KUSA - Each year Angie's List, a user-run website that collects consumer reviews of service companies, surveys its customers to find out what home improvement plans they have for the year to boost their home's appeal.
Their 2012 survey highlighted five main categories from simple paint jobs, to major renovations.
Remodeling your home
If you are considering updating your home, great places to start can be the kitchen or the bathroom. If done correctly can earn you up to 85 percent return on your investment. "But the key here is not overdoing it, but keeping up with the Jones's," Angie Hicks of Angie's List said. Other projects that have a high return are decks, siding and windows.
Aesthetic home improvements
If you are working with a smaller budget but still want to boost your home's appeal, consider painting or replacing your lighting. These items go through more wear-and-tear and updating can give your home the face lift it needs. If painting the outside of the house, "the best thing to do is look at trim. If the trim is starting to peel it's time to paint. You don't want to wait until it's visible from the street because you have a whole different level of paint job at that point." Greg Mrakich of Greg Mrakich Painting said. If inside, moving out furniture and removing paintings yourself can cut the cost in half.
Landscaping & curb appeal
Basic landscaping is often overlooked. Well-designed landscape can add 7 percent to 14 percent to your home's value by enhancing its curb appeal and even making it more energy efficient. Easy first steps are to start with a yard cleanup, take care of your lawn, pick the perfect plants, add mulch and plant a tree.
Repair & maintenance
Home repairs and routine maintenance can go a long way and save you money in the long run. An easy way to know what needs to be done is hiring handyman or handywoman service. Finding the right service can help in cost to since they tend to have less overhead than a contractor. They are also typically skilled in many areas and can perform multiple projects in one visit.
Fix or replace appliances
Get the most for your money and take care of your home appliances. "Like many things, basic maintenance is what is going to keep your appliances running longer. So, dust off your appliance's owner's manual to determine what needs to be taken care of," Hicks suggests.
For a complete list of do's and don'ts for each of the five categories, check out www.angieslist.com
Editor's Note:
9NEWS Intern Alex Vitale contributed to this story.
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