|
|
Simple upkeep and a little paint can renew your house
By James and Morris Carey
The Associated Press
Want to move, but the slumping real-estate market won't let you? Here are
five things you can do to maintain your investment — and perhaps make it a
bit more livable:
Safety first
There is no project or improvement that should take precedence over making
your home safer. Start by making sure that smoke detectors and
carbon-monoxide detectors are installed throughout your home and are in
good working order. Check the electrical system to prevent fires. Flashing
lighting, blown fuses and popped breakers are telltale signs of bigger
problems. Have an electrician check for little problems before they become
major catastrophes. The same holds true with major appliances and heating
and cooling equipment.
Prevent falls by repairing damaged paths, patios and decks. Installing
path and porch lighting can improve safety and security.
Clean it up
A little cleaning can go a long way in improving the appearance of your
home. Many people needlessly yank out perfectly good counters, cabinets,
appliances and plumbing fixtures that could be rejuvenated with a little
cleaning.
Cleaning grungy grout, replacing mildewed caulking, buffing out scale on a
tub or shower (and door), cleaning grimy kitchen appliances and refreshing
wood cabinets can do wonders for your home's appearance and tide you over
until your budget allows for that new gas range you've been dreaming
about.
Preserve and protect
Do whatever you can to protect your investment by maintaining existing
finishes and major components such as roofing, siding, windows and
exterior doors.
You may not have the resources to install a new roof, but you can save
hundreds or thousands of dollars (and lots of headaches) by repairing a
leaking roof, patching damaged siding or repairing a broken window that
can lead to costly damage.
Paint
Most people view painting as the opportunity to change the look and feel
of their home. While it's true that a fresh coat of paint can do
wonders to improve the curb appeal of one's home, paint also protects
siding, trim, exterior doors, windows and rain gutters from the elements,
which prevents rot and damage caused by structural pests such as termites.
Less is more
Just because your budget doesn't allow you to have granite kitchen
counters or hardwood flooring doesn't mean you can't improve your kitchen.
In the short term, consider installing more affordable, mainstream
finishes such as laminate counters; paint or refinish cabinets; install
new cabinet door and drawer pulls and knobs; paint appliances and install
new door panels (stainless steel, colors or wood); and consider sheet
vinyl or laminate flooring instead of more costly hardwood or ceramic
tile.
When economic times improve, you can do your dream remodel without feeling
guilty about yanking out your temporary upgrades.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Return to Real Estate News
|
|
