Erik Davis Harp is an entrepreneur, a homeowner, and accomplished DIYer. When not in the office, Erik enjoys doing projects in and around his home. In the article below, Erik D Harp discusses the most affordable home renovations to take on this summer.
The long, lazy days of summer may be the best time to finally finish that necessary bathroom fix.
Or get working on that fancy outdoor lounge space. Or finally change that garage door to one that always opens and closes when it’s told.
Summer is usually the most popular time for homeowners to take care of a range of renovations. The weather is warmer, families have more free time, and it gives people enough time to get homes ready for impending holiday parties and visitors.
If you need professional assistance, there are more contractors and home repair/renovation specialists free during the summer months, and these renovations don’t have to break the bank. Erik Davis Harp considers these affordable home projects to take on this summer.
The Kitchen
In the summer, the kitchen is likely used less frequently explains Erik Davis Harp. Children are at camp or working. Many families regularly go on vacations. Eating out is much more common. And the return on investment for kitchen renovations, even those that are relatively inexpensive, is huge — nearly 54%.
Many different kitchen projects can be completed for a few thousand dollars are less, including adding an island (or using a hand-me-down kitchen table as an alternative), painting those older cabinets instead of investing in pricey new ones, or adding open shelving for storage says Erik Davis Harp.
Painting or Wallpapering
Repainting an entire home can be costly. Repainting just one specific room is one of the least expensive ways to change the atmosphere of a space or modernize it according to Erik D Harp.
Painting can move quickly during the summer since the weather allows proper drying and ventilation through opening windows. Costs can run anywhere from $200 to $2,500.
However, exterior painting projects can be surprisingly affordable, too. Depending on the size of a home and the type of paint, an exterior refresh may be as low as $1,500. Another option, says Erik Davis Harp, painting the front door. That runs just between $125 and $225.
Wallpapering is another option for changing the entire feel of a room or house. It’s hugely popular again, and wallpaper comes in a wider range of colors, textures, and prints. Wallpapering a bathroom or bedroom can run as slow as $1,100.
The Bathroom
Yes, bathroom renovations are among the costliest updates to make, but they do seem to make a difference when putting a home up for sale explains Erik D Harp. DIY is the way to go for a more affordable bathroom reno.
Such popular do-it-yourself bathroom updates include changing faucets and showerheads, painting cabinets, or installing a vintage bathroom mirror found at a thrift store or bought online. Adding a brand-new vanity, which can run as low as $200 or so, can make a ton of difference in a bathroom’s new look as well, says Erik Davis Harp.
Adding Crown Molding
Homeowners looking to add extra value and a dash of charm to their space often turn to the classic look of crown molding. Doing it the traditional way is something of a headache, but there are alternatives, such as imitation crown molding made from inexpensive materials that still look very much like the real thing.
Erik Davis Harp explain that it’s much easier to install and can be added to a room at just around $120.
Transform a Deck
Erik Davis Harp says that decks are lovely additions to any home, but they can take a beating over the years from weather and constant use.
Even the most weather-beaten decks can be brought back to life rather easily and inexpensively. It takes a little elbow grease, but power-washing or scrubbing the deck over about a week or so will make it look like new.
A coat of stain that’s semitransparent will also help protect it for the foreseeable future. The cost of the “new” deck: around $100 on average says Erik D Harp.
Plant a Garden
About 35% of homes in America have a garden, according to the National Gardening Association. It’s more than just a way to increase curb appeal or grow a ready stock of herbs and vegetables.
Nice landscaping typically adds around 15% to a home’s valuation, and even a few bushes, flowerbeds, or raised garden beds can make a tremendous difference. Erik Davis Harp says that creating a home vegetable garden only costs about $200.
Install Shutters
New energy-efficient windows can tempt you to take out a second mortgage to cover the cost. Shutters can keep a home cool as well while also upping the curb appeal explains Erik D Harp.
New shutters also come in a range of colors, textures, dimensions, and styles – and can run as low as $50 a window (the fanciest are about $1,000 a window).
