Here are a few great ideas to work on when you are rehabbing properties. Remember keep it simple to get the most bang for your buck.
Add the Perfect Touch with Paint
"A fresh coat of light pain on the interior walls can work wonders," says Kelly O'Ryan of Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Massachusetts. "Paint will always clean up dirty walls and give a room a better image." Although dark colors can be stylish, go for lighter shades to brighten things up in warmer seasons. Smart color selections can make a small or cramped room appear dramatically larger. In the foyer, make a good first impression with similar tones mixed at different strengths.
Focus on the Flooring
Good, well-maintained flooring can set a positive tone for the entire interior of your home. Take proactive steps to protect your biggest investment. Like paint, flooring can help create an impression of spaciousness and airiness. Whether it's a floating laminate floor, tile or a natural alternative, lighter-tone flooring can make formerly drab areas appear modern and streamlined."
Update the Windows
Old windows aren't just ugly - they can also let your heat and air conditioning escape, costing you big bucks. While window treatments are typically a focus in many home makeovers, the actual windows themselves are often overlooked. However, upgrading old single-pane windows with new ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can save an average of between $126 and $465 per year on energy bills, and some new windows qualify for the federal tax credit.
Weed Out Bad Landscaping
Neglected bushes and overgrown lawns can kill a home's curb appeal. Clean up the site by removing any dead or dying plants, branches and flowers. Prune overgrown shrubs along the home's foundation so they are below the window sills and off walkways and driveways. Fill empty holes with site-appropriate plants. Have all the planting beds weeded, edged and mulched for a clean, crisp look. Finally, weed and fertilize the lawn and provide supplemental watering if necessary to maintain a lush green carpet.
A Few Final Exterior Touches
While you're outside, there are a few other quick moves that can make a big difference. If you only have $1,000 to spend, what can you do that will get you the most bang for your buck? Add color with paint to outdoor features such as window frames, decorative beams and porches. Stick with calm colors that complement the home's exterior color scheme, avoiding shocking shades and drastic contrasts. Clean external brickwork or concrete slabs with a liquid masonry cleaner to make them look new and neat. Power washing can give external stonework, walkways and front stoops a quick makeover.
Here are a few great ideas to work on when you are rehabbing properties. Remember keep it simple to get the most bang for your buck.
Add the Perfect Touch with Paint
"A fresh coat of light pain on the interior walls can work wonders," says Kelly O'Ryan of Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Massachusetts. "Paint will always clean up dirty walls and give a room a better image." Although dark colors can be stylish, go for lighter shades to brighten things up in warmer seasons. Smart color selections can make a small or cramped room appear dramatically larger. In the foyer, make a good first impression with similar tones mixed at different strengths.
Focus on the Flooring
Good, well-maintained flooring can set a positive tone for the entire interior of your home. Take proactive steps to protect your biggest investment. Like paint, flooring can help create an impression of spaciousness and airiness. Whether it's a floating laminate floor, tile or a natural alternative, lighter-tone flooring can make formerly drab areas appear modern and streamlined."
Update the Windows
Old windows aren't just ugly - they can also let your heat and air conditioning escape, costing you big bucks. While window treatments are typically a focus in many home makeovers, the actual windows themselves are often overlooked. However, upgrading old single-pane windows with new ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can save an average of between $126 and $465 per year on energy bills, and some new windows qualify for the federal tax credit.
Weed Out Bad Landscaping
Neglected bushes and overgrown lawns can kill a home's curb appeal. Clean up the site by removing any dead or dying plants, branches and flowers. Prune overgrown shrubs along the home's foundation so they are below the window sills and off walkways and driveways. Fill empty holes with site-appropriate plants. Have all the planting beds weeded, edged and mulched for a clean, crisp look. Finally, weed and fertilize the lawn and provide supplemental watering if necessary to maintain a lush green carpet.
A Few Final Exterior Touches
While you're outside, there are a few other quick moves that can make a big difference. If you only have $1,000 to spend, what can you do that will get you the most bang for your buck? Add color with paint to outdoor features such as window frames, decorative beams and porches. Stick with calm colors that complement the home's exterior color scheme, avoiding shocking shades and drastic contrasts. Clean external brickwork or concrete slabs with a liquid masonry cleaner to make them look new and neat. Power washing can give external stonework, walkways and front stoops a quick makeover.