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At the start of each year, as we sit in front of our computers looking through pictures of celebrity homes and dream dwellings, we think, “Why can’t my house look like this?” or “What if I make my kitchen look like that?”
This way of thinking can cause costly home improvement mishaps. This year, however, we want to help you avoid the same mistakes. Here’s our advice:
Tip #1: Pick projects wisely.
It’s tempting to remodel every single corner of the home while scrolling browsing Pinterest and Houzz. Don’t make that mistake! You want to pick only those projects that are likely to return a huge chunk of your investment.
Interestingly, it’s not the fanciest remodels that give the best value for your money. In fact, quite the opposite is true. If you look at Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” report for 2015, you’ll find that basic updates add the most value to your home.
More importantly, home exterior projects fetch the highest return on investment averages. This is because they have the greatest impact on curb appeal. Done right, they can increase your resale value for a whole lot. For instance, depending on material, entry door replacement can recoup 70% to 100% of its original cost. Similarly, getting new windows return a sizeable chunk of your dollar—at 72% to 78%.
Tip #2: Focus on long-term savings, not present expense.
While we’re on the topic of value, when you choose, make sure you consider not just what a product or project will cost you now. Think long-term. Will updating this part of the home help you save more down the line?
Making more parts of the home energy-efficient allows you to keep more dollars in your pocket. Getting rid of old, drafty doors and windows in Oak Ridge TN is one way to do this. Many new units are designed with better insulation features that help keep indoor temperatures at comfortable levels.
Renewal by Andersen®, a leading manufacturer of replacement doors and windows, for example, utilizes weatherproof and energy-efficient materials in making their units. They use Permashield® material for their doors and Fibrex® for their window frames. They combine these with High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass packages with multiple protective coatings that reduce heat transferred through the unit. These windows are practically self-cleaning and don’t require much upkeep. That helps you save more money on maintenance in the long run.
Tip #3: Invest in professional installation.
If you’ve decided to upgrade your windows or doors, don’t DIY. Always hire a pro. This way, you’re confident that your units will perform superbly for a long time. Properly installed windows and doors won’t need expensive and time-consuming repairs, and you can confidently invest your money elsewhere.
Tip #4: Check warranties.
Here’s another smart tip: No matter what part of the home you choose to update, always examine your contractor’s warranties. While you shouldn’t hire an unreliable remodeler in the first place, it’s in your best interest to check the quality of the warranty they offer. Don’t settle for ones with unreasonable terms and inadequate coverage. For your protection, peace of mind, and less expense down the line, only trust contractors who can provide top-notch manufacturer warranties.
Here at Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville, we help our clients make wiser home improvement decisions in any way we can. We provide them high-quality replacement windows and doors in Knoxville. We back our work with Renewal by Andersen’s industry-leading warranties as well. This, plus our professional installation techniques and excellent customer care, makes any project we handle a worthwhile investment.
This year, we invite you to experience the Renewal by Andersen difference yourself. Give us a call at (866) 609-5033 today for a free estimate of our services.