Homeowners have a responsibility to keep everything on their property looking nice, but you can’t let it end there. Having a nice, clean home is essential, but you should be doing everything in your power to achieve the nicest looking home possible and increase its market worth.
Whether you plan on listing your home for sale within the next year, next 30 years, or would rather keep the property in your family for generations; making a household improvement or two each year is always a great option. Rather than neglecting your property, consider all the changes you can make and how amazing your home will be afterwards. Simply adding an outdoor fire pit, which offers a 78% return on investment (ROI), can turn your backyard into the neighborhood hotspot for cookouts, parties, and just relaxing on summer nights.
Before you start gathering your tools and throwing on your work gloves, you have to keep something in mind: home remodeling permits.
According to Investopedia, though obtaining permits can be expensive, frustrating, and time-consuming, it’s necessary and required for certain home remodeling projects. With interior designers recommending updting decor every five to 10 years, plenty of homeowners are expecting to undergo major renovation projects. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40% of all remodeling activity was for minor additions and alterations and 30% was for major additions and alterations.
Failing to obtain the proper permits before any home remodeling work is done could result in the complication or even cancellation of the sale when your home hits the market. During home inspections and appraisal, property owners will likely have to show that all the proper permits were acquired and are on file. If the lending bank finds out renovations were performed without securing necessary permits, it will likely not make the loan.
Here are some common property renovation projects that likely require permits:
- Fencing
- New windows
- Footprint alterations
- Structural changes
- Plumbing and electrical
- Siding
- Water heater
There are, however, plenty of home improvement projects that don’t require permits, including:
- Replacing a faucet
- Painting or wallpapering
- Installing hardwood floors and carpeting
- Installing new countertops
- Minor electrical repairs that do not involve new service or moving existing service
In addition to acquiring the necessary permits for various property improvements, simply coming up with enough cash is a common roadblock for property owners across the country. Luckily, with a little budgeting, research, and planning, you can significantly improve the look, feel, and value of your home for as little as a few hundred bucks.
Here are some excellent property improvements you can make for under $500:
- Patching up your roof
- Installing smart home devices
- Building a standalone bar
- Replace appliances and hardware
- Home staging
As long as you’re acquiring the necessary permits, are working with experienced professionals, and properly budget, you will be able to significantly improve the look, feel, and value of your home. Good luck and enjoy!
