Home Improvement Myths You Need To Know

January 17, 2012

Home Improvement

Home Improvement Myths You Need To Know

Article by T.W. Jackson

When it comes to home improvement there are a few myths out there that should be debunked quickly and before you begin your home improvement project. Knowing the truth about these myths can help you preserve the value of your home, the happiness of your marriage, and your own personal sanity.

Home Improvement Myth #1: It’s ALWAYS Cheaper to Do it Yourself

This is one that’s a hard lesson to learn for many people interested in home improvement projects. First of all, some states require licensed contractors to do certain home renovations and repairs. There are fines involved in not seeking the proper permits or having a certified professional do the work. Always check for the specific work you’re doing first.

Second, there are some jobs that you lack the skills, knowledge, and equipment to do on your own. No matter how “handy” you may be there is a limit to your abilities and knowledge. That is where many professionals come in handy and actually save you money over making costly mistakes and then being forced to pay the professionals to repair damage that has been done.

For low risk, low investment projects, by all means it’s a great idea to DIY. But, when you’re working with electricity, roofing, and costly countertops and cabinetry it may be best to call in the professionals for installation, repairs, and/or renovations.

Home Improvement Myth #2: All Home Improvements are Good Investments

Home improvements, like many things in life are in the eye of the beholder. If you are planning to sell your home anytime in the near future then you’ll want to make home improvements with an eye to resale value rather than only based on personal tastes.

There are some changes you can make to your home that are only bonuses to you. The average family isn’t interested in a tennis court, recording studio, or rooftop greenhouse. Those are specialty features that the average buyer will view as something to be changed about the house if they decide to buy it.

Keep that in mind as you make changes to your home. Also remember that there are a lot of “fads” in the home improvement process. Some of these will come and go quickly. Don’t fall for the fads. Go with neutral colors and timeless features for the best results concerning the value of your home now and in the future.

Home Improvement Myth #3: You Can Never Improve Your Home too Much

You should also avoid “over improving” your home for the value of homes in the neighborhood if you ever hope to recover your investment. It happens all the time on these television renovation shows where people come in expecting to flip mid-priced homes in middle class neighborhoods, go hog wild with special touches and features and then are unable to recover their investment because the home is priced too high for the middle income neighborhood.

Don’t let that happen to your home if you have an eye on selling the home in the future. Make your improvements with an eye on how it’s going to impact the value of your home in the neighborhood you’re in. It’s often harder to sell the best house on the block at a desirable selling price than any other home in the neighborhood.

Renovation Nation: Save Water, Save Money

Home Improvement – click on the image below for more information.

The green renovation movement has taken off in America. Join Steve Thomas, former host of This Old House, as he travels the nation visiting with eco-sensitive homeowners who are making the choice to go green. In this six episode series, Steve sees how some green remodeling projects are using and saving water in new ways. From rainwater collection systems to solar hot water heaters and ingenious wa