Easy Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home

Small improvements can quickly add value to your home. With warm weather just around the corner, now might be the perfect time to decide which DIY projects you want to take on. This edition of TRIO offers three upgrades that can instantly increase your home’s curb appeal.

1. Replace Worn Windows

If your house is more than 25 years old, it’s probably time to look for new windows. In addition to providing a facelift to your house, new windows can also offer benefits that can be felt from the inside out. Older homes will likely have single-pane glass. Newer windows are more energy-efficient and frequently have heat-reflective coatings added that can save you money on your energy bills. Calculate your potential savings to see what you might be able to save. Replacing windows can get expensive, but with a little training, you can do it yourself in a weekend!

2. Update Cabinets and Countertops

Home remodels can get expensive! Watch any home improvement show, and a bulk of the budget tends to be in the kitchen or bathroom. With the average update ranging from $100 to $250 a square foot, a full room remodel may not be in your budget; however, you don’t need to have a complete demo to transform your space. It’s easy to change the entire look of a room by upgrading the cabinets and countertops. Whether you’re moving from Formica countertops to higher-end materials such as granite, quartz or butcher block, or adding custom cabinets, you can give new life to your favorite space. Don’t forget about backsplashes. With options ranging from tile to tin, you can easily find a material and pattern that fits your style.

3. Modernize Light Fixtures

If you want to make a significant impact on a small budget, consider looking up. Your light fixtures might be the easiest and most affordable way to update your home. Stroll through the lighting area in a home improvement store, and you’ll find a variety of lighting options that will match your home’s decor. While it’s easy to be tempted to shop based on style, it’s important to focus on function when looking at lighting. Overhead lights will brighten the entire room. Decorative lights are ideal for creating ambiance in a room. LED lights go great under countertops and cabinets. Dimmer switches provide a bit of variety for multipurpose spaces. Once you determine what type of lighting you want your room to have, you can focus on selecting the right size for your space. Electrical repairs don’t have to be difficult, but it’s important to put safety first.

If you’d like to learn more about easy ways to improve the value of your home, explore upcoming courses in our digital catalog. Courses related to this edition of TRIO can be found on page 17. To register online, search for the class by name at meridiantech.edu/shortcourses or call 405.377.3333 to enroll. To find out about more courses like this sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.

Cara Adney is the Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator at Meridian Technology Center.