Simple and easy home remodeling projects can have a big impact on the functionality, appearance, and value of your home. Consider The Kitchen You may be dreaming of a major remodeling project and new appliances, but the budget doesn’t allow. Take a long look at your kitchen. A fresh coat of a paint in a bright and cheerful color and new curtains or window treatments are relatively inexpensive and easy to accomplish, but can add a whole new look to your kitchen. Many older homes have solid and serviceable kitchen cabinets that may now appear old and dated. Rather than replacing the cabinets, consider refinishing or repainting and replacing hardware for a quick and easy new appearance. Old, dark and dreary cabinetry makes the room look smaller and less inviting. Refinishing your old dark wood cabinets in a bright color or a white-washed finish reflects light and makes the kitchen, the “heart-of-the-home” appear warm and inviting. If you are considering putting your home on the market in the near future, a bit of paint may be all it takes to give the kitchen a fresh and inviting look without making a major investment that you may not re-coop at the time of sale. Let In Some Light Visit your local glass contractor’s showroom for inspiration and innovative ways to let more light into your home. You may want to add a skylight or install additional windows. If your home windows are dated and let in drafts and dust, think about replacing old windows with new energy-efficient windows with built-in UV filtering which allows in light but blocks the rays that fade carpets and damage furniture finishes. Energy efficient replacement windows add a bright and “well-cared-for” appearance to the exterior of the home, save energy and lower utility bills. Insulating And Weather Stripping Adding additional insulation to an attic or weather-stripping all your windows and doors is an easy and inexpensive way to save energy while keeping out winter’s chill; an easy do-it-yourself weekend project that saves energy and enhances the value of your home. Freshen Up The Entryway The front door and exterior entryway of a home reflects its personality. Make sure your entryway makes a statement that reflects your personality, not the previous owner. Replacing or refinishing the front door adds visual appeal and replace the hardware will give the door a brand new appearance. Is your front porch lighting fixture old and dated? Consider installing a new fixture to provide adequate lighting for safety and security. Inexpensive individual solar lights, installed along the pathway or walkway to your front door enhances the exterior appearance of the property while adding light for safety. Minor Maintenance Minor repairs about the house can make a huge difference. Do an inspection of your home, inside and out while creating a list of all of the little repairs that need to be taken care of. A loose shutter, cracks in the driveway, a wobbly porch handrail, or a hanging gutter are simple and inexpensive to repair, but left unattended, make a property appear neglected.]]>