article

The Most Expensive and Most Affordable Maintenance Projects to Update Your Home

By Realty Times Staff via Realty Times

bluehammer

A functional and beautiful home is important for you and your family. When it comes to home improvements and maintenance projects, your budget is likely a major deciding factor when it comes to upgrades.

Some of the most expensive maintenance projects can dramatically alter your home, but there are affordable options out there that will make a difference as well. From expensive renovations that could take months, to cost-effective and affordable jobs you can do over a weekend, homeowners have a wealth of choices available to them.

Use this guide to learn more about home maintenance projects to match any budget.

The Most Expensive

Major renovations and upgrades can cost a small fortune, but they'll make a big impact in your home. These three options can cost you a pretty penny, but you'll love how your home looks and feels when you're done.

Upgrading Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a big change in your home and fresh paint just won't cut it, upgrading your kitchen might be more your speed. The fact is that kitchen upgrades are among the most expensive home projects out there.

On average, a full kitchen makeover costs $21,700. If you're looking for high-end appliances and using costly materials like granite, you could be pushing the needle closer to $40,000 or $50,000.

Some kitchen upgrades, like installing better cabinetry and countertops will boost your home's resale value, though you may not get a return on investment. Appliances are generally among the top losses when it comes to resale value, so if you're thinking of selling anytime soon, going all out with the best appliances on the market probably isn't a wise choice.

Remodeling the Bathroom

You spend a lot of time getting ready for the day in your bathroom. That's why having an updated, comfortable bathroom is so important to many homeowners.

The average cost of a bathroom remodeling job is about $10,000. For high-end jobs, you may be looking at costs well over $20,000.

Despite the cost, having a bathroom you enjoy spending time is worth the expense.

Replacing Your Roof

When it's time to replace your roof, there's usually no way to avoid it. You do have options when it comes to who will replace your roof and what materials you will use, though.

On average it costs homeowners using professionals anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 or more for a roof replacement on a 2,200 square-foot home. For that reason, many people opt for repairs instead. In some cases, replacing large sections of your roof can be more cost-effective than just getting a new one completely.

When shopping around for pros to handle the job, get estimates for repair work and a total replacement job.

More Affordable Options

Expensive home projects can make a dramatic difference, but more affordable upgrades do exist. These three options can help you spruce up your home without breaking the bank.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting the inside of your home can be a big project if you do it all at once and hire professionals. The average room costs between $380 and $790 to paint when a hired crew is involved.

If you're willing to do the work yourself though, you can save quite a bit of money. The average cost of a DIY paint job is between $200 and $300 per room.

Painting a few rooms at a time can also improve your home and keep costs down.

Update Toilet Fixtures

Updating your toilet fixture around your house isn't exactly a glamorous home improvement project. However, it can make a huge difference in how your bathrooms looks and functions.

On the low end, toilet fixtures can cost approximately $130 to $350. On the high end, fixtures can range from $500 to $1,000 or more for high-tech options. If you're handy, you can likely handle the installation on your own.

Newer toilet fixtures can help you save quite a bit of money on water usage as well. Many use less than 1/5th the amount of water that older fixtures might.

Improve Curb Appeal

How your home looks from the outside might seem superficial, but it makes a difference when it comes to the value of your house. Even if you're not planning to sell anytime soon, improving curb appeal can make your home more pleasant to visit.

Projects like pressure washing your driveway should cost under $200, even if you hire professionals. Updating your mailbox can make a big difference too for less than $500. Getting your hands dirty by trimming hedges, pulling weeds and putting in seasonal flowers or perennials is also quite cost effective.

Home maintenance can take every penny out of your savings account, but not all projects cost as much as the down payment on your home. Make smart repairs and upgrades and the money you put into your home will pay off in the end, whether you spend $500 on paint or $50,000 on your dream master bathroom.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


10 Ways To Transform Your Trashy Old Furniture Into Standout Pieces

We know. That antique sideboard or set of chairs you got after your grandma died is sentimental, but also completely clashy with every other piece of furniture you own, not to mention out of touch with your general sense of style.

How To Choose The Right Vanity To Kick Off Your Bathroom Remodel

You can change your bathroom lighting, your floors, and your fixtures. But if your vanity is rickety, chipped, timeworn, or just plain ugly, your bathroom might feel that way too.

Best New Security Tips To Keep Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation

Nothing kills your vacation buzz like getting a call from the police back home letting you know your home has been burglarized. Basic home security tips are great, but safety measures are continually evolving, with new and more refined ways to keep you and your home safe.

The Essentials Checklist for Newly Married Homeowners

After a beautiful wedding celebration and exotic honeymoon, you and your loved one are ready to settle in and enjoy your newly married bliss, especially in a new home. Although putting together a house can seem like an everlasting project, you can make it your home right away with the following new-home essentials.

6 Ways To Create A More Serene Stress-Free Home

Your home is supposed to be your haven, the place where you can relax and wash away the stresses of the day. But, if your house is messy, cluttered, or designed in a way that opposes certain Feng Shui principles, it could actually be adding to your stress. Apply a few tips to make your home the serene spot it should be.

Can't Sleep? Why Your House Might Be To Blame And What You Can Do About It

Not being able to get sufficient sleep isn't just annoying. Beyond making you grouchy and causing you to yawn all day, it can threaten your immune system, impact your memory, and injure your back. There are a number of potential reasons for your sleeping issues, but your house probably isn't helping. With a few fixes, you may be sleeping soundly in no time.

Follow These Steps Before Starting Your Kitchen Remodel

If your kitchen is looking a bit dated, consider a remodel to upgrade its efficiency and looks. Here's a quick guide to planning your kitchen update:

Removing Your Popcorn Ceiling

More and more homeowners are changing out their popcorn ceilings for a more modern look.

Clever Ways To Create More Storage In Your Kitchen

Who doesn't need more storage in the kitchen? You may not have a massive space with dozens of cabinets and yards of countertops, but that doesn't mean you don't have the space you need to store all your stuff. Use a few of these clever tricks and you might be surprised how much extra room you can create.

Replacing Your Water Heater

Hot water is a luxury we all take for granted until it goes cold.

See More Articles