YOUR HOME – When to Save and When to Spend

It’s YOUR HOME – So, when to save and when to spend?  That is a question we ask ourselves all the time.  Everyone wants to be wise with their hard-earned dollars, especially when it comes to big ticket items.  The Rule of Thumb is to put your money into more permanent parts and go thriftier on the interior finishes.  Remember, it is your home, your castle, so you are the one to reap the value and enjoyment of your decisions.  Also, any amenities and restorations or improvements increase the value of your home.  You are building equity while you improve!

WHEN TO SAVE

• Hardware / Lighting fixtures – These things are easy to change out as trends and your preferences change.  Plus, there are lots of affordable options out there!  Changing the hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms is a cinch.  The only tool you may need is a screw driver.  Be sure to take note of the measurement on the distance between the two screw holes.  Some pulls may only have one hole. Just updating your fixtures can give your kitchen and bath a whole new look.  (See below for painting kitchen cabinets).

• Changing out the lighting fixtures requires a little more attention to what you are doing.  It can be fairly easy, but just be sure to work safely by cutting off all electricity first.  From simple to ornate, you can spend as much or little as you like.  The less expensive the fixture the more likely you will be to update more frequently. 
• Add a back splash – A new kitchen (or bathroom) backsplash is a great way to give your kitchen a facelift.  It also adds function by making the area easier to clean! They even make peel-and-stick tiles.  Your local big box store is a great place to look for affordable tiles.  Do your research and make sure the materials you select are appropriate for the end use and you can search for great deals on the material.  If you are handy this can be a great DIY project for a weekend, provided you have the appropriate tools and the time!

• Switch plates – Maybe its time to change your dull, faded or worn-out switch plate covers with something modern and trendy that fits your mood and new look. They come in an assortment of metal, plastic, ceramic, stone, wood and glass.  Plain wooden ones can be painted to match your decor – over and over again!  They also come in a variety of decorative shapes – art deco, mid-century modern and more!
• Decorator pops of color – Finally, you can thrift shop for all sorts of decorative items. From pillows to lamps, from baskets to curios to throw rugs that can add color and pizzazz to your home.  Visit discount stores like TJ Maxx, Home Goods or Marshalls for items that change regularly.  You never know what you may find at a great price,

WHEN TO SPEND

• Flooring – Because this is a fairly permanent feature of your home you will want to invest more to make sure it is perfect.  New flooring is definitely expensive so whether you choose hardwood, engineered wood, laminate or carpet, do your research and get lots of samples.  The good news is that well-chosen flooring can substantially increase the value of your home.  It can potentially recoup 91% of that cost when selling your home.

• Paint – Interior or exterior painting is the single best way to make an impact both inside and outside of your home.  Your painted walls are the basis of the entire canvas of your home.  Choosing the right color for each room or area of the home says a lot about your personal style.  Painting your exterior can add some serious curb appeal.  Be sure to select quality paint that will stay beautiful and last.  As with flooring, painting – especially exterior – increases your home’s value and equity.

• Kitchen Cabinets – Changing out your kitchen cabinet is a huge expense.  Don’t replace, repaint at a fraction of the cost!  With new hardware you’ll think you have a whole new kitchen.
• Windows – If you are in need of new windows you definitely don’t want to scrimp.  The good news is that you don’t have to go with expensive brand-name windows either.  However, be sure to purchase windows that are well insulated and won’t fall apart in a few years.  In addition, energy efficient windows will save on power bills and could score you some energy tax credits and rebates.

Painting your home is a great place to start because it IS the canvas on which everything else depends.  Once you’ve done that all your other improvements will only add to the atmosphere you are creating for yourself and your family.  ColaTown Painting can help you get started off on the right foot. It’s what we do!

Call Britt 803-603-6486 for your free, no-obligation estimate.  He will look over your project and work with you to create your vision.  The professionals at ColaTown Painting…Let our family help yours!