How to Save Money and Add 20% to the Value of Your Home

January 24th, 2008 categories: Redding, Ridgefield, Selling Your House, Talking Real Estate

Tools in Ridgefield, CT Want to get the most out of your house? The most enjoyment and satisfaction. The most money when you put the “home for sale” sign out front. Just like a Porsche sports car, you need to keep it properly maintained so it operates at peak performance and you get top dollar when you sell it.

Keep your house in great condition and you can sell it for up to 20% more.

Industry experts say that on average you should spend 1% - 3% of your home’s value each year to keep it in tip-top shape (I take care of my Ridgefield home as best I can). This includes minor upgrades and maintenance/repairs for things like plumbing, heat and A/C, paint, roof, electrical, windows, doors, major appliances, landscaping and everything else that keeps your home in perfect working order. But you don’t need to call a professional for every project. If you have the time, inclination and some skill, you can make some of this work your weekend project.

Here are some extremely valuable websites that will help you keep your house “hitting on all 8″, save you money by DIYing (doing it yourself) and when it’s time to sell, you’ll be assured of getting the best price.

Do It Yourself - www.diyideas.com
How to do Things - www.howtodothings.com
DIY Network - www.diynetwork.com
Do It Yourself - www.doityourself.com
Bob Vila - www.bobvila.com

Ridgefield Area Building Supply Stores

To keep those projects on-time and under budget, we’ve got several sources for tools and supplies. Here’s where to go:

Ridgefield Supply Company - Local, family-owned business that’s been here forever. Located in Ridgefield, “Supply” is where professionals go for lumber, paint, windows and doors, tools and more. Supply has everything you’d need to build a house. The staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. DIYer’s beware, they close at noon on Saturday and they’re closed on Sunday.

Ring’s End Lumber - Another locally owned business, you can find Ring’s End in Bethel and Lewisboro. Another resource for professionals, Ring’s End provides DIYer’s with top quality products and assistance.

The Home Depot - Located in Danbury and Brewster

Lowe’s - Located in Danbury.

Stay on top of all your maintenance projects and call a professional when you don’t have the time or skill to tackle a job (I had the pros install a new boiler). But… I always encourage you to try something new. What’s the worst that can happen. You get part way through it and you call for some help. And when you make the call, call me. I’ve got a network of reliable plumbers, electricians, whatever you need. We’re always here to help.