Househelp

4 DIY remodeling projects that can increase home’s value

It’s warm again and you’ve been cooped up, so you’re likely busy making plans. While you’re at it, you might want to also consider remodeling projects that will increase your home’s value. Investing a little time and money in your residence now can seriously pay off if you decide to put it on the market down the road.

“Summer doesn’t just mean warmer weather — it also means home improvement season is in full swing,” said Brad Hunter, chief economist for home improvement resource website HomeAdvisor. “No matter the size of a family’s budget, the warmer months comprise the peak time for homeowners to take on home projects.”

If you decide to remodel your home, be strategic, because not all updates increase an appraisal. Make your home the most valuable property on the block by tackling at least a few of these outdoor summer remodeling projects that can increase your home’s value.

Remember, if your area still is in lockdown, you can order many things online and have them delivered.

Paving a walkway

Home value boost: $795 to $1,425

Pro cost: $900 to $950

DIY cost: $530 to $555

Pavers can be heavy, so if you go the DIY route, enlist a helper and have your materials delivered, said Joe Raboine, director of Belgard Design Studio and Elements R&D. Don’t take this project on unless you’re sure you can handle the heavy lifting. If your walkway is more complex, Raboine said a pro can help design and recommend materials that can match the exterior of your home. There are pros who can help you virtually and offer suggestions, without coming to your home.

Not only will paving a walkway increase your home’s value, it also looks beautiful and is extremely functional. When the project is complete, you’ll no longer have to endure filthy shoes from walking through the previously dirt-filled area.

This is one of the best remodeling projects, because Raboine said it could return as much as 150% of the funds invested. It’s a simple way to upgrade your home without taking on a major initiative.

Retaining walls

Home value boost: $1,800 to $18,000 Pro cost: $5,100 to $12,000

DIY cost: $1,200 to $5,095

If you have a sloped yard that is difficult to mow, installing a retaining wall could be an investment that pays off. Highly functional, this update can offer hillside stabilization and prevent landslides.

It’s also visually appealing, and a retaining wall can make it possible to create a beautiful landscape design otherwise impossible

Patios can increase your home’s value up to 12%, making this a great summer remodeling project.

on a steep surface. Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials — like brick, concrete and stone — depending on their purpose.

Both practical and pretty, a retaining wall is one of the best remodeling projects, as it can seriously increase your home’s value. If you’re considering putting your home on the market, this enhancement creates more yard space, which will make your property more attractive to potential buyers. A wellbuilt retaining wall can help give buyers peace of mind in feeling like the property is a sound investment.

Patios and eating areas

Home value boost: $600 to $3,000 Pro cost: $1,000 to $2,000

DIY cost: $400 to $500

Patios can increase your home’s value up to 12%, said Raboine, making this a great summer remodeling project. Of course, all patios aren’t built equally, so if you remodel your home with one, make sure it’s done right.

The HomeAdvisor site lists three common mistakes in the construction of patios — poor leveling and hand-cutting and inadequate edging. If this is a DIY project, the site recommended using a steel hand tamper to make sure the ground is level.

You might be tempted to cut pavers by hand to save time, but the HomeAdvisor site warned this can result in uneven cuts that will make the finished product look shoddy. Instead, HomeAdvisor recommends using a wet masonry saw to ensure a polished cut. If you don’t want to take this step, consider using precut pavers, said Raboine.

Finally, HomeAdvisor cautions that edging must be solid and carefully installed, as it is a key structural component of a paver patio. Bypassing the edging portion of the project, not using a durable material or failing to install it properly will cause the patio to spread.

Fire pit installation

Home value boost: $2,000 to $4,000

Pro cost: $1,400 to $5,000

DIY cost: $200 to $400

Building a fire pit as a DIY project and having it installed by a professional offers some different benefits, said Raboine. If you make it yourself, you can create a portable model that can be moved when not in use. On the other hand, he noted that a fire pit built by a professional can look very impressive, delivering a good return on your investment.

Beyond determining who will build your fire pit, you’ll also need to decide if you want it to be fueled by wood or natural gas. If you opt for the latter, you’ll need to hire a plumber to hook the fire pit up to the gas line.

After the initial installation, the gas approach might be easier, because you won’t have to find firewood or endure thick campfire smoke every time you want to heat things up outdoors. This is a matter of preference, so decide what works best for your home.