Not everyone has a fortune stashed away for a major home remodel. So smaller-scale projects, such as replacing bathroom fixtures, painting a front door, are gaining in popularity among homeowners. Compared with a full remodel, replacement projects cost less and can offer a higher return on investment. This year, homeowners are recouping 67.6% of the cost of such smaller-scale replacement projects during resale, according to remodelling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value report. Major remodeling projects, such as additions, are recouping 59.7%, on average.
Whether you want to make upgrades for your own enjoyment or you plan to put your house on the market soon, we've rounded up some home-improvement projects that will give you the most bang for your buck for about $1,000 or less. As you plan your project, keep in mind that many of the prices quoted here are national averages. The actual cost of any renovation will vary based on many factors, including the location of the home, the scope of the work, the quality of the materials selected and the experience of the contractor.
Professional home stagers recommend painting the interior a neutral color, such as taupe or cream, to make spaces feel larger. But a whole-house paint job is expensive. On average, a homeowner will spend $2,039 to hire someone to paint the entire interior of a house, according to HomeAdvisor.com, a renovation Web site. To keep the project under $1,000, focus on the most visible areas, such as the entryway, kitchen, main-level bathroom and family room or living room.
Painting is another project that many homeowners choose to do themselves to cut costs. Remember to factor in the price of paint, primer, painters’ tape, brushes and rollers when setting a budget. Costs can vary considerably by brand. A gallon of Benjamin Moore paint can cost two to three times more than a gallon of Behr, for example.
Consider swapping the existing fixtures in your bathroom, such as the toilet, faucets and shower head, for high-efficiency versions, Replacing an old toilet with an efficient model, for example, can save the average family $110 a year on water bills, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At Home Depot, you can purchase a WaterSense-rated two-piece toilet for as little as $139. A high-efficiency faucet for the sink starts at $31.48, and a tub faucet and showerhead combo starts at $49.98.
Hiring a plumber to remove your old toilet and replace it with a new one will cost $459, on average, according to DiyOrNot.com. Changing out a single-control faucet on a bathroom sink costs $254, and replacing a shower head costs $155. Having all three completed at the same time adds up to $868.
Up the wow factor in your kitchen by adding a tile backsplash. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular tile finishes; however, ceramic tile costs less. At Home Depot, for example, you can buy ceramic tile for as little as $1.12 per square foot. Porcelain tile starts at $3.65 per square foot.
The average cost to hire a tile contractor to install a 10-foot-long, 12-inch-high ceramic-tile backsplash is $388. That includes labor (about six hours' worth) and materials (tiles, moisture-resistant adhesive and grout), according to DiyOrNot.com. While a professional will almost certainly do a better job, skilled homeowners should be able to complete the project themselves for less money.
Contact Maria Mak Burnaby REALTORS® @604.839.6368 or visit www.mariamak.com for latest housing updates .
Maria has been serving her clients in Metro Vancouver for over 25 years with a big heart, with a big smile. Thank You.
I
