You may be considering home improvement because you are hoping to resell your home, or just because you want to be more comfortable in the place you call home. However, being comfortable with the idea of home improvement does not necessarily mean that you have to spend tens of thousands of dollars. Here are some great options for home improvement- even with a shoestring budget.

Installing Energy Efficient Windows

When you choose energy efficient windows, you are making the decision to better your home and your environment. Often, all of the windows in your home can be replaced for under $10,000. This is an excellent investment because it can cut the heating and cooling costs in your home by a couple hundred dollars each year. You can also claim a tax credit- and it is one of the investments that will boost your home’s value if you are looking to sell! Though, installing windows is quite a task and it would be in your best interests to hire a professional, such as the ones at Aerotech.

Adding a Second Bathroom

Whether your family has just grown so much that a second bathroom would be a huge convenience, or you are looking to boost your home’s value, this is a great project. The cost to add a second bathroom depends largely on how the plumbing is routed in your house, as well as the appliances that you choose. You can easily turn any unused space into a bathroom- even a little extra room under the stairs. You need only 18 square feet for a half bathroom and 30 square feet with a full size bathroom. The return on this investment is usually between 80% and 130%.

Add a Deck to Your Home

This can be a fun home improvement project, or even an opportunity to relax when you finally get your hard-earned vacation hours! The cost of adding a deck can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. It really depends on the design and size of your deck, as well as the materials you plan to work with. In addition to being a great place to relax, a nice deck will also catch the eye of possible home buyers! It is estimated that anywhere from 65-90% of your total investment can be recouped during resale. Remember, if you do decide to hire a contractor for this project- shop around first! Nothing is worse than paying more for your deck than it is worth.

Revamp Your Extra Space

Using the extra space in your home has unlimited possibilities, and it is a project you can work on a little bit at a time. The greatest thing about this home improvement project is that you can do anything you want. You can turn your basement into a game room, turn your attic into a playroom for the kids, or even just remodel the space under your steps into a guest room. You can even choose to build an extra room over the garage and use it as a guest room, or rent it out to generate a little extra revenue. When you do this, try to keep things simple so you get the most out of your reinvestment when it comes time to sell. Potential home buyers love spare rooms that they can do whatever they please with!

Before you choose a home improvement project, first make sure the entire project is in your budget. That shouldn’t be hard with the projects that made this list! Also, consider how your project is increasing the value of your home- whether it is to improve your own feelings about your home or improve its total value. Finally, if you do plan on selling in the future, at least be sure that some of your home improvement investment is going to make it back in your pocket!