Boost the Value of your Home without Breaking your WalletYour home is probably the single biggest investment you will make in your lifetime. There are many projects you can undertake to improve your home and nearly all of them have the added bonus of increasing its value. A professional makeover by a reputable company can increase its value even further.On the outsideReplacement WindowsPoorly insulated, cracked or chipped windows can waste huge amounts of energy and drain your wallet over a long period of time. Modern, energy-efficient windows can save you $$$ on your energy bills. Replacing windows is something probably best left to a window installation company, as windows fitted inexpertly by an amateur could make the energy problem worse. Of course, new windows are a great selling point for a house on the market.Revive a Tired ExteriorPainting external doors and window trim can freshen your home's exterior without the huge expense of a complete repainting, but has to be undertaken every year to maintain the appearance. Alternatively, you can give your home a newly painted look for years to come with vinyl siding. Vinyl sidings come in a range of colors and styles and can be fitted quickly and relatively cheaply by a specialist company.Siding can improve not only the appearance of your home, but also its energy efficiency. Most siding fits atop a layer of rigid foam insulation, sealing any cracks and leaks in the walls, floors, and ceilings. Paul Fisette, Director of Building Materials and Wood Technology at the University of Massachusetts recommends a siding energy retrofit for older homes in cold climates, explaining "the installation is somewhat complicated and labor intensive, but when properly constructed, will provide a tight, warm structure for many years."On the insideCabinet Refacing in the KitchenThe biggest change you can make to your kitchen is changing the way the cabinets look. A reputable company will advise if you need to completely remodel your cabinets with custom made cabinets, or if simply refacing your existing cabinets will suffice. The cost for refacing is roughly 50% less then completely gutting your kitchen although it completely changes the look of your kitchen. Refacing your cabinets in either laminate or sold wood entails replacing your cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. The right company will offer choice and advice as to the best solution for your kitchen.House & FamilySecurity SystemA study by the Justice Department states that an average family has a one-in-four chance of being the victim of a serious crime, including burglary, each year. Even worse, burglary is often compounded by violence. A security system and alarm fitted and monitored by a specialist security company can give you peace of mind. Your home will be protected whether you are at home, or not, and in the event of an intruder the appropriate authorities will be alerted immediately. Installation costs are less than you might think and many companies will perform a free survey to ascertain the type and level of security best suited to you and your family.The Final WordIf you are thinking of selling, don't forget to deep clean, reduce clutter and organize what's left in your home. That way, potential buyers can see the value you've added by replacing windows, painting or refinishing the exterior, refacing kitchen cabinets, or installing a security system.© QuinStreet Media, Inc. 2005
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