Tag Archives: home improvement

Home improvement plans

What Raises Property Value the Most?

Want to level up your property’s worth? You’re not alone – homeowners are always looking for ways to make their homes more desirable. Your home’s value gets a serious lift when you make savvy upgrades – and it doesn’t matter if you’re selling next month or five years from now. Let’s take a look at what raises property value the most.

Top Home Improvements to Boost Property Value

Kitchen Remodels

One glance at a dated kitchen and potential buyers often walk; conversely, a sleek, high-tech cooking space magnetizes them. Revamping your kitchen with sleek new appliances, crisp countertops, and stylish cabinets can net a whopping 102% return on investment when you sell your home, the National Association of Realtors reveals.

Bathroom Renovations

What if we told you that updating your bathroom could essentially pay for itself? It’s true: a stylish, modern makeover can add serious value to your home, recouping the full cost and then some. Kickstart your makeover with a trifecta of trickle-down decor: updating fixtures, swapping out tile, and slapping on a fresh coat of paint.

Outdoors Appeals

Outdoor spaces have a secret power: they can add serious value to your home. Invest in a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen and you could see an 80% return on your investment. Anyone who values unwinding after a long day will find this particular aspect incredibly appealing.

Exterior Enhancements

A new roof can recoup up to 105% of the cost at resale, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. A sturdy, leak-free roof is essential for any buyer. New energy-efficient windows and insulation can also be worthwhile because of the 60-80% ROI.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Installing energy-efficient windows, insulation, and appliances can save homeowners money on utility bills and increase their home’s value by up to 10%. As well as 60-80% ROI if or when you decide to sell.

How a HELOC Can Help

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a flexible financing option that allows you to leverage your home’s equity to fund home improvements. Here’s why a HELOC might be the perfect solution for your renovation needs:

Flexibility

A HELOC provides a revolving line of credit that you can use as needed, making it ideal for funding multiple projects or covering unexpected expenses. You can borrow and repay funds based on your needs, giving you financial flexibility.

Competitive Interest Rates

HELOCs often come with lower interest rates compared to credit cards or personal loans, helping you save money on interest payments over time.

Potential Tax Benefits

In many cases, the interest paid on a HELOC may be tax-deductible. Be sure to consult with a tax professional to understand how this benefit might apply to your situation.

Get Started With Us

Investing in home improvements is a strategic way to enhance your living space and increase your property’s value. By focusing on high-ROI projects like kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and energy-efficient upgrades, you can make the most of your investment.

And with a HELOC from Peoples Bank & Trust, financing these improvements is more accessible and affordable than ever. Start planning your home upgrades today and watch your property value soar! 

Stop By Any of Our Branches Today

We look forward to meeting with you and discussing our loan options that best fit your needs to make your home improvement dreams come true.

Home Renovation and Remodeling Trends

2023 Home Renovation and Remodeling Trends 

Home renovations and remodels can be a great way to increase your home’s value if you are looking to sell or simply make your house your dream home. Tailoring your home with these renovation and remodeling trends can help align modern trends and your style preferences. Keep reading to learn the top renovation and remodel trends for 2023 to inspire ideas that may appeal to you.  

Renovation vs. Remodel?  

Many do not know the true difference between the words renovation and remodel, most typically use the two interchangeably. When speaking with a contractor or mortgage lender it is important to understand the difference between the two terms.  

Deciding Which Trend is Worth the Spend 

Each year the trends for renovations and remodeling change, so at the end of the day it is really up to you and what you want for the space. If you are looking to sell in the next year, it may be worth looking into current trends, as well as what will best fit your home and the layout to amplify space, functionality, and cohesively make the space look more modern.  

Trends tend to stay in the most used areas of the home as those are the areas we tend to want to dress up since we use them most. If you are looking to stay in your home for the next few years, don’t be completely phased by current trend. Instead take bits and pieces to make for the best renovation or remodel that you can to enjoy while you are there, but also add to the value of your home when and if you choose to ever sell.  

  1. Spa Bathroom 

The spa bathroom has been a trending project many have upgraded to. This is a space we use daily, so whether you’re using it to unwind after a long day or to start your day off in a calming environment – the spa bathroom is a great trend to follow! 

The best part about this trend is it could be a renovation or a remodel depending on what you want and the space you are working with. A larger bathroom allows for a larger shower and or bath, as well as more built-in shelves or cabinets for storage. 

  1. Large Windows 

At some point we all have to replace windows, especially if you have a fixer upper or an older home. Everyone can appreciate natural light in their home. Large windows with banks are a huge trend for 2023. Some window trends can range from large windows on multiple walls, floor to ceiling window wall, and glass framed doors to an outdoor space. Natural light has the power to make your space feel larger and with large windows it can add a simple elegance. This is a trend that could also save you money with UV blocking window technologies and lower lighting needs.  

  1. Built-In Storage 

If you are looking to renovate or remodel, it is well worth it to consider adding more built-in storage. Even for those who are more on the minimalistic side, storage is always useful and will never go out of style. This trend helps maintain organization while making your home feel and look pulled together. If you are wondering where to add storage, really anywhere. Think about adding cubbies to your mudroom, places in your bathroom to wrangle cords, products, accessories, and such.  

The thing with built-in-storage it can be completely hidden or more of an open look which is a huge trend. This is a great way to give your walls use and have storage to not feel as though your items do not have a place.  

  1. Accent Wallpaper  

This trend is great for a renovation project and can completely transform your space on a budget. Like many things, wallpaper has made its comeback. Many interior design trendsetters have brought back bold wallpaper to catch the eye, add texture, and completely take the space in a new and modern direction.  

Wallpaper can work in any room and doesn’t have to be on every wall. Wallpaper is a great option if you need an easy and less time-consuming option than painting. This is a great option to add personality to any space, from the kids’ room to the bathroom wallpaper is a hit and can easily be removed if you ever get tired of it.  

  1. Multifunctional Space  

For the most part we can all agree the last few years have shown us having areas of multi-functional space for work, school, personal, etc. can be more important than wasted space. Multifunctional rooms have only become more and more popular and are a huge trend as we enter 2023.  

Not only does a multi-functional space have to work for your day-time endeavors’, but to allow for relaxation and unwinding too. Furniture can play a huge role in making your space multifunctional, such as couches in offices or extra seating in the kitchen making your space always ready for hosting, family, and extra space for you to use all-areas of your home.  

Here are some ideas to implement into your multi-functional space:  

  • Islands: Islands can double as extra seating, a dining table, workspace, really anything you need! 
  • Bedroom/Office: A bedroom can be wasted space if not always used, pair this with an office or a pull-out couch to make this room stylish and functional.  
  • Functional Mudroom: We all need a “drop zone” to transition from outdoors to being home. This is a great option to help reduce clutter yet be functional for your lifestyle.  
  • Laundry Room: Laundry is a task we all complete, make this space organized and useful for you and your family’s lifestyle. You may even pair this with your mudroom. 

Use these trends as some motivation as you look into options to maximize your space as you go through a remodel or renovation. Keep in mind all projects should always work for your unique lifestyle, budget, and style. Yes, there are trends that are more valuable when it comes time to sell your home, but make sure you are making yourself a happy homeowner making the space what you want – most likely a buyer will look past a non-functional option anyway! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.  

Member FDIC  

Equal Housing Lender  

Prep Your Home for the Cooler Months

Prep Your Home for the Cooler Months 

Fall is the perfect time to get your home clean, organized, and cozied up before the busyness the holiday season brings. Get these season tasks and household chores that may have been neglected during the summer marked off your cleaning list NOW! 

Winterize the Exterior of Your Home

Wash Down the Windows  

As winter days creep in, you’ll thank yourself for tackling this task in the early fall. Be sure to get one last wash on your interior and exterior windows and winterize them for energy efficiency. Freshen up your window treatments by cleaning any blinds or shades, wiping down windowsills, or dry-cleaning curtains. 

Fall-Proof the Backyard  

Get your exterior prepped for the cold by tackling these tips early on! As you are outdoors, be sure to give the exterior of your home a thorough inspection after the heat of summer. Look for loose or cracked shingles, any areas that need to be winterized, caulk windows, and get proper pest control.  

The Furniture 

With the unpredictable weather that fall can bring, it is in your best interest to attack the outdoor furniture before the cold weather hits. Give your outdoor furniture and cushions a thorough clean to remove built-up debris. If you are unsure how to best clean yours, here’s a guide. This is also a great time to give your landscape one final clean and power wash!  

The Grill 

As you are tackling your exterior cleaning, do not forget about your grill! Thanks to plenty of summer fun, I am sure your grill is sporting some grime. Give your grill and grilling utensils a much-needed deep clean as we exit grilling season. Here are some tips on how to best clean your grill. 

The Garage 

Do not forget to give your garage some love as you do your deep cleaning. Get rid of all the grass and debris that got in during the warm weather months. Now is also a good time to clean out a garage fridge or freezer, as well as yard tools so they are set for next year. Be sure to give your garage door any necessary maintenance to ensure its security during the colder months. 

Prep the Interior of Your Home

As fall approaches, do not forget to take proper steps to have your home looking and feeling its best as the days grow colder. Here are a few key tips to make sure you keep up on: 

  • Clean and reverse your ceiling fans 
  • Clean or replace HVAC filters 
  • Service your heating unit to ensure it runs efficiently 
  • Wipe down the baseboards  
  • Vacuum out closets 
  • Properly store away items that will not be used to avoid pests  

In the Kitchen: 

We use the kitchen daily, so it is important to give it a good clean, especially as we enter cold and flu season.  

  • Clear out your cabinets for a good wipe-down. This also gives you an opportunity to get rid of unused items and reorganize.  
  • The same goes for any drawers – take a drawer or two per day to empty, wipe down, and thoroughly organize.  
  • Wipe down and clean behind your appliances (refrigerator, stove, microwave).  
  • Plan a time to reorganize your pantry. 

In the Bathroom: 

  • Treat any mold or mildew in the shower.  
  • Clear out old or unused products from your bath and shower. Rid of any opened products that have gone unused in cabinets.  
  • Wash shower curtains and bathmats. 
  • Replace your toothbrushes.  

In the Bedroom: 

  • Vacuum under the bed and all furniture. 
  • Wash your heavier winter bedding before use. 
  • Vacuum and flip your mattresses. 
  • Clean your carpets, rugs, and closets. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

How to Save Energy in the Fall

How to Save Energy in the Fall

The warm days are slowly fading away. After a hot summer, it’s exciting to welcome Fall and Winter weather. As the weather begins to transition, here are some tips to incorporate in your home to save energy and some money! If you aren’t careful higher energy consumption can creep into the cooler months as well. 

Use Natural Light to Your Advantage 

Use the sun’s energy and warmth to your advantage! During the day you can finally open those blinds up for natural lighting and to heat your home. South-facing windows will help warm your home without using any energy at all. This is a great hack as you phase out the air conditioner and are not quite ready to turn on the heat. 

Seal Up the Cracks, Leaks, and Drafts

This is a big tip year-round to save energy, but after a hot summer, be sure to check for any new cracks, leaks, or drafts. Early fall is a great time to check for these things as well as doors and windows for any gaps letting heat out or cold air in. Catch the drafts early before you’re in the thick of winter – it will save you significantly. Another commonly missed area to check would be cut-throughs for pipe access, recess lighting, and entries to unfinished spaces for gaps affecting the insulation. 

Don’t Forget to Reprogram Your Thermostat

Strategically programming your thermostat can reduce energy use and save you quite a bit on the energy bill. Before the weather gets too cold. Make sure your heating system is working properly for the size of your home. This is a great time to change your air filter if you have not done so – this should be done monthly. 

Programing your thermostat for the warmer and cooler months is a top tip that if not done at all or done correctly can easily bust your budget and energy efficiency. As fall and winter weather moves in, it is recommended to set your heat at 68 degrees. This is to help the heat run systematically and not be overworked if it falls below 68 degrees. Programming your thermostat to a temperature you can leave for days is the best place for it to be to avoid using too much power. If you are going to be gone during the cooler months, you can turn the heat a little lower – 65 or lower – to save on energy while you are gone and increase incrementally a few degrees as you return. 

Prepare the Inside of Your Home

Not only does sealing any cracks, leaks or drafts improve your energy efficiency. A few other things you can do to reduce energy consumption and get your home cozy for winter are reversing ceiling vans, sealing your fireplace correctly, and replacing your indoor air filter. 

Ceiling fans can be a tool to keep you warm if properly set clockwise during the cooler months. Doing this pushes warm air down and cold air to redistribute the air coming out of vents to all areas of your home. As for the fireplace, be sure you are not letting warm air escape. Properly seal the damper as tightly as possible you may also consider adding an energy-efficient grate. Lastly, don’t forget to replace your indoor AND outdoor air filters – this is so important for energy efficiency and your health.

Incorporate these tips to reduce energy consumption this fall and winter! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407724

The Top 10 Things That Add Value to Your Home

home renovations

Just like purchasing your home, selling it is a journey all its own. Whether you’re aiming to sell your home in one year or five, you can make a number of small changes that offer a big return on your home’s value. Try these key improvements and see the effect on your next home assessment.

  1. An eye-catching entrance. As the gateway into your home, your front door will set the tone for what’s within. Update your door bell, paint the front door, and hang a spring wreath to tie it all together.
  2. Energy-efficient updates: Updating appliances, windows, and fixtures, to their more green counterparts can set your home apart with the attractive promise of future savings.
  3. Low-maintenance landscaping: While flowers are eye-catching, shrubs and drought-resistant greenery make great visual impact with the promise of less hassle.
  4. A thorough clean. A deep clean of carpets, curtains, and corners will make your home sparkle and create a positive first impression. Hiring a professional cleaning service may also help to remove hard-to-clean grime and overlooked areas.
  5. De-cluttered rooms. A tidy house doesn’t always feel open. Heavy curtains, overstuffed couches, and rooms devoid of sunlight can make buyers cautious of square footage. Rid the room of nothing but bare essentials and simplistic furniture to maximize the area of the space.
  6. Extra mirrors. To double the feel of any room, strategically place mirrors to create an illusion of extra space.
  7. Small updates to big places. Kitchens and bathrooms are focal points in the selling process. Without the time and cost of a major remodel, small updates like new lighting, fresh paint, or modern accessories can add value to your home on a budget.
  8. Revamped flooring: Thin or threadbare carpets can raise alarms for buyers as they visualize the daunting need to replace the tired flooring. As your budget allows, replace your home’s carpet beginning high-traffic areas and working outwards.
  9. Modern lighting. Updating light fixtures to a timeless and simple feel, help to elevate a home’s design and gives the potential buyer a blank canvas to imagine life in their new home.
  10. A professional opinion. In under an hour, a trained interior designer can provide suggestions for small tweaks, such as furniture arrangement or paint color adjustments, which can increase your home’s value with limited investment.

While improvements are not a guarantee of improved value, they can make all the difference when drawing in interested buyers. If some of your home-improvement projects require a bigger investment than your budget expected, our lending officers at Peoples Bank & Trust can work to help you secure the Home Equity Line of Credit you need.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

NMLS# 407724

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC