Anaheim has lots of sun and a near-perfect climate, and its best homes have lush lawns and updates inside and out. Whether you live in your home or rent out a room for Disneyland visitors, we\u2019ll show you how to update your home to get the best value for the project.<\/p>
Table of Contents<\/h2>
This article will cover:<\/p>
- DIY vs. Contractor Projects<\/strong><\/a>
- Building code permits<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Getting the Best Return on Your Investment<\/strong><\/a>
- Projects with the best ROI<\/strong><\/a>
- Siding<\/a><\/li>
- Kitchen remodel<\/a><\/li>
- Doors<\/a><\/li>
- Manufactured stone veneer<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Worst project investments<\/strong><\/a>
- Sunroom<\/a><\/li>
- Master suite addition<\/a><\/li>
- Wall-to-wall carpet<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Indoor Projects<\/strong><\/a>
- Kitchen<\/a><\/li>
- Bathroom<\/a><\/li>
- Plumbing<\/a><\/li>
- Painting<\/a><\/li>
- Floors<\/a><\/li>
- New doors & windows<\/a><\/li>
- Solar panels<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Landscaping Trends That Improve Property Value<\/strong><\/a>
- Flowers<\/a><\/li>
- Trees<\/a><\/li>
- Hardscaping<\/a><\/li>
- Outdoor lighting<\/a> <\/li>
- Irrigation systems<\/a> <\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Smart Home Features<\/strong><\/a>
- Automatic lights<\/a><\/li>
- Thermostats<\/a><\/li>
- Locks<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
- Fencing for Value<\/strong><\/a> <\/li> <\/ul>
DIY vs. Contractor Projects<\/h2>
So you’re ready to fix up your home, and you\u2019ve decided which projects to dive into. Your next decision is whether to do it yourself or hire a contractor<\/a>. <\/p>
Here\u2019s what to consider: <\/p>
- How much time it will take (contractors almost always finish the job faster)<\/li>
- How much material, space, and equipment is needed (smaller is better for DIY)<\/li>
- How much patience you have (rushing will result in a sloppy-looking project)<\/li>
- Whether permits are required (usually for larger projects)<\/li>
- Mistakes could ruin your house (think faulty wiring or plumbing)<\/li> <\/ul>
Simple, low-cost improvements are fine for DIY unless you have zero skills, but larger, more expensive projects are best left to the pros. Check out some of the more common jobs homeowners take on themselves and which ones they step away from: <\/p>
![\"Graphic](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_easiest-diy-home-improvement-projects-646x1267.png\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> If your home projects don\u2019t actually improve the house, you\u2019ve thrown your money away. So be aware of the risks involved in DIY projects:<\/p>
- Your work may look sloppy<\/li>
- Extra money spent on the proper tools<\/li>
- You could injure yourself<\/li> <\/ul>
There are risks in hiring contractors as well. They include:<\/p>
- Your contractor may be unlicensed or uninsured (you take on liability for injuries)<\/li>
- The contractor may leave your job unfinished and not come back<\/li>
- Workers may enter parts of your home that are off-limits<\/li> <\/ul>
Building code permits<\/h3>
This one is a biggie. Not all improvements require a permit, but several do, and trying to get by without one is costly. Whether it\u2019s a DIY project or you\u2019ve hired it out, find out if the city or county requires a permit. You could find yourself up against these obstacles down the road if you go without.<\/p>
- Lower resale value<\/li>
- Trouble getting a loan<\/li>
- Trouble getting insurance<\/li>
- City penalties<\/li> <\/ul>
The only way to know if you need a permit for your remodeling projects is to check with your city. You may also want to see if your homeowners association has any restrictions on the project you\u2019re planning. <\/p>
How to Get the Best Return on Your Investment<\/h2>
Not all home improvements are worth the expense. With some home improvements, you will reap the rewards when it\u2019s time to sell, while other projects are little more than a money pit. <\/p>
Projects with the best ROI<\/h3>
Siding replacement<\/h4>
![\"Vertical](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/4657452982_9d8a3b37ea_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ntm1909<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Siding comes in wood, vinyl, fiber cement, and metal. All will vastly improve the look of your home when replacing old, faded siding. Using vinyl siding<\/a> (one of the most popular choices) costs an average of $3.50 per square foot with an ROI of 76.7%.<\/strong><\/p>
Kitchen remodel (minor)<\/h4>
You rarely go wrong with a kitchen remodel, and you don\u2019t have to break the bank. A major kitchen overhaul can set you back $100,000 or more, but spending a fraction of that for a minor redo still adds value. Focus on cosmetic changes. Spend less than $20,000, and you\u2019ll see an 83% return on investment<\/strong>.<\/p>
Doors (entry and garage)<\/h4>
Garage and entry doors draw the eye to a home, so when making improvements, you want something eye-popping! <\/p>
For garage doors, updated looks (think contemporary panels, carriage-house doors, or a wood look) boost curb appeal and add value to your home. Expect to pay an average of $1,200 and get an ROI of more than 97%.<\/strong> Houses with appealing garage doors go for about 7% more than those with outdated, tired styles.<\/p>
Don\u2019t skimp on the entry door, also part of your home\u2019s first impression. The average cost of a new door is just under $1000, depending on the material. Steel doors are a little more expensive but a good choice, as they prevent leaking and help with insulation. The ROI on a new door is about 75%<\/strong>.<\/p>
Manufactured stone veneer<\/h4>
![\"Manufactured](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Manufactured-Stone-Veneer-646x430.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Craftstoneoz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <\/a>CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The curb appeal of manufactured stone veneer<\/a> is tough to beat. It adds a classy, upscale look to a home. You can add it to homes with siding or even houses built with brick. Homeowners spend an average of $9,000 when using manufactured stone veneer and recoup nearly 95% <\/strong>of that cost in resale. <\/p>
Worst investment projects <\/h3>
Sunroom<\/h4>
![\"sunroom](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/sunroom-646x485.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Tnytusa1<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons <\/figcaption><\/figure> They look pretty and add space to your home, but in Anaheim, a sunroom isn\u2019t really necessary. Most of us prefer to enjoy our Southern California weather in the actual outdoors. <\/p>
Sunrooms can be expensive, especially if yours has floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass roof. The average cost is between $30,000 and $80,000. The expected ROI on a sunroom is just 45% to 50% <\/strong>of your investment.<\/p>
Master suite addition<\/h4>
If you\u2019re planning to live in your house for a long time, build that master suite addition. You\u2019ll get plenty of use and enjoyment out of it. But if you\u2019re looking for a high ROI, that\u2019s not the way to go. The average cost of a mid-range addition is a whopping $130,000, but the ROI is just 59%. <\/strong><\/p>
Wall-to-wall carpet<\/h4>
![\"Installing](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Carpet_stretching_arp-646x484.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Arpingstone<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons <\/figcaption><\/figure> Years ago, wall-to-wall carpet was a huge selling point in a home, but now, hardwood, laminate, vinyl planking, and tile are king. In fact, not only does carpeting have one of the worst ROI\u2019s, but it can actually decrease the value of your house by nearly $4,000! <\/p>
Indoor Projects <\/h2>
The rooms that get the most use, and features with the most wear and tear, are the ones that see the most improvements. Kitchens and bathrooms frequently get at least a mini-makeover. Walls and floors are also changed fairly often.<\/p>
Kitchen<\/h3>
![\"Kitchen\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Remodel_Works_Hughes-2-646x432.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Remodel Works<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> The kitchen is the heart of your home, and you want it to look good. Focus on cosmetic improvements like painting, refacing, and replacing countertops, cabinets, flooring, and counter\/drawer pulls. <\/p>
Some easy ways to save big on cabinets<\/a> in your kitchen remodel? Skip pricey custom cabinets in favor or more affordable ready-to-assemble cabinets. Also, think through what you really want. For example, you probably need only one lazy Susan cabinet. Same goes for a trash bin cabinet. <\/p>
A minor kitchen remodel costs an average of $12,000-$21,000 or $75 to $100 per square foot, with an ROI of 105%.<\/strong> You aren\u2019t changing the structure, you\u2019re just making cosmetic upgrades.<\/p>
Bathroom<\/h3>
Bathrooms (and kitchens!) sell houses and increase home values. A basic remodel includes new fixtures and countertops, retiling the shower\/tub, refinishing or painting the cabinets, and painting the walls. <\/p>
Expect to spend around $3,000 (DIY) for a small bathroom remodel or up to $12,000 if you hire a contractor. You\u2019ll get about 66% of that back in the resale value of your home. <\/strong><\/p>
Plumbing<\/h3>
Once you start remodeling, you may decide to replace the plumbing. Updating the pipes can return a whopping 260% on your investment. Expect to spend between about $7,500 to repipe the entire home.<\/strong> PEX and CPVC pipes are 20% to 40% cheaper than copper but don\u2019t last nearly as long. <\/p>
Painting <\/h3>
Painting is a fairly simple and quick way to spruce up your home. When it\u2019s done well, it can change the entire look of a room. The average cost to paint the interior of a 2,500-square-foot house in Anaheim is just over $5,000. (The average cost to paint the exterior of that same house ranges from $3,000 to $5,000.)<\/strong> <\/p>
That\u2019s if you hire the job out. Doing the painting yourself saves up to 60%. That\u2019s a significant amount of cash if you can do a good job. <\/p>
Floors<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Reclaimed_Wood_Floor-646x420.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John M.<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>
- Thermostats<\/a><\/li>
- Trees<\/a><\/li>
- Bathroom<\/a><\/li>
- Master suite addition<\/a><\/li>
- Kitchen remodel<\/a><\/li>
- Siding<\/a><\/li>
- Getting the Best Return on Your Investment<\/strong><\/a>
- Building code permits<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>
![\"Solar](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solar_panels_on_a_roof-646x328.jpg\")
![\"Native](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/California_fuschia_Epilobium_latifolium-646x485.jpeg\")
![\"Western](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Western_Redbud_3630717708-646x485.jpg\")
![\"Backyard](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_rsz_62334587517__70fd9bd3-d827-4443-a941-0d91521c55ae-1024x768-1.jpg\")
![\"Backyard](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/outdoor-lighting-646x485.jpg\")
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/5571238862_8762965189_c.jpg\")
![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rsz_stakitt_i_grythengen_18-09-19_4.jpg\")