top of page
Writer's pictureJohn Trapasso

Save Money and Skip These 3 Home Updates

Updated: Jun 30, 2023


Man woodworking

Every renter has something they can’t wait to do when they buy their first home. Maybe you are eager to paint your walls something other than “antique white.” Maybe you’ve always wanted a doggie door or a backyard fire pit.


We hope you’re able to make your first home everything you’ve always wanted! But we caution you not to get too carried away. There are a few home updates that may be better to skip. Save yourself time and money—and reap additional benefits, too! These three common home updates may be better left undone.

 

Swapping the Brass

Have brass door knobs lost their shine in your eyes? Depending on how large your home is, swapping out every door knob (and the matching hinges, don’t forget!) can be a big chore. But did you know that brass door knobs disinfect themselves? Several metals, such as copper, aluminum, and silver, have similar antimicrobial properties, but none works as well as brass. Skip the work and stick with brass. In addition to again becoming a popular decor choice, they’re a great feature for a clean and healthy home.

 

Working from Home

It’s easier than ever to work from anywhere on Earth—so why ever leave the comfort of your home? If you’re considering converting an unused bedroom into a permanent office, you may want to take a moment to think it through. In addition to removing space for guests, a home office could cost you a pretty penny. Depending on the setup you require, “you will likely need to add wall outlets and phone jacks (up to $450), install new hardware (up to $1,500), and pay for extra electricity to support your computers and other electronics (up to $1,020),” according to HomeAdvisor. Plus, if the next buyer would prefer a bedroom, it could be hard to recoup those costs.

 

Going Industrial

Has it always been your dream to have more stainless steel in your kitchen than a meat processing plant? Converting all your kitchen appliances to stainless steel can easily set you back a couple grand—and often much more. However, spending that same money on other kitchen updates (counters, cabinets, hardware, etc.) will better translate when you’re ready to sell. Appliances depreciate quickly and do not add value when they convey. Bottom line: use the existing appliances as long as you can and invest your renovation money elsewhere unless you require a true chef’s experience.

 

Do these tips make you more confident about moving into your first home? Learn more about how to get the most bang for your buck with these 3 Helpful Renovation Tips that Add Big Value to Your Home.


If you still have questions, our EXP professionals are here to help. Contact your agent today for a list of local renovation and home repair experts.

 

All real estate is local. In order to make confident real estate decisions, we believe it is important for you to have timely and neighborhood-specific information. If you would like more information about buying a home in NC, our experts at EXP Realty are here to help. Contact us today to speak with a EXP agent about buying homes or land in North Carolina.

2 views0 comments

Comentários


bottom of page