Glitz and Glamour or Economically Feasible and Practical Home Improvements?
Congratulations! In arguably the hottest seller’s markets that we’ve ever seen, you were able to win a bidding war and close on your new home.
The euphoria is high, and you’ve been itching to start your first home improvement project. How about a matching kitchen backsplash? Or a movie theatre in the basement? Or a whole-house sound system? Or a zen-like garden in the backyard for daily yoga? While they may be glitzy and glamorous, these lifestyle home improvements will do nothing to protect one of your largest financial investments. As a homeowner it’s your prerogative to fashion your nest exactly the way that you want it, however you may want to consider whether there are more economically feasible, practical improvements to tackle first.
Below is a list of home systems which are commonly in need of some type of improvement, whether to protect your home from the elements, or to provide a higher level of functionality. Consider hiring licensed professionals to inspect each one of these systems for malfunctions or to recommend improvements, before you take on the glamour projects.
- Gutters/Downspouts – rain is one enemy of your home, and a proper gutter system is essential for keeping the rainwater out. Gutters should efficiently channel rainwater into the downspouts, and away from the property. Gutters should also be free from debris and cleaned annually or semi-annually.
- Insulation – improving the insulation of your home may not sound exciting, but if living in comfort is important to you, consider having a professional assess what’s currently in place. Some of the newer types of insulation used today may also provide natural protection against insects.
- Foundation Cracks – cracks can develop in the foundation of a home for many reasons, including house settling and climate fluctuations. If you observe bowing in the walls, upheaving of concrete on the floor, water, or signs of water i.e water damage, you should consult with a professional.
- Roof – sure the home inspector assessed the roof during the home inspection, however said home inspector is not a roof specialist. A professional roofing company should do a thorough inspection of your roof to determine its condition.
- Wood – homes made of wood are subject to wood rot and damage. Visible areas of wood rot or other damage should be attended to in a timely manner to avoid having to deal with a much bigger problem later on. It is also a good idea to remove any mold from the wood e.g. by power washing, and then preserving the wood by treating or staining it.