Remodel at low cost: projects with the best performance

How to hire the contractor

Interview each contractor you are considering. Here are some questions to ask.
1. How long have you been in business? Find a well-established company and check it out with the BBB.

2. Are you licensed and registered with the state?

3. Get a list of similar projects. You don’t need someone to learn with your money.

4. Get referrals

5. Ask to see current insurance and workers’ compensation policies. Low offers may not cover the cost of adequate insurance.

6. Obtain a written agreement on letterhead with complete contact information and license number.

7. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down payment.
Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out what the law is in your area.

8. Make partial payments against work based on milestones. Pay as parts of the project are completed and you are satisfied.

9. Do not make final payment until the job is complete and you are satisfied.

10. Try to remodel in the off-season, when contractors need the work

How to remodel on the cheap and generate the maximum return on your investment

The four remodels with the best ROI are the kitchen, the bathroom, the floors and the windows. These four areas have a high emotional impact and are highly visible. Your first dollars should be considered

THE KITCHEN

This is where the maximum increase in home value is found.

Painting – The least expensive way to get a face lift is to paint. Do as much as you can with paint. It’s amazing how much a fresh coat of paint and a few contemporary color schemes can liven up a space. A textured paint finish can cover the damage and save the cost of the repair.

1. Refinish cabinets: Consider restoring old kitchen cabinets and adding new hardware. You often don’t need to buy new to look new.

2. Replace the vinyl – Pick up that old vinyl, there’s probably a hardwood floor underneath and a good stain and finish will add beauty and value to your home. Hardwood floors have a great return on investment.

BATH

Another room with great emotional appeal is the bathroom.

1. Reglaze old tubs: Just like with kitchen cabinets, you can reglaze old tubs and sinks that are now too porous to clean. They’ll look shiny new at a fraction of the cost.

2. Skylights – An inexpensive way to add the appearance of space is to use skylights or add bay windows.

3. Use the space – If there is an underutilized closet, it is possible to expand into that area and create usable square footage and replace the storage area with space-saving shelving.

4. Increase square footage: Another inexpensive way to create space would be to remove the bathtub and replace it with a glass-enclosed shower stall. Some pretty mosaic tiles along the edges would be very attractive and create a sense of open color where none existed.

BASES and PENTHOUSES

1. Increase Living Area – Put your unused space to work. Create a storage area or a work area. Lay down some Sheetrock and create another room for the family. In other words, they can both be affordable ways to create a living space without pouring concrete.

2. Create a new living room to use as an office or media room with a large flat screen, good sound, and a wet bar.

WINDOWS

Windows have great curb appeal and can change the entire look of a room and even the house itself. Window replacement has an excellent ROI

1. Replace old windows – with modern double-pane glass for energy efficiency. Choose wide, open spaces that can change the look of a room. If you are careful not to move the windows and cause a structural change, this can be a cost-effective way to modernize and create a feeling of space and newness while saving energy.

FLOORS

We love wooden floors. They have beautiful natural attractive homes that are much easier to sell or rent with hardwood floors.

1. Refinish: Some wonderful new materials are being used, like bamboo and other sustainable floor finishes. But by far the least expensive way to beautify the house is to refinish and
re-sand the existing floors. Pick up that old carpet and give it a new finish.

Howard Bell for yourpropertypath.com