the end, you should evaluate how soon you plan to sell your home, or if you plan to stay there for the long term. That will determine what you should do and when.

Having this timeline and knowing that the best improvements you can make are those that shore up the infrastructure, can help you keep tabs on the financial investments you’re making to your home, and make it easier to calculate the potential return you could gain by selling your home.

8 DIY Projects that Can Increase the Value of Your Lake Home

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you’re lucky enough to own a home by a lake, you know how peaceful sitting looking out over the water can be. You’re also likely aware that such homes generally have a steady stream of people interested in buying them as soon as they go on the market.

Although a lake home can be prime real estate, there are several things you can do to both enhance your enjoyment of your property as well as increase your home’s value when it comes time to sell it. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to reap the benefits.

The following are 8 DIY projects that can increase the value of your lake property:

1. Improve your landscaping

Although the lake water can be captivating, your home will increase in desirability if you spruce up your landscaping by adding trees, shrubs, and bedding plants to your property. The concept of curb appeal applies to lake homes as well as suburban ones.

2. Give your kitchen a cheap facelift

You can make your cottage kitchen look more current without having to spend a lot of money. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and the cabinets as well as new drawer pulls and cabinet handles can update your kitchen for less than $100.

3.  Add an outdoor seating area

Every lake home should have an outdoor seating area. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a multi-level deck to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Pouring a small, concrete patio can be a DIY project. Or, you can carve out a secret seating area with a garden bench or pergola and add a stone or brick path leading from the house.

Swapping faucets 4. Swap out the faucets

Getting rid of tired bathroom and kitchen faucets are another inexpensive DIY to update your rooms. Modern faucets not only are less likely to drip or leak, but they add a sleek look to your rooms.

5. Update your lighting… inside and out

Replacing your old lighting fixtures is an easy and affordable way to add value and beauty to your lake home. And, don’t stop with the inside lights, solar lights lining a pathway to the water and/or well-placed spot lights that accent your planting can add intrigue and allure to your landscaping.

6. Anything that saves energy

According to the Residential Energy Services Network, you’ll boost your home’s property value by $20 for every dollar your improvement saves on your annual energy costs. You don’t have to invest a lot to make a big impact. Things like weather stripping, additional attic insulation, and a blanket for your water heater can add hundreds to your home’s value.

7. Replace your front door

According to “This Old House” magazine, replacing your front door and door hardware is one of the best ways to add value to your property and make it more attractive to potential home buyers. They maintain that home buyers make up their mind about a property in the first seven seconds. That means your entrance way needs to look sharp.

8. Install new flooring 

DIY installing flooringThe right flooring can pay you back double your investment when it comes time to sell. This is especially true with lake homes, where sand and water can take their toll on traditional flooring. Good choices for lake homes include vinyl flooring, which is virtually impervious to water and cleans up easily.

Remember: you don’t have to spend a fortune to enhance your lake home’s property value. A little paint, some well-placed trees and shrubs, an outdoor sitting area, and some new lighting can take your home from mediocre to marvelous without breaking your budget.