| Many people use the money saved from | | | | refinish them up will certainly impress |
| refinancing to get started on home remodeling | | | | buyers more than your old carpet. |
| projects. Sometimes with just a little effort | | | | |
| and money invested, you can significantly | | | | 4.Spruce up the kitchen. If your kitchen is |
| increase the value of your home. Whether you | | | | looking a little dated, there are a few |
| are planning on selling your home or are just | | | | simple tricks that might help you update your |
| ready for a makeover, there are certain areas | | | | look without a complete overhaul. Replacing |
| that you might want to tackle first. | | | | cabinet hardware with stainless steel or |
| | | | nickel knobs is one way to start. If the |
| 1.Check your electricity. Homes built before | | | | cabinets are made of wood, try cleaning and |
| the 1970s were not designed to handle the | | | | repainting before you consider completely |
| power voltage levels that are common in the | | | | replacing them. In an older house, any color |
| average US household today. With more and | | | | or pattern that may be on the countertop or |
| more electronics and appliances demanding | | | | walls should be updated if it makes the buyer |
| electrical service, it will pay to make sure | | | | aware of when the house was built. |
| your home is able to handle a minimum of 100 | | | | |
| amps and up to 200 amps that is the standard | | | | 5.Clean up the walls. Although wallpaper is |
| in most new homes today. Check the wiring as | | | | making somewhat of a comeback in small |
| well, aluminum wiring is a sign of an older | | | | quantities, wallpaper applied in the height |
| house. | | | | of the 1980s is easy to spot. You can buy |
| | | | wallpaper that more easily takes paint at |
| 2.Check your plumbing. Older houses usually | | | | your local hardware store, but this may be |
| have either copper pipes or galvanized pipes. | | | | more work than just taking down the existing |
| A galvanized pipe is a steel pipe with a | | | | wallpaper and re-painting. Also be sure to |
| protective coating of zinc that is intended | | | | clean up door knobs, light switches, and |
| to extend the life expectancy of the pipe. | | | | electrical outlets. Replace any broken or |
| Galvanized pipes can last up to 50 years on | | | | chipped cover plates. |
| average, but if you live in an area with an | | | | |
| elevated amount of minerals in the water | | | | 6.Update appliances. Unfortunately, houses |
| supply - the pipes can corrode easily. Have | | | | built in the 1990s may be beginning to need |
| your pipes inspected and consider replacing | | | | new appliances and upgrades. Many air |
| them if the corrosion is extensive. | | | | conditioners, furnaces, and water heaters |
| | | | have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. |
| 3.Remove old carpet. If you live in an older | | | | Although this may seem like more of an |
| house you might be lucky enough to have | | | | expense than you would like to pay, the new |
| wooden floors under the carpet that are in | | | | energy star appliances on the market now will |
| pretty good condition. Wooden floors appeal | | | | save you considerably on your bills. |
| to many buyers, and spending the money to | | | | |