Here are 20 quick-start ideas to help you maintain and enhance the value of your home.
Repair
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Get a plumber and electrician to make sure your pipes and wiring are in the right places and working properly.
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Replace chipped tiles in your shower and tub, re-grout if needed.
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Make sure all latches and bolts work, that the hinges are well-oiled and that they don’t creak.
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Take care of minor repairs that crop up every now and then immediately. Proper maintenance saves you quite a bit on expensive restoration and renovation.
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Make sure your house is water and wind proofed. Check for broken roof tiles/slates, blocked drainpipes, and get them fixed.
Refresh
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Change the filter in your air-conditioner to avoid that stale, musty smell when it’s turned on.
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A new coat of paint on all your walls does more than brighten up the rooms.
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Spruce up your front door – a fresh coat of paint, a new knocker, or even a shiny knob – they work wonders. And make sure your doorbell works!
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Paint the fence (or railing) surrounding your house, and get those broken boards and bars fixed.
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Give your yard a cosmetic makeover by getting rid of old junk lying around, trim the hedges, mow your lawn, and rake up those leaves. Uproot dead and dying plants and shrubs.
Replace
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Swap old, leaky faucets with shiny new ones.
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Reface cabinet doors, especially those that are peeling and fading.
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Put new blades in your ceiling fans.
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Redo your bathroom floor – new vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl make a world of difference.
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Install a new bathtub, toilet, or shower if needed.
Redecorate
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Hang a large mirror in the living room; it creates virtual space besides adding to overall appeal.
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If you have a fireplace, make sure it is the center of the room. Rearrange the furniture around it.
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Use throws and pillows in colors that match the room to cover up worn sofa and chair upholstery.
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Update your kitchen appliances; at the very least, make sure they match.
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Add subtle lighting effects that make your home look appealing in the dark from the outside.
