For many of us, our homes are our greatest investment. So, it’s wise to put a little attention toward your dwelling’s upkeep, taking note of issues before they become pressing concerns.

Beyond that, the range is wide open – the only thing keeping you back is the size of your wallet or your imagination. Get the basics wrong, though, and you will waste valuable time and money.

Like any project you eventually elect to undertake, what follows is the planning, the small stuff, and the larger home projects that can help your home’s value start going in the right direction. Plan, choose wisely, and bring more life and personality into your surroundings. Adding value to your home is an opportunity to bring forth your own personal style.

Prioritizing Your Projects 

Of course, you’re going to want to think about what you want to fix, repair, upgrade, or modify. Prioritizing your projects is an important first step toward getting them done. If you put the time into this aspect of project development, you will get more done without wasted digressions and frustrations.

Small Fixes Around The House

Let’s start with some basics. Identify your home’s areas of concern, focusing on the quick fixes you can make right now. The bigger stuff can wait.

Plumbing Fixes

Your plumbing is a prime place to look for improvements. Knock out the projects you can do, and call in a professional if you doubt your ability.

Quickly Fix Those Scratched Wood Floors 

Sprucing up your scratched hardwood floors is a great instant fix, bringing immediate results with a relatively small time investment.

Hanging A Stair Rail 

Getting your abode up to code starts with any unsafe zones. Things like stairways tend to boast the impression that yours is a complete, sturdy home. It’s an easy fix, too.

Electrical Box Cutout 

Completing projects that are the result of other projects – like the time you fixed the wall, but left unfinished the outlet cutouts – benefits your mental health as well as your home’s value. Getting this kind of project completed will eliminate that nagging feeling you get every time you glance at the unfinished outlet.

Remove Paint From Brick

Moving on to larger projects, sometimes fixing mistakes from the past brings value to the present. One example is removing paint from a brick surface. Perhaps it was a good idea at the time, but now it has to go.

Wood Shutters 

It’s easy to miss something that isn’t there. Shutters are a perfect example of this. Without them, you won’t be able to shake the feeling that something just doesn’t look right. With them, a rectangle or square building becomes a home.

Repairing Cracked Concrete

Fixing structural issues, like porches and steps, lends a ‘cared-for’ feel. It might seem a little daunting at first, but it won’t be long before you’re able to make simple concrete repairs with confidence.

Painting and Staining Your Fence 

Fences are among the first things you see about your home. A little paint or stain could make a big difference on a first impression. If you’re selling your home, this is a great place to address.

How to Plumb a Basement Bathroom 

If you have the skills and the tools, adding an additional bathroom in the basement can really boost your home’s value. Thread lightly, though, and don’t be afraid to seek professional advice if you’re in over your head.

Kitchen renovations 

Because it’s such an important part of our lives, the kitchen also is a perfect place to make improvements. A change of color or surfaces can transform the room in an instant.

Turning a garage into a living space 

If you’re cramped and want to add some living space, perhaps your garage is the place to look. Some changes in the right places and it may not seem like such a crazy idea.

Common Building Code Violations 

If you’re looking to make more substantive changes, getting the code violations out of the way will save time when you bring in the big guns.

Questions To Ask A Prospective Contractor 

When you finally relent and bring in a contractor, asking the right questions will save you time and get you closer to your desired goal.