Simple upgrades like adding a new light fixture, such as the semi-flush sputnik chandelier, to your foyer can make a bold statement. If the carpet in your living room is looking worn, remove it and install some hardwood flooring. Quality hardwood flooring can cost anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot and you can save some money by installing it yourself. If the carpet is still good, give it a good DIY carpet cleaning. Many times people will create an opening through a wall between two rooms similar to a large window opening to try to make their home feel more open or bigger. These openings really can make a big difference but adding an extra feature to them like an arched top makes them more appealing to the eye…
- Reserve this improvement for the pros, and expect to pay between $500 – $3,000 for the project.
- They’ll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
- Even newly constructed homes can see huge benefits from having an energy audit performed.
- Upgrade old kitchen countertops and add a kitchen backsplash for a new look.
- Plus, you can build the popular curb appeal element yourself.
If you refinance with an FHA loan, you’ll need 15% equity in your home. VA loans, on the other hand, are unique in that you can refinance 100% of the home’s value. In other words, you don’t have to leave any equity in the home if you meet your lender’s credit score requirements. When you do a cash-out refinance, the cash you get is tax-free.
With the right planning and pieces, even a small space can become an outdoor retreat. Look for nooks in your yard where you can put a bench and a small side table and make a mini patio to enjoy your landscape. If you have a window that faces frigid winter winds, replace it with a high-efficiency unit. If your home has single-pane windows, they could be wasting up to 25% of your energy costs. Improve your home’s energy efficiency by replacing single-pane windows with high-performance double-pane Energy Star-rated windows.
Add Bling to Closet Doors
However, it’s a good idea to weigh closing costs against interest rate savings and the potential increase in value to determine if a cash-out refinance makes sense for you. If you plan to move soon or take out only a small amount of money, a cash-out refinance may not be the best option. A cash-out refinance is like any other refinance, which means there are closing costs involved. The closing costs will typically be subtracted from the cash you’re getting, so you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
Rocket Mortgage
Transform the mood of the kitchen with a bold new backsplash in ceramic or glass tile. Just make sure the wall is sound before you start the installation. Choosing one color and clean-lined tile for the backsplash in a small kitchen keeps the look uncluttered and roomy.
How do I apply for home improvement programs?
“In other words, if you’re contemplating a kitchen remodel but your roof is leaking like a sieve, you need to address the roof issues first before indulging in any updates,” says Matke. These are unsecured loans issued and supported only by the borrower’s creditworthiness, rather than by any type of collateral. Our sister company Rocket Loans® offers personal loans for home improvement and many other uses. Lenders typically require you to maintain 15 – 20% equity in your home after a cash-out refinance. This can limit the amount you can access for home improvements.
Architectural salvage-and-reuse centers are hotspots for ideas and materials. Choose a low-flow showerhead and you’ll get virtually the same sensation of water flow while saving money on your water bill. If your showerhead flow is already low (and shouldn’t be), check to see if hard-water deposits are clogging the holes.
Making your outdoor space more functional can add a whole additional room without a costly renovation of addition. “Even just adding two chairs and a table to the patio makes it livable,” says Monaghan. “That’s another 400 square feet of living space,” which can feel like a lot in a 1,000-square-foot home. However, adding a skylight isn’t as easy as chopping a square into your roof. Reserve this improvement for the pros, and expect to pay between $500 – $3,000 for the project. First of all my best wishes go out to the folks who stop and read my stuff.
All you need are a few basic supplies and a free weekend to totally transform the look of a laundry room, bathroom or anywhere in your home that’s plagued by old or dirty tile. You can do it all for less than $50 and with no special equipment. For a pro look, curtains should puddle slightly or just kiss the floor.