Weekend Wins- Small Projects with Big Impact
04/28/2022
Being a homeowner has many benefits. One of the biggest ones is the ability to build equity. Many people think about bigger projects and major renovations when it comes to adding value to a home, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Sure, adding an addition or doing a complete kitchen remodel will certainly add value to your home, but it doesn’t have to be that big of an investment (we’re referring to both time and money here). There are lots of smaller projects that can make your home more valuable.
If you’re someone that’s strapped for time but you still want to make improvements to your home, look for projects that you can complete in a weekend. We have some great ideas for weekend projects that can make a big impact.
Are you looking for a way to pay for your home improvements? Use a portion of your income tax refund for one of your top weekend projects and use anything you have saved towards the others. If you don’t have any money set aside, you may qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit.
A home equity loan is a great way to borrow against the existing equity in your home for a low rate. You can then use these funds to make improvements to build even more equity in your home! A home equity loan is a loan for one lump sum of money. If you have a solid plan in place, you can calculate how much you need based on what projects you want to complete. One word of caution is to plan for unexpected price changes or issues that may arise during your project. COVID has caused some supply shortages and price fluctuation, so it would be wise to play it safe.
A home equity line of credit is an excellent way to finance your smaller home improvements without knowing exactly how much you’re going to need ahead of time. You can borrow money only as you need it instead of borrowing one large amount at one time. This way you can spend what you need on each project as you do it. You can secure the supplies needed to complete one project at a time and you will only pay back what you actually borrow.
Here are some great ideas for weekend projects that can really make a big impact on the look, feel, and value of your home.
Replace or Repaint Your Doors & Windows/Shutters
Have you ever noticed a house because it had an amazing front door? Maybe it was a bright color or it had an elaborate stained-glass window. Something about the front door of a home really speaks volumes. Maybe it’s time for a fresh coat of paint on your doors, or maybe it’s time to replace them all together. The exterior doors of your home are one of the first things someone sees when they approach it, and that includes potential buyers. Adding or repainting window shutters can also make a house look entirely different!
Refinish or Replace Kitchen Cabinets
It’s no secret that the kitchen and bathrooms are usually the most important rooms in a home. Whether you’re thinking of the resale potential or just for your own comfort, kitchen cabinets can define your entire space. Replace your cabinets entirely or give them an upgrade with paint, lighting, liner, new hardware, etc. You can even add additional features such as a pull-out trash can or lazy Susan.
Upgrade to Smart Thermostats/Appliances
Save yourself some money, use less energy, and make your home more attractive to potential buyers with smart technology! Smart thermostats and appliances can help you use energy more efficiently and can save you hundreds of dollars.
Install a New Bathroom Vanity, Shower, or Bathtub
Upgrading your bathroom vanity can feel like getting a whole new bathroom. Upgrade to a vanity with more storage, better lighting, etc. Replace your shower or tub with a new unit. If you have only one or the other (shower or tub), consider upgrading so your home has both. If you’re thinking of resale value, think of the potential buyers. Families with smaller children may be looking for a bathtub and not just a shower, etc. Besides the obvious practical benefits, upgrading these things can give your bathroom new life and make it much more visually appealing.
Install Ceiling Fans in Major Rooms
Having a ceiling fan in a large living room, den, kitchen, or even master bedroom can add an extra level of comfort. For a small price you can upgrade any room with a ceiling fan.
Install New Flooring
New flooring is a major upgrade, whether it’s one room or the entire house. Flooring takes a real beating and can become worn out or dirty very quickly.
There are many ways to improve your home, and not all of them have to take weeks or months. If you’re truly invested in making ongoing improvements to add value to your home, start a list and make a plan. Make a list of the home improvements you’d like to make and make a plan for when and how you’ll complete them. If you stick to your plan, think of how many home projects you could have completed by the end of this year.
If you’re interested in learning more about home equity loans or lines of credit, our team of professionals is only a phone call away!
Learn More
Citizens Savings Bank has multiple locations throughout Lackawanna, Wayne, and Monroe Counties. For branch locations and hours, visit our website. We also have a Customer Support Team ready to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at 1-800-692-6279 or email [email protected]. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.