Sweat Equity

 

Photo credit: http://stayviolation.typepad.com/chucknewton/2008/01/sweat-equity-sw.html

Ever watched the show sweat equity on tv? We used to watch it religiously before we bought our first home. We always thought our first house was going to be a "fixer upper", turns out it was turn and key. But, with the purchase of our first home (vs. townhouse) we are ready to put some sweat and labor into our place and hoping to increase our value and in this economy, refinance and drop our payment.

We knew when we moved it that paint was the quickest way for us to improve what we had. The cream walls in the whole house was great, since it was a clean slate, but they make it feel cold and unfinished.

Right when we moved in, we could see our other important order of business was to update the bathrooms from their gold fixtures and oak towel bars and light fixtures.

Our other bonus came in a bit of accident. Before we decided to buy, we were steps away from building. Back a few months ago as I was leaving our storage unit I noticed a sign for a display sale at a kitchen design center. I went on the website and they had two beautiful kitchens. Thinking we were building and that we'd need to order a kitchen anyway, I thought this might be a good investment. I grabbed my Mom, who is much more knowledgeable about these things, we met the owner and ended up with both kitchens! Figuring to put one as a kitchen and the other we would split up for vanities and built ins. We moved both kitchens into storage and when we bought the house - into our garage.

In honesty, I feel like this was meant to happen, because I really don't like the kitchen we have. The cabinets are in great shape and could be refinished, but they are small. The kitchen itself is small and we have a lot of stuff. So, our next order of business would be the kitchen.

When we first decided it was time to upgrade from the townhouse our major need was land. We have a big dog and a growing family and we need space. I also am an avid gardener. I have always wanted a vegetable garden of my own and my own beautiful landscaped playground. I have spent years landscaping my parents yard and have wanted one of my own to transform. I was a landscaper in the summers all through college and I love the joys of being outside, the hard labor, and the rewards from gardening. It also helps that we have a landscaping company 3 doors down and our neighbor is awesome. The first week we moved in, the owner came over and asked us for a favor. He needs to use our driveway for the next few months to access the next door neighbors back yard to deliver fill. I, of course, said yes and started the back scratching.

He let us borrow his landscaping blowers to remove the years of leaves that filled our 3 acres. Then he came with a tractor and hauled at least 10 loads of leaves out of the yard. He and I also talked about improving the lawn and he is going to help me put in a brick walk way in the front! Landscaping!!!

So, where am I going with this?? Well, it just happens that I look at sweat equity and see the 5 top projects to improve the value of your home....

Yay! We are on the right track!