Foreclosures and fixer-uppers can appear to need a lot of work — scaring away some inexperienced first-time homebuyers who have not done enough do-it-yourself projects to know which little changes and small projects can make a huge difference.
For example, a bathroom “can be refreshed with a little paint, a new mirror, medicine cabinet, toilet seat, vanity top, faucet and accessories,” said Perry Clauser, head of contractor Innovative Homes in Poolesville, Md. “A DIY-er can do this themselves in a weekend for under $600.”
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Replacing old faucets and appliances is, of course, one option, but appliance paint is a less expensive alternative to give a kitchen a new sheen. Remember, though, to thoroughly clean rust and dirt off the appliance before applying the paint.
Bathtubs, meanwhile, can be refinished to get rid of stains. It requires the surface be scraped and sandpapered, then reglazed with an enamel solvent. Another choice is a custom-fitted acrylic tub liner installed over the old one. Both options — which are available from professionals — can save you from redoing the floors and plumbing around the tub. To have a tub professionally replaced with a new one, which includes plumbing and tiling, look to spend about $1,500, Clauser says.
Handy homeowners can brighten and update a room with new light fixtures. Installation “requires no special skills or electrical knowledge, and any new homebuyer can tackle this project in a matter of hours,” Lowe’s spokeswoman Abby Buford said.
Use three to five light sources at different heights in every room, Buford advised. They will add depth and interest by creating separate pools of light and shade. Her estimated cost? About $500 on average.
Like everything else, more money means more options, and one good place to spend extra cash could be right at your feet.
New flooring can “make a great impression,” Clauser said. For kitchen floors, he recommends laminates or upgraded vinyl, which “is a little more expensive but looks great, and for a small kitchen or bath, it would be much less than tile.”
As for carpets, Buford suggested steam cleaning ones that are in reasonable shape, and biting the bullet and getting new carpets to replace those that aren’t.
“For high-activity areas … the best choice is a stain-resistant nylon that will hold its color and has a great deal of durability,” she said.
Retiling is also a good option for revamping bathrooms in particular. Lowe’s’ Web site has videos on how to tackle various home projects, including tiling, and you can check with local DIY stores to see whether they have any workshops on site coming up.
But if you want professional help and are seeking a contractor, Clauser suggested using one that is endorsed by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. There are also services like Consumers’ Checkbook, the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List to help you pick a reliable, cost-effective contractor in your area.
