
Are you excited for barbeques, the sunshine, the smell of freshly cut grass, and finally tackling those exterior home upgrades you’ve been waiting on? You should be! The cold gray of winter is enough to make anyone dream of greener pastures. But, before you go tackling those remodeling projects you’ve been researching while at work and supposedly being productive, there are some things you should know.
Check any home remodeling site, and you’re likely to find 100+ reasons why the exterior remodeling projects we discuss here are a great idea. And for the most part, they are. Of course, with any project, there are things that can go right, and things that can go not-so-right. Which is exactly the way we’ve structured this article. The good and the not-so-good, broken down for you, so that you can quickly decide what remodeling projects you’ll tackle this season, and which ones you’ll put back on the shelf.
Deck Renovation
What’s the benefit?
As your deck ages, constant exposure to the elements can cause a host of potentially-hazardous problems including splintering, structural weakness, and mold. Not to mention, a worn-out deck can drive your property value down.
Remodeling your existing deck can save you thousands compared to starting from scratch. According to HomeAdvisor, repairing a wood deck costs just over $1,500 on average, whereas a ground-up project runs over $7,000 on average.
What can go right:
Homeowners who take the plunge and overhaul a deck past it’s prime can expect a healthy return on their investment. On average, over 85% of the cost to renovate a wooden deck is recouped when it comes time to sell the house. The figures are slightly lower, but still promising for composite decks, which return just under 80% of their cost.
What can go wrong:
If you elect to install composite decking over traditional hardwood, be ready to pay up to $20 more per square foot, in addition, the reduced resale value for composite decks mentioned above. Lastly, make sure you’re up-to-speed on what maintenance is required to keep the new decking in tip-top shape, or you could be faced with re-doing the work sooner than later.
Outdoor faucet replacement
What’s the benefit?
There are nearly a half-dozen common causes of faucet failure, and while It’s not uncommon at all for outdoor faucets to develop leaks, repairing or replacing them right away can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Even a moderately-fast leak (60 drops per second) means you’re paying for nearly 400 gallons of wasted per year. A replacement faucet can be installed by a pro in no time and for less investment than you might think.
What can go right:
Aside from preventing an unnecessary “drain” on your wallet, repairing a leaking outdoor faucet minimizes your environmental impact. You can also save the spigot itself by simply replacing the faucet, as a leak will likely damage that too given enough time.
What can go wrong:
If left untreated long enough, a leaking outdoor faucet can cause damage to your home’s foundation, which could mean catastrophic repairs later on. The average foundation repair will run a little over $4,000 according to our friends at HomeAdvisor.
Landscaping overhaul
What’s the benefit?
Whether your landscaping is a DIY project or the work of a professional, one thing’s for certain, it makes a big difference in your home’s curb appeal. How much of a difference? A recent report showed that a well-landscaped home is worth as much as 11% more than one that isn’t.
If that isn’t enough incentive, imagine how much more enjoyable your time outdoors will be in the warmer season if one of the best yards in the neighborhoods happens to be yours. You can already see the jealous neighbors…!
What can go right:
Hiring a professional landscaping company costs an average of nearly $3,300, so if you’re willing to sacrifice a few weekends, the DIY route can save you a ton of cash. Plus, there are literally thousands of awesome landscaping ideas on the web to inspire you. All it takes is some creativity and a little elbow grease.
What can go wrong:
Landscaping is generally a safe venture, even for first-time homeowners. But, that’s not to say it’s completely foolproof. A critical misstep of the DIY landscaping process is poor budgeting of the time and/or money the project will require. To avoid headaches, pre-calculate all your expenses as best you can, and give yourself an extra day or two to get the work done.
When it comes to exterior renovations, the projects discussed here are just the tip of the iceberg. Whatever upgrades you have in mind for your home, we hope you’re feeling more confident breaking ground and getting started.
For more tips, tricks, and insider-info covering all things homeownership be sure to check out the rest of our blog. To speak with a plumbing professional about your remodeling project or request a bid, contact us today. With over 30 years of experience serving the St. Louis community, we’re the plumbing experts you can trust.
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