Here are a few ideas for home improvement projects that many weekend warriors can handle. These are relatively easy, not very expensive and, if done properly, can either raise the value of your house or make it more competitive in the marketplace. Or simply – make it look nicer for your enjoyment.

Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is always a good place to start when it comes to investing in your home. It’s the first place most buyers gravitate to, since for most people it’s the heart of the home. The kitchen is also the best place to get a financial return on your investment dollars.

Today’s buyers, in medium price level homes and upward, expect granite counter tops or other solid surface materials. Now – replacing counter tops is probably a job best left to a professional, but if your’s is a lower priced home,  Formica-type counter top sets can be purchased at most home improvement stores, and are easily installed. If you prefer granite, prices have come way down in the past few years. Make a few calls, get a quote, you may be surprised. But first, take a good look at your cabinets. You don’t want to remove granite, replace the cabinets and then reinstall the granite.

Replacing the cabinets is a fairly complex job, but it’s something the advanced weekend warrior should be able to handle – with a little help.

Painting

Repainting can be done pretty easily. I’ve seen beginners spray paint with a rattle can, rent a sprayer or simply use a brush. If using a brush, there are special paints that will make it easier by having a self-leveling paint that will smooth out the brush strokes. Or try staining. With this method, put a base coat of paint on the cabinets. Try various shades of yellow, orange or brown, then use a gel stain for the final color. Apply the gel with a brush, varying the strokes to give the appearance of the grain.

Re-Facing

Re-facing gives an entirely different look. With re-facing the installers cover the exposed bodies of the cabinets with a Formica-type product that you select. They supply new doors and drawer fronts that are an exact match. With a good re-facing job is very difficult to tell the difference from new high-end cabinets. They are also very durable. Home improvement centers also sell re-facing kits if you’re up to the challenge.

Bottom Line

Projects like this are not for everyone. But, if you do your research and fell that it’s within your skill set, go for it.

Then, once you’ve completed the project, enjoy it. Or if you’re ready to sell, you just increased the home’s value. If this is the case, call us – call Bunny and Art Reiman – Realtors. We can get your home sold quickly, just ask us about our Internet Marketing Plan.

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