You’ve been pacing all Winter and now that Houston is thawed out, you are looking for home renovation projects to get you home in tip-top shape for Spring and Summer.  But which ones will really add value to your home and which are just vanity projects?  Let our team at Home Remedy break it down for you!

Landscaping.

When Spring rolls around, everyone is excited to get out in the yard and start planting and want results quickly.  Unfortunately, many plants don’t offer the instant gratification some homeowners desire.  Places to spend more time and money for immediate curb appeal should be in building out beds or stonework that won’t be affected if you forget to water. With the plants you do buy, consider trees, bushes, and flowers that are native to South Texas and can withstand our weather.  Ask your landscaper or local nursery for the best bets, or you’ll be spending a lot of bucks for very little bang.  What you CAN invest in (if grander landscaping dreams aren’t in your future) is a quality mower, edger and the like; sometimes some good maintenance can take your lawn to the next level with just a little elbow grease.

Carpet replacement.

Soft and plush carpet is always a nice addition to a home, especially when it’s been cold and miserable outside for a few months.  However, spending a lot of extra money on carpeting as a renovation project, given how much traffic it sees, can be a bit of a waste. So long as the house exists, you are replacing the carpeting every 5 to 7 years, or even more often in highly-trafficked areas, so it’s somewhat of a necessary evil at times. Where you CAN spend a little extra to give the idea of a plush pile is a thicker padding underneath.  Another great idea: If you are looking to sell your home in the next few years, a great alternative to replacing all of your carpet is to tack on a carpet allowance at the closing. This prevents you from spending on a color the prospective owner may not even like.

Interior painting.

Of all renovation projects, interior painting can be one of the least expensive and the quickest gratification of them all. After the drab grays of Winter, who wouldn’t love a pop of vibrant color in their family room or bedroom?  Be mindful, however, if you are looking to sell soon.  Stick with neutral colors as to not turn off potential buyers.

Outdoor entertaining.

A deck, patio, pergola or outdoor kitchen is a great way to add value and enjoyment to your home. With summer holidays rolling around, a nice shaded seating area, a fire pit for cool evenings and a safe place to stabilize your grill are on everyone’s wish list. Just make sure you give a professional team a call, such as our crew at Home Remedy, to make sure the foundation and structure of your deck or other construction is stable and capable of holding your guests.  If an entertainment oasis isn’t in your future as a renovation project, consider some potted plants, some simple awnings or sails to provide shade, or even stain or seal your deck’s wood for a new look.

Exterior siding/painting.

If you are in the market for a new home, new exterior siding or painting can be a big plus, especially if these upgrades are energy-efficient.  Know that the same goes for your own house.  Consistent maintenance of the exterior of your home, including the roofing, can be a great selling point, but if you’re staying put for the foreseeable future, they can save you a lot of money down the road in energy bills.  Do the research on sustainable home materials and green options and then give Home Remedy a call to ensure it’s installed properly and safely. At the very least, schedule a check of your exterior facade at least twice a year to keep it functional and looking beautiful. In the end, you may not need to replace the siding, but a quality, professional paint job may do the trick and save you a few bucks.

What other renovation projects do you want to tackle this spring around your home that we haven’t covered here? Give us a call and let’s talk about the possibilities!  There are a lot of great options to add value to your home and have fun doing it while providing a welcoming place to entertain as well!  We hope to hear from you soon at Home Remedy!