46 THE QUEENS COURIER • AT HOME • AUGUST 17, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
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Upcoming home improvement? How to navigate big purchases and make wise decisions
Are you planning an upcoming home
improvement? If so, you are not alone.
Higher-than-average renovation spending
is expected in 2017, according to a
leading consumer magazine, with more
than half of homeowners planning to
spend money on home improvements
throughout the year.
From upgrading appliances to gutting
entire rooms, big projects can have a big
impact on a home and on your wallet, so
it’s important to approach any renovation
with thoughtful intention.
To ensure you make the right decisions
when it comes to large purchases and
major home improvements, ask yourself
these fi ve questions:
How long do you plan
to live in the home?
Knowing how long you expect to live in
your home can help you better navigate
home improvements. If you only plan
to live in your home for fi ve years you’ll
likely make diff erent decisions than if it is
your forever home.
What is your budget?
Home upgrades don’t come cheap, so
it’s helpful to determine a budget before
you start. Consider renovations and
upgrades as a smart way to maintain your
home investment. By putting money into
your home, you are helping maintain its
integrity, style, usefulness and value.
When setting a budget, you can pay out
of pocket or take out a personal or home
equity loan. Additionally, some companies
off er low-interest fi nancing. If you
plan to borrow for your project, make
sure you clearly understand and are comfortable
with payment terms.
Once you set a budget, stick to it.
Problems may arise that require unexpected
additional costs, but oft en budget
blowouts are from homeowners who start
spending and the excitement of the project
causes them to go beyond their means.
What purchases are
worth the splurge?
Research and decide which purchases
are worth spending more on. For example,
appliances used nearly every day are a
worthwhile investment - especially if they
are more energy effi cient and off er features
that enhance your day-to-day routine.
Rather than getting a basic washer,
opt for the LG TWINWash(TM) 2-in-1
washer. It can run two loads at once, saving
homeowners time and energy.
LG TWINWash combines any Energy
Star(R)-certifi ed LG front load washer -
including the largest capacity on the market
(at 5.8 cu. ft ., it’s large enough to fi t a
full set of king-size bedding and a comforter)
- with a second washer, the LG
SideKick(TM). Th is smaller washer sits
in place of the pedestal, and washes 3-4
lbs. of clothes, making it perfect for custom
care items.
Owners of LG washers can also decide
to upgrade their existing front load washer
from 2009 on with the LG SideKick
instead of purchasing a new one - making
a big upgrade simple.
Bottom line: Make sure your purchase
improves your daily life and is proven to
last. (For example, LG washers and dryers
were recently named the most reliable
in all laundry categories by a leading U.S.
consumer products publication).
What is the ROI?
Th e return on investment should be considered
in many ways for home improvements.
First, check out reputable reports
like the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.
For example, adding fi berglass attic insulation
recoups 107.7 percent of the cost.
In addition to resale ROI, consider
other ways you’ll get a return on your
investment. Will your upgrade help you
save energy and reduce your bills? Will
it save you time and stress in daily life?
Does it enhance your home’s aesthetic
and fl ow? Th ese are other ROIs that are
just as valuable to consider as resale ROI.
What does the research say?
It’s worth your time to conduct research
so you get the best outcome possible.
Learn about materials to discover which
is best for your lifestyle and research
brands. If you’re hiring the project out,
research contractors to fi nd a reputable
professional for the job.
Starting a home improvement project
is exciting. Answering these questions
will help ensure your time and fi nancial
investment are well spent.
Courtesy BPT