Think of home remodeling, and your mind probably brings you to vision boards for the living room, master suites, kitchen, and bath. Sometimes your plan extends to the yard. Perhaps you want to set up a garden or build a deck.
All these are great, but other home renovation ideas also matter. Here are underrated remodeling projects you can undertake:
1. Roofing and Gutter
The roof shelters you from all weather conditions, but it doesn’t receive so much love. When was the last time you have it cleaned or maintained?
Modern roofs are strong, but they still experience wear and tear. For example, shingles can break, chip, and fall. Metals can rust, or birds can roost, leaving behind their dropping. These things can make your roofing vulnerable to leak, mildew, and mold.
Your gutter can be just as damaged and worn out as the roof. It captures all the melted snow and even fallen branches or leaves. If you don’t clean it regularly, it can accumulate dirt and debris. Some gutters use nails, and these fasteners can also decay.
Since roof replacement is expensive, consider checking the roof at least twice a year. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends doing it in spring and fall since the weather is more favorable.
For the gutter, you can invest in metal gutter protection, which includes a locking system that secures it to the roof without using corrosion-prone materials like nails.
2. Window and Door Gaps
If you’ve been paying horrendous amounts of money for heating and air-conditioning, you can check the gaps on your windows and doors. No matter how small they are, they can:
- Allow heat to escape during the winter, so you have to use your heater more extensively
- Let coolness leave, so you turn the AC on full blast
Fixing the problem need not be costly. It can be as simple as tightening the hinge screws. Sometimes doors leave gaps because screws have become loose. You can also do weather stripping.
The EPA has released an extensive guideline of ideal materials and when to use them. If your doors and windows already have a weather-strip material, perhaps you need to change it.
3. Cladding
Cladding works like your skin. It is an external sheath that protects the inner layer, such as your home’s primary wall. While it enhances the appearance of the property, it also offers other benefits:
- It improves weather resistance, so your home becomes more durable and the outside structure more long-lasting.
- It increases thermal efficiency and insulation.
- It reduces molds.
- It can lower maintenance costs since they don’t need regular cleaning.
A note, though: cladding is also a controversial home project because of flammability. If you want to pursue this, work with an expert. Spend on materials, such as solid aluminum, which doesn’t have a combustible core.
4. Home Repainting
If you want to increase property value but money is tight, then repaint your house. This project could cost around $2,000. However, the return on investment could reach up to 200%, according to some experts.
Even changing the door’s shade, where you could spend up to $500, can already increase your resale value by $6,000.
Repainting your house can also protect your home from environmental elements and improve indoor air quality if you use a paint that emits low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These home remodeling projects not only boost the look of the property but also keep you and your family safe and healthy.
