FOR BREaAKING tNEWS VIhSIT WWWo.QNS.COmM e JULY 11, 2019 • THE QUEENS COURIER 39
A guide to aff ordable home improvement
Th e holy grail of home improvement is
a project that makes a big diff erence to the
appearance or value of the home without
breaking the bank. Th e key is to focus on
low-cost, quality items that will give the
most bang for your buck. Here are fi ve to
consider:
New bathroom countertop
Bathroom remodels still provide some
of the best return on investment for home
improvement projects, but can also be
some of the most expensive. If you can’t
aff ord a full bathroom overhaul, opt for
one high-impact update. Replace that outdated
laminate vanity countertop with a
stone version to bring an immediate touch
of class to the bathroom. Th is update can
be completed quickly and, for homeowners
with a little plumbing knowledge,
could even be a DIY project.
Refi nish kitchen cabinets
According to Home Advisor, replacing
kitchen cabinets in a typical 10-by-10
kitchen costs an average $4,000-$13,000.
For homeowners not able to make that
type of investment, refi nishing existing
cabinets can provide a dramatic upgrade
at a fraction of the cost. Homeowners can
start by removing all cabinet doors and
hardware, keeping all hardware together
in a bag in case it’s needed later. Cabinets
with a glossy fi nish should be sanded,
either with blocks or a chemical product,
then either stained (consider an espresso
fi nish for a modern look) or painted.
Adding new, brushed metal fi xtures completes
the look.
Aff ordable roof update
For the biggest ROI on an improvement,
look outside. Remodeling Magazine’s
2019 Cost vs. Value Report revealed nine
of the top 10 high-return remodeling
projects were exterior replacement projects.
Replacing a roof can sound overwhelming,
but with some smart shopping
can provide a major curb appeal boost on
a budget.
A common misconception is that
expensive products equal better products.
While that can certainly be true, there are
lots of examples where the most expensive
option is not the best choice for every
consumer. Th is is certainly true in large
home improvement projects, where the
costs can run high and the consequences
for purchasing subpar materials can
be serious. But, homeowners can save
money while protecting their investments
by fi nding the low-cost leader in the product
category: a product that provides the
best quality for the price point.
“In many product segments there is
a low-cost leader - a product or brand
comparable in quality to more expensive
brands, but off ered at a lower cost to provide
the best value per dollar,” says Rick
Taylor, a longtime roofi ng contractor now
working as a trainer for TAMKO Building
Products, manufacturer of the low-cost
leader Heritage shingle. “Home improvement
isn’t the place to cut corners, but, if
you buy smart, you can save money even
on big exterior projects.”
New door and porch decor
A new entryway can add major curb
appeal to any home, but can also come
with a big price tag, especially if the
front porch area is aesthetically weak and
would require construction to build it
out. To achieve a similar result at a fraction
of the cost, replace the front door
with a new, energy-effi cient option with a
strong design element. You may even consider
painting it a bold color. Next, add
a ready-made pergola around the entryway,
or large concrete or sandstone pillars
on either side of the door, available
at most garden stores. Adding large, decorative
plants to the top of the pillars, or
around the doorway, can help defi ne a
dramatic entryway without ever pulling
out a hammer.
Paint
Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the
most aff ordable ways to update many portions
of the home. While time-consuming,
the transformative properties of paint
on a staircase, exterior shutters, interior
walls or even a fl oor are legendary. Paint
is another great opportunity to utilize the
consumer trick of looking for the lowcost
leader in the product category. Stay
away from the cheapest paint as it may
chip or require many coats to cover, and
in the end, cost you even more money to
fi x. But, also avoid the highest-end paints,
as you may be paying more for the brand
name than the actual product. Look for
the best quality option at the most aff ordable
price point.
Courtesy BPT
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