Prioritizing Repairs | Aesthetics

As far as prioritizing the things you need to do to your home, repairs are essential. But you still need to be comfortable in your living space. After all, it’s where you spend most of your time each day.

One great way to address the aesthetics of your home is to do so right after buying, before you move in. You want to make everything as livable as possible, even when it comes to how it looks. Take down outdated wallpaper, paint and replace old carpet prior to bringing in furnishings. Because, the truth is, you’re less likely to change the things you want to once you’re settled (it’s just so darn inconvenient).

But what if you’re long since moved in already? Then you need to prioritize your cosmetic projects based upon a few factors:

Need

In a house with an average of 2 to 4 residents, carpet that is simply vacuumed regularly will “last” about 3 to 5 years. But that number is certainly negotiable. It can be less if you have animals and young children, as they put more wear and tear on a carpet. But it can also be extended if the carpet is properly cared for, such as addressing stains immediately when they occur and having the carpet professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months.

What it comes down to is just how bad the carpet looks. If it’s stained and frayed and nothing will change that, then it’s time to have it replaced. The same goes for painting. If you can’t use soap and water – or that handy Mr. Clean magic eraser sponge – to get the scuff marks off the walls, then it’s time for a coat of fresh paint.

Time

Putting down laminate woodgrain flooring is going to take much longer to accomplish than painting a room.  Additionally, scraping the popcorn ceiling or painting the kitchen cabinetry is going to take a day our two (and some sore arms). Keep these things in mind if you’re planning a bunch of DIY updates around the house.

That is, assuming you want to do it yourself. Installing carpet, vinyl or even laminate flooring is better left to the professional – there are just too many factors at play, too many difficulties and too many tools required. Besides, with a professional handling a flooring project, what might take you several days (a week?!?) to complete can be accomplished in one, especially if you remove the old carpet for them (which will also save on labor costs).

Budget

Painting takes less time than changing the floors, and is also much cheaper. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to update your living space, then fresh paint is the answer. On average, a gallon of quality interior paint costs $15-$25. A gallon of primer typically covers 200 square feet, while a gallon of paint covers about 350 square feet. This paint calculator will help you to determine how much paint you need for the space you’re looking to tackle so you can budget accordingly. 

Other inexpensive updates may include:

• Changing out light fixtures or adding ceiling fans
• Painting trim and/or doors
• Changing door hardware
• Changing cabinet and drawer hardware in the kitchen
• A new faucet in the kitchen (just turn the water line to the sink off first!)

Alternatively, the budget for flooring can vary tremendously depending upon what type of flooring you have installed and how much square footage you need. It’s best to consult with a professional to get an idea of all available options and prices, but look to spend (at the low end) $1,000 for vinyl flooring installed in a rather small room to upwards of $10,000+ for hardwoods installed in a large space.

As always, HA Construction is here to help you in whatever capacity you need. Give us a call and we’ll help you prioritize your home repairs and renovations so that you can make it your ideal living space.