Saturday, October 21, 2006

Four Fall Home Projects For Less Than $500

 
Four Fall Home Projects
For Less Than $500
Many home remodeling projects can be trouble on your checkbook. A bathroom addition or window replacement will carry a huge return on investment, but these projects can also be quite expensive up front. However, there are scores of projects that can improve your home without costing an arm and a leg.

There are dozens of projects that cost less than $500 that are smart home improvements, so getting down to the top four requires a little direction. These are the projects that are best for fall.

1) Hire a Handyman: Depending on the projects that need to be accomplished, you can hire a handyman for under $500. The best idea is to have a handyman out to identify all the maintenance that could be done: change furnace filter, repair drywall, repair loose doors and windows, clean gutters, put up storm windows, fix leaks, repair tile, winterize sprinklers, etc.

Remember that most handyman services have a trip charge, so it is best to have several items taken care of at once. Keeping these projects under $500 is up to you and the demands of your home, not to mention the rate of the particular handyman. However, you can knock off these a few at a time without getting too costly. The main thing you are paying for is the peace of mind of having these projects finished.

2) Duct Cleaning: Basically, a super-powered vacuum is hooked to your intake vent, and everything hiding in your ducts is swept away. This is a process that can cost as little as $100 in some areas of the country, although we have heard that some companies charge close to $1,000. However, the average across all companies and all homes comes in under $500.

This little improvement can have a big impact in that your heating unit will run more efficiently without all the obstructions, and it will also greatly improve the air quality in your home.

3) Driveway Sealing: This is an excellent project that will keep your driveway from early erosion from the brutal sun and the quick freezes. Most companies charge between $.10-$.25 per square foot, while some companies charge between $85-$100 per 1,000 square feet. If you have a large driveway or if yours requires several coats, this might run close to $1,000. However, most homeowners can have this done for far less.

4) Carpet Cleaning: Homeowners often neglect their carpets until they get too many stains to live with. Carpet is supposed to be cleaned every 12-18 months; however most people have them cleaned every 6-8 years. At around $.16-$.20 per square foot, this smart little home improvement will cost far less than $500 for the typical home, while also extending the life of the carpet, removing allergens and creating a better looking home. Better still, some companies will clean the carpets and ducts in one trip to your house.

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