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Thursday, December 23, 2021

How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity

How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity
This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.



Your home is already a fantastic investment, but there are some things that you can do to increase the value of your home and boost your equity. Because remodels, upgrades, and additions cost money, it is important to focus on the areas that will bring the greatest return on the investment. Here are eight ways to increase the worth of your home.

Make a Simple Cosmetic Change

Sometimes, the simplest changes can make the biggest difference. One area where this is true is curb appeal. Improving your home’s curb appeal with a simple cosmetic change is one way to get a big return on a small investment. Ways to improve curb appeal include applying a fresh coat of paint or adding new siding. Neutral paint colors are generally better for appealing to a wide audience, and installing high-end siding can significantly increase the value of your home. Another good option for improving curb appeal is to update your landscape design. A beautifully designed front yard is a great attention grabber and huge selling point. At the very least, improve upon the landscaping you already have. Rake leaves, remove weeds, trim bushes, improve the quality of your grass, and plant eye-catching flowers.

Add a Room

One of the best ways to increase home value is to expand the number of rooms. This can be done in a number of ways. One way is to add new construction. This gives you the most flexibility for the type and size of room that can be added. Furthermore, this will increase the total square footage of your home, which provides an automatic raise in value. Another common way to increase room number and square footage is to finish an unfinished basement. The size and shape of your basement will be a determining factor, but generally, unfinished basements can be turned into several rooms, such as a game room or theater, bathroom, and bedroom. The least invasive way to add a new room to your home is to create two rooms out of one larger space. Just be careful that this isn’t done at the expense of other popular features, such as a vast family room or large master bedroom. Be cautious with garage conversions. If a garage conversion makes parking or storage a problem, it might not be a boon.

Install Hardwood Floors

The quality of flooring can make or break the general appeal of your home. A classic flooring that is always in high demand is hardwood. Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of sheens, colors, textures, and plank sizes, which makes it a versatile choice for any room. Hardwood flooring is also durable, especially if you choose distressed variations for high-traffic areas. Changing your flooring is a relatively inexpensive way to increase the value of your home and create a timeless and lovely aesthetic.

Add a Deck

Decks provide an extension of your home where you can entertain in style. Additionally, they create a usable outdoor space for relaxation. Decks provide room for hosting parties and other gatherings at your home. People love to gather outside, and hosting outdoors requires less cleaning up before and after. Spending time out of doors is a proven mood booster and it is known to foster better physical and emotional health. A deck or patio is a must-have for today’s homeowners. Adding one will increase the value of your home significantly.

Upgrade Your Kitchen

If your kitchen is dated, updating it is one of the best things you can do to increase your home equity. Modern kitchens are a requirement for contemporary home buyers. Most importantly, upgrade your cabinets, countertops, appliances, faucets, and light fixtures. Your cabinets should be spacious and user-friendly, as well as durable and trendy. Countertops should be composed of a sturdy and timeless material, such as quartz or granite. Eco-friendly and smart appliances are also top sellers. And replacing dated faucets and light fixtures is an easy and inexpensive way to create a coveted kitchen design and increase home value.

Remodel Your Bathrooms

Kitchens and Bathrooms are the most important rooms to update for increased appeal and equity. Install a chic new vanity and sink combo. Replace dated mirrors with modern versions. Substitute old linoleum or cracking tile with hardwood. Install a free-standing tub. Create a unique walk-in shower with an attractive backsplash and glass doors. Trade out old-fashioned light fixtures for new, fashionable ones. All these changes will make your home more appealing and increase its worth.

Install New Windows and Doors

If you have an older home, chances are your windows are beginning to decay. Also, today’s windows offer better efficiency and provide you with more attractive options. On that same note, older doors tend to be flimsy and made of basic builder-grade materials. New, attractive, eco-friendly windows and doors pour value into your home, provide greater weather protection, save you money on utility bills, and increase curb appeal. While you are at it, think about updating your window treatments. The old, bent aluminum blinds or dated curtains of yesteryears are eyesores that detract from your home’s worth. Trade them out for practical solar blinds, versatile Roman shades, trendy bamboo blinds, eco-friendly woven wood roller shades, or custom drapes.

Make Your Home a Smart Home

Smart home automation is becoming more and more popular for today’s buyers and will soon become a necessity. Automated features under high demand currently are lights, thermostats, doorbells, locks, home security, and major appliances. Making your home a smart home is a great way to get the most bang for your buck. Installations are relatively inexpensive, and the increase in value is substantial.

These are a few simple changes that you can make to increase the value of your home. Every dollar added to the value of your home equals that much in additional equity. Many of these upgrades will also provide a better lifestyle for you and your family, boost your entertaining power, and be more energy-efficient. Updating your home is always a win-win, for protecting your investment and providing your family with the best possible life.

Read this next: Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending


Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on How to Add to Your Home in a Way That Boosts Your Equity. Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

 

Have a great day!





Other Krazy Deal Daze Post You May Be Interested In:

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

How to Create a Classic Look for Your Home

How to Create a Classic Look for Your Home
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Home decorating trends come and go, but a classic look is always in style. Clean and timeless, a classic décor can be easily updated to change with the seasons or prevailing fashions. Whatever the size or architecture of your home, you can bring a touch of elegance and tradition by focusing on a few key features.

Use Lots of Wood

The warm tones of wood create an atmosphere of luxury and sustainability. Wood is sturdy, natural, versatile, and easy to care for. Hardwood floors are a great investment since they last for decades and require very little maintenance. Wood floors lay the foundation for a classic design.

Even if your rooms have carpet, tile, or other flooring, you can still use wood furniture as a visual centerpiece of your room. A wood table in the dining room or a bedroom set of wood will draw the eye to its natural beauty. Wood can also be used in accent pieces, such as sculptures, clocks, shelves, and wall hangings.

Use Natural Color Tones

Natural color tones provide a neutral palette for your classic look. These colors are those found in nature, such as greens, browns, golds, and creams. Whether they’re used in light tints or dark, saturated tones, they are the perfect backdrop for your furniture and decorative items.

Natural colors harmonize well with one another, so you can easily mix and match. This will allow you to emphasize one color in each room while also creating a visual flow from room to room. When your room needs a fresh look, you can easily add any color as an accent.

Lay Down an Area Rug

Area rugs can define space, especially in homes with an open concept floor plan. In a living room, an area rug can create an intimate area for conversation. Placed under a dining room table, a rug draws everyone together in a welcoming place. Rugs can add to the theme of the room with their design, color, and texture.

Using an area rug also has practical benefits, especially if your floors are wood or tile. A rug will help reduce noise and cut down on echoes in a room with a high ceiling. It will also protect your floor from stains or dents. Finally, a rug makes a soft place for kids and pets to play.

Add a Fireplace

Fireplaces are classic, whatever their design. The fire and warmth naturally draw people in and provide a relaxing ambiance. Most fireplaces are made of brick, stone, and wood—natural materials—that blend perfectly with a classic décor.

Installing a wood-burning fireplace can be a major project because it requires constructing a chimney and adding protecting walls and floors. It’s better to hire a professional contractor rather than trying to do it yourself. After installation, you’ll need to learn to care for it. A fireplace requires a lot of work to maintain and keep clean. Gas and electric fireplaces tend to be cleaner and often less expensive alternatives to the wood-burning types.

Hang Curtains

Shades and blinds are popular for a contemporary look, but curtains will contribute better to a traditional, classic design. The wide range of fabrics and styles available allows you to create either a casual or more formal look to suit the use of the room and your personal taste.

Curtains soften a room through the flow of the fabric and by blocking harsh sunlight. They also make the room quieter and warmer. Curtains provide insulation that keeps out the cold in the winter and heat in the summer, thus lowering your energy bills. When drawn tight, they can give you complete privacy.

Decorate with Plants

Indoor plants are enjoying a comeback in popularity, but the truth is, they have always been a part of a classic look. Plants bring a bit of nature inside, where they freshen the air and surround you with peace and life energy. The various types and sizes of plants give you many options on how to use them. You can fill a corner with a potted palm or place a small spider plant on a shelf.

In choosing the right plant for the right space, pay attention to the light and temperature in the room. Some plants will not do well in dark places or near a heating or cooling vent. If you choose artificial plants, make sure they are high quality. It might be an option to mix real plants and artificial plants for a full look.

Use Lamps

Overhead lighting is useful but it can be harsh. For a softer, more classic look, use floor lamps and table lamps. They can provide needed light in dark spaces while also adding to the design of the room. Lamp bases can be wood, metal, ceramic, stone, or other materials, and the shades come in a variety of shapes and textures.

In choosing a lamp, look at the color and design, but also pay attention to the height. A lamp that is too tall can make the room look unbalanced. A too-small lamp may be inadequate as a light source.

Hang Paintings

In decorating the walls, many people like to get creative and hang up unusual things such as baskets, hats, or three-dimensional metal sculptures. But a classic look deserves classic wall hangings—framed paintings. You can choose prints of landscapes, florals, portraits, or even reproductions of famous paintings.

Keep in mind that the frame will add to your room design as much as the painting will. Wood frames are the most traditional. Framed mirrors work well, also. You can cluster small pictures together or fill a space with a larger painting. Consider hanging a large picture or mirror over your fireplace.

The design of your home should reflect your personal style and meet the needs of your lifestyle. A classic look is elegant and timeless, but also comfortable and welcoming. It’s an easy style to achieve with a few simple additions or changes.  

Read this next: Top 10 Budgeting Strategies To Help You Curb Overspending


Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on How to Create a Classic Look for Your Home. Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

 

Have a great day!



Monday, December 6, 2021

How to Save Money on Your Car

How to Save Money on Your Car
This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.





For most people in the United States, owning an automobile is a need. Public transit is not readily available, and urban sprawl ensures that the places you need to go are likely a significant distance away. At the same time, it is no secret that cars can be money pits. Here are some ways to lower the costs associated with owning a car.

Get Better Loan Terms

You might be able to find a better deal on your auto loan than what you got when you purchased the car. Look into refinancing it. There are two ways this can save you money, and the type you choose is up to you. If you need more cash in hand each month, you might be able to find a lower interest rate with another company. This will, in turn, lower your monthly payments and the total amount that you will end up paying on the car. You can also find a loan that allows you to pay off your car sooner. This will raise your monthly payments, but a shorter-term means money saved in the long run.

Take it in for Maintenance

It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes you have to spend money to save money. Regular maintenance minimizes the risk of major repairs down the road. It also keeps your car running smoothly, which gives you better gas mileage. Follow the recommendations included in your owner’s manual, but most cars have a similar list of general maintenance needs. This includes regular oil changes, fluid replacements, new filters, alignment checks, and tire rotations, among other things. Being meticulous about maintenance will extend the life of the car and save you money.

Learn to Make Minor Repairs

You can save a great deal of money by learning to make minor repairs yourself. Some of the most common car troubles are ones that you can fix on your own. All you need is the right tools and a good online tutorial. Some things that you should be able to learn how to do are replacing worn down brake pads, changing a drained battery, replacing windshield wiper blades, changing out the lights, performing routine oil changes and coolant replacement, trading out spark plugs, and more. While you will still have to pay for the parts, you will be saving a lot of money on labor costs.

Make it More Efficient

There are simple ways to keep your car running more efficiently. Both the condition of your car and the choices you make as a driver can have a major impact. Some things you can do to your car to help it be more efficient are to check the tire pressure monthly and adjust when needed, keep your tires aligned, use the type of oil suggested in your owner’s manual, run the air conditioning less, and change out dirty air filters. Some steps you can take as a driver to increase your fuel efficiency include driving more slowly, never idling the car for longer than a minute, parking in the shade, and running your daily errands in one longer excursion, as opposed to taking many smaller trips. You also might want to consider getting your windows tinted. Window tinting can block 98% of solar heat, making your car more efficient to keep cool.

Stop Buying Premium Gasoline

Unless premium fuel is required for your car, you can save money by purchasing regular gas. In the past, only premium gasoline had the necessary additives to make them cleaner and more efficient. Now, most brands of regular unleaded gasoline feature the same inclusions. Additionally, modern cars are generally made to handle lower-octane gasoline. Historically, some cars were not able to deal with the engine knock that would occur with lower-grade gasoline. Now, most new car engines have built-in control systems that limit knocking. Again, it is important that you follow the manufacturer's directions and use premium fuel if it is required for your car. But if not, your car will perform just fine with regular unleaded, and that means money in your pocket.

Lower Your Car Insurance Rates

It is possible to lower your car insurance rate. Start by calling your insurance company to find out if they have any discounts. Some insurers offer savings to people with a good driving record, to people who take a defensive driving course, if you have reached a certain age, and if you have taken steps to improve your credit scores. If there is nothing for you there, feel free to shop around. You may have chosen a car insurance company without comparing prices, and there could be some less expensive options. Additionally, you can probably drop some of your coverage if your car is older and low in value. It is definitely worth looking into.

Pay it Off

The sooner you can pay your car off, the less it will cost you in the end. If you have some extra cash flowing in, consider using it to pay off your car. You can do this by paying larger lump sums when you get them, or you can add a little bit to your loan payment each month.

Make Insurance Claims Wisely

You don’t have to make a claim to your insurance for every fender-bender or minor bump. You raise your premium significantly whenever you make a claim, especially if you are at fault. Consider paying out of pocket for minor accidents where there are no injuries. Most motorists will be happy to work with you directly. Even if you aren’t at fault, it is a good idea not to make a claim for small repairs. Work with the other driver or, if necessary, pay for any repairs yourself.

You don’t have to break the bank to keep up with a car. There are many ways to save money, and wise consumers take advantage of all of them. By following these tips, you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars a year on auto expenses.


Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on How to Save Money on Your Car. Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

 

Have a great day!




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Friday, December 3, 2021

What Home Improvements Should You Prioritize?

What Home Improvements Should You Prioritize?
This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.

There are a lot of decisions to make when you are renovating your home. There is a seemingly endless array of possible home improvement projects to take on, but a finite budget and timeline in which to do your improvements. Knowing what improvements are worth it and which are not is never easy, but this article is here to help. Here are eight home improvement projects that you should prioritize when you are renovating your home.

 

Roof Replacements

Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. An old and damaged roof can lead to leaks which can cause incredible amounts of very expensive damage to your home. Worse yet, a roof collapse could cause injury and even more damage than a leak. Updating your roof and replacing it when it comes time is essential to maintaining the safety of your home. Depending on the type of roof you have, you should be replacing your roof somewhere between every fifteen and thirty years. Do your research to find out what kind of roofing you have and when you should be replacing it.

 

New Flooring

The floors in a home get dirty and damaged over time. And while proper maintenance, clearing, and repairs can help keep your floors nice for longer, you will eventually need to replace the flooring. Floors are very important to the structural stability and resale value of your home, and adding new flooring offers a plethora of advantages as a homeowner. For carpeting, you should replace your floors every decade or so, and other types of flooring last longer or shorter than that. Make sure you know how long your flooring has been in your home, so you know when it is time to replace it.

 

Bathroom Remodels

Bathrooms are some of the most important spaces in your home both for livability and for the resale value of your home. Remodeling your bathroom provides a comfortable and modern space for your bathroom, which is always nice. Bathroom remodels also offer a very high return on investment to the value of your home. Buyers are always looking at the bathrooms as a signal for the value of homes and having a nice and updated bathroom sends value signals to buyers. If you have not updated your bathroom in some time, then now is the time to do so.


Kitchen Remodels

Much like a bathroom remodel, a kitchen remodel is one of the best things you can do in your home for both the livability of your home and the resale value when it comes time to sell. Kitchens are one of the biggest selling points of houses and updating your kitchen can increase the value of your home almost exponentially. Not only that, but upgrading your kitchen will make your life better while you live there too. Remodeling can make you proud of your home and make cooking in your kitchen a joy again. If you love cooking, or want to get back in the habit, then remodeling your kitchen is a great step to help you get in the kitchen more and love the time that you spend there.


Upgrade Your Appliances

Your appliances are some of the most valuable home renovations and remodel items that you have in your home. Upgrading your appliances can help save you time on your day-to-day chores and tasks with upgraded machinery that does the tasks faster and more efficiently than older appliances. New appliances add value to your home, as appliances typically are left in the home upon move out. New appliances are also usually more energy-efficient than older appliances, which can save you a ton of money on your monthly utility bills. If you have not upgraded your appliances in a long time, then now is as good of a time as any to prioritize this update to your home.

 

Upgrade Your Outdoors

If you have a lot of outdoor space at your house that you don’t use, then you should prioritize renovating your outdoor spaces. You can add a deck, patio, outdoor living area, or even something as simple as a small gazebo to give yourself usable space in your yard. Any of these options are great ways to add some livability to your outdoor area to promote bonding time spent outside with your family and friends. They also all add tons of value to your home, as buyers love having usable outdoor spaces. You should prioritize the outdoors any time you are renovating your home.

 

Finish Your Basement

An unfinished basement in your home is a lost opportunity for more usable living space. An unfinished basement is pretty much only useful for storage, which is helpful, but not exactly the most valuable space to have in a home. Finishing your basement can offer another living area, office, storage, bedroom, or whatever else you want. The opportunity that an unfinished basement poses to improving your home space is so great, that it should be right at the top of your list if you have an unfinished basement

 

Take a Crack at Your Attic

If your home has an attic space that you don’t use, or only use for a little bit of storage, then you are staring at a huge opportunity for your home. Just like with an unfinished basement, an attic space that is unfinished gives you the chance to add a new room to your home, without needing to go through the costly process of a home addition. Turning your attic into a bedroom, office space, or tv room can be a great way to add functionality to an otherwise unused space in your home. So, give it a shot and see what kind of space you can make your attic for your family.

 

Renovating a home offers endless opportunities. But at the end of the day, you need to make decisions on what renovations are worthwhile and which ones need to wait. Focus on these eight renovations that deserve priority when considering home improvements and see what a difference they can make in your home.


Read this next: 4 Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Home Improvement



Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on What Home Improvements Should You Prioritize? Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

 

Have a great day!




Other Krazy Deal Daze Post You May Be Interested In:


Thursday, December 2, 2021

What You Need to Think About Before Starting a DIY Project

What You Need to Think About Before Starting a DIY Project
This post contains paid affiliate links, please read our Advertising Disclosure Statement.


As someone who is money-savvy, you have learned that the cheapest way to get something done is to do it yourself. With videos online to show you how to do everything from laying a driveway to reupholstering a couch, you can complete more projects yourself than ever before. One major factor that can cause your DIY to fail, however, is to rush into it without careful research and planning. Here are some things to think about before you start your next project.

Take Some Time to Learn

While everyone likes to just get in there and start, patience is certainly a virtue when it comes to DIY projects. Every DIY project takes knowledge and skill, and if you don’t know how to do something, it isn’t likely to come naturally. You need to know the ins and outs of whatever it is you are trying to accomplish. Learn about the materials, watch demonstrations from experts, read step-by-step guides, and practice if possible. While you may believe that you can figure it out as you go and be tempted to skip this step, don’t! That is a great way to waste time and money, having to redo whatever you did wrong. First, take the time to learn!

Estimate Your Costs

There is nothing worse than starting on a project only to realize that it is going to cost more than you can afford. This is why it is critical to estimate costs before starting a project. The HFTB (Hope For The Best) method is not a very practical one and can lead to lost money as you start a project but are unable to finish it. Optimism is great, but when you are estimating how much a project is going to cost, you should be a realist. Think of every single item you will need to buy and price it. That is the only way you can really know if you can actually afford it.

Get the Right Equipment

It can be frustrating to have to delay the start of a project while you acquire the right equipment, but it will save you time in the long run. Having the proper tools makes a world of difference when it comes to how long it takes to finish a project. You can buy the tools you need, but for large items, it is a good idea to investigate renting them. It will be worth having the right equipment when you realize how much more efficiently you are able to perform the work.

Staying Safe

Whether you are working with power tools or climbing on the roof, safety is what matters most. Novices are the most likely people to be injured on a job, simply because they lack the correct safety equipment or knowledge they need to do a job correctly. As you do your research, be sure to watch out for potential hazards and learn how to protect yourself. Wearing protective eyewear, gloves, and shoes is paramount. Knowing how to operate power tools correctly is critical. And using extreme caution when climbing ladders and scaling rooftops is a matter of life or death. You should also properly dispose of any debris you produce. Worksite debris poses a variety of hazards. Self-dumping hoppers increase safety by removing debris from your worksite.

Enlist Helpers

Many projects will be very difficult or even unsafe to perform on your own. Think ahead to the help you will need and ask for help. Enlist neighbors, friends, or family, but be sure to ask them well in advance. They need time to plan, and it is inconsiderate to pop in on a neighbor to ask for their help right then and there. Think of any heavy lifting or two-person jobs you will need to do, and plan accordingly.

Take an Inventory of Your Needs

Before the day of your project, you will be far more efficient if you make a list of everything you will need. This includes all materials, as well as each tool. Strive to anticipate everything. It can be very frustrating to be forced to stop your work to make a store run. Once you have assessed your needs, you can take inventory of what you already have and what you will need to purchase. Do this well in advance, as some items may need to be special ordered.

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin working, grab everything you need and keep it in a convenient, centralized location. This will save you the hassle of making multiple trips around the house in search of the things you need as you work. Organizing it in a systematic way will also save time and energy. As you finish using a tool or material, put it back in its designated spot. An ordered workspace facilitates an ordered mind, and you will find that your project goes more smoothly.

Roll With the Punches

Once you have learned, planned, shopped, and gathered, it is time to get started. Your planning is sure to help your project go as well as possible, but nearly all DIY projects will face some setbacks. If you accept this as fact, then you will be able to roll with the punches when they come. If you expect perfection, you are likely to get discouraged and maybe even give up. Have a plan for how you will react when something doesn’t go as planned. This should include a willingness to try something another way, the determination to keep trying, and a healthy dose of ingenuity and resourcefulness. And this is where your optimism should shine!


Doing a project yourself is a great way to learn new skills, save money, and improve your self-esteem. It can be a real challenge, but few things are more satisfying than sticking something out and completing a difficult task. You will feel the joy of a job well done. If you follow these eight suggestions, there is little that can stop you from success. Soon, you might be the one creating the instructional videos!


Read this next: 4 Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Home Improvement 



Thank you for stopping by and checking out our tips on What You Need to Think About Before Starting a DIY Project! Which tip was your favorite? What other tips would you suggest? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this post, we’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter and/or Facebook. Don't want to lose this? Pin it on Pinterest so you can get back to it later!

 

Have a great day!




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