Thinking of Renovating Your Home? Where are Your Dollars Going?
Whether it’s a professional bath remodel or an exterior refresh, homeowners are finding ways to make the most of their remodelling dollars. As the annual spend on housing repairs has grown to an all-time high, Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies released a report that breaks down the categories where homeowners are choosing to invest. Here are some of the top areas from highest expenditures to least, along with notes for helping remodelling clients decide whether or not they’re ready to take the plunge.
Room Additions
It’s no shock that additions are the most expensive items in the Harvard study, especially kitchens and bathrooms. More surprising is the average cost of a ‘recreation room,’ which, at almost $27,000, likely encompasses home theatres and incorporated smart devices. This is why it’s important for remodelers and builders to stay informed on the latest home tech products.
Disaster Repair
Per the Harvard study, “As natural disasters become more frequent and more devastating, homeowner outlays for disaster-related improvements [were] nearly double the two-year average of $14 billion two decades earlier.”
The cost was highest in the Midwest and South, areas that suffered from severe storms and flooding. Expect an uptick in the Southwest, as disaster repairs increase in the wake of wildfires.
Outside Attachments
This category includes patios, decks and garages. Garages are naturally the cost leader here, but patios are worth special consideration as they’re practical, fashionable and a solid boost to a home’s value.
To help your clients obtain the patio of their dreams, check out this how-to on using paver base panels to eliminate the need for a gravel bed.
Bath Remodels
Like kitchens, a professional bath remodel involves several trades and presents a range of finish options. In the study, “minor” remodels averaged about $3,400 while typical “major” bath remodels came in at just over $23,000.
Part of establishing a remodelling business is deciding whether you want to provide quick and affordable remodels or more elaborate custom work. But don’t be tempted by large dollar figures!
Five Cleaning Tips for Summer Maintenance
Clean the Air Conditioner
This is probably the most important item on this list. An air conditioner that is clogged up with dust and dirt won’t function as well or−even worse−could break and leave you seriously uncomfortable in the summer heat. Simply clean the filter with warm soapy water or with a vacuum cleaner.
Clean & Reverse the Fan
Dusty fans only enhance summer allergies and hay fever symptoms. Without proper cleaning, fans will continue to spread dust and pollen as they rotate. While you’re cleaning the fan, make sure you also change the direction of the blades to counterclockwise. This trick pushes the cold air down ultimately saving you money on energy costs by making your air conditioner more effective.
Wash the Windows
Take advantage of the good weather and spend a morning cleaning your windows. Much better to do this now than in the middle of winter! If it’s been a while since you cleaned your windows, opt for soapy water and a sponge instead of just relying on window cleaner. You may need to really scrub to get the dirt out.
Get Some Sudsy Screen Time
This is also a crucial step during the summer when your windows are open more and the humidity can encourage mold growth. Take the time to suds-up your window screens to keep your breathing easy and enjoy the fresh air.
Clean the Fridge
In hotter climates, bacteria grow faster−even in the refrigerator. Take the time to clean out your fridge, rinsing down the surfaces with gentle antibacterial soap and throwing out anything expired or moldy. This is also important during the season of fruits and veggies−consider investing in a food-grade cleaner to wash your produce and avoid any of the nasty bacteria that could be lurking, like salmonella.
