Home Improvement
The RE/MAX Return on Reno Index
The RE/MAX Return on Reno Index is a proprietary tool to help you get the most value out of every renovating dollar you spend. We took an exhaustive look at the various renovations people commonly do on their homes and judged their return on investment based on a variety of criteria. The findings were nothing short of enlightening.
For more information please visit:"RE/MAX Smart Renovator Report — Return on Reno Index".
Fix-it and profit
Will repairing your rain gutters add value to your home? Ask any REALTOR® and they will tell you, "Yes!" So will caulking your driveway, painting rusty faucets and cleaning your deck.
Summer time is the best time to get to all those annoying maintenance projects that seem to pile up during the year. Many end up on a "to do" list that eventually falls onto the floor and slides under the fridge to be ignored forever. Don't let that happen to you! A home that is regularly maintained costs less to run and retains its value for when you decide to sell.
Simple home maintenance projects you can do this summer:
- Repair your rain gutters
Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters and drain pipes using barbecue tongs or by spraying water from your hose. Repair or replace any loose or missing gutter nails. - Clean and stain your deck
First, clean your deck with a power washer. (They are easy to rent if you don't have one.) Take care to make sure you know how to operate the washer. Next, sand the deck with a palm sander. Finally, apply a deck preservative. - Repair cracks in concrete
Clean cracks with a high pressure hose nozzle and let it dry. Apply concrete caulk for cracks less than ¼". For larger cracks, use concrete patch. - Recaulk your shower or tub
Cut the old caulk out completely. Clean and dry the area carefully. Apply a new bead of silicone caulk. Use your gloved fingers to smooth the fresh bead. - Paint rusty fixtures
Use paint specifically formulated to go over rust. Your gate hinges, latches and other rusty fixtures will get a much needed face lift and you will stop corrosion from continuing under the paint.