John Karadsheh
Our homes are among our biggest assets and so it is important to continually invest in them to keep them in great shape.
However, we sometimes get so caught up on the idea of the big projects that we forget that the smaller investments of time and resources are just as important. While you are stuck inside during the hot summer, here are some things you can do to show your home some love and help you save money in the long run.
1. Get A Home Inspection: The best way to create a home punch list is to get a full home inspection. A licensed home inspector can assess all your home systems and help you prioritize which improvement projects are most critical. This will help you better allocate resources, plan for bigger ticket projects, and keep your home in tip-top shape. Call us for a list of recommended inspectors! $500
2. Do A Deep Cleaning: Clean houses function better mechanically and are also better for your respiratory health. Take the time this summer to have the carpets cleaned, scrub your home from top to bottom (including walls, light fixtures, and inside closets and cabinets), and clean the windows inside and out. Replace your air filters and don’t forget dryer ducts need cleaning, too! $500 – $1000
3. Invest in Energy Efficiency: Add summer sunscreens on your west windows, install programmable thermostats, and swap to LED lightbulbs. SRP is offering a $50 rebate on the installation of each programmable thermostat and additional credits are available if you enroll in their Bring Your Own Thermostat program. $100-$1000
4. Replace your Grass:Take advantage of the City of Mesa Grass-to-Xeriscape program and get a rebate of up to $1,000 to convert your grass to desert landscaping or artificial turf. The Mesa Trees are Cool initiative also offers up to a $100 rebate for the planting of two trees in your yard. $500-$1000
5. Update Your Light Fixtures: Changing out old light fixtures and fans is a fun way to update the style of your home and refresh your space. Amazon, Wayfair, and Lowes all have affordable light fixtures that can transform your interiors and they even have lower priced dupes from higher end brands like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. $100-$1000
6. Paint: Like everything, paint has gotten more expensive, but it is still a great way to transform and refresh your spaces. Warm whites and light beiges are back in style and make spaces bright and inviting. These lighter wall colors pair well with green plants for a more organic look. $100-$1000
7. Do A One Room Challenge on a Budget: Looking for a fun summer project? Pick your least favorite room in the house (we all have one!) and make it your most favorite with inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest. Paint, move furniture, add a few new accessories, find gems at thrift stores, and revision the space to make it dreamy. $500-$1000
8. Upgrade the Thing That Irritates You Most! Do you hate your old dishwasher? Is your old router causing your internet to be frustratingly slow? Does your ugly faucet make you cringe? Figure out what bugs you most about your house and tackle that thing first. We hated our old garbage disposal for a decade and when we finally got a new one it was life changing. We now wish we had changed it years ago!
If you need referrals for your home projects, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We have a great “rolodex” and are always happy to share our contacts!