Saturday, February 09, 2008

So nuch to do, so Few Resources

Economics was defined to me as how to allocate scarce resources to the consumption or creation of goods and services.

I have plenty of goods I would like to consume, but not enough resources (defined for me as time and money).

An economics lesson sounds kind of odd for a post, but the topic is: home improvement

I have a massive list of things I would like to do to the house to update it and, in some instances, upgrade it. Mostly, though, it's updating which is unfortunately a necessity in order to maintain market value. I always have one foot out the door and want to make sure I can maximize my return of equity if I had to sell my house due to some catastrophic or unexpected event.

My list:
  1. Replace 6 windows and a sliding door.
  2. Add some more insulation to the attic.
  3. Outside A/C compressor (I'm the kind of guy who would spend $4,000 to save $50 a month)
  4. Replace carpet with wood or laminate flooring.
  5. Replace the Living Room ceiling fan.
  6. Purchase and install fans in the dining (soon to be study/den), master bathroom, and kitchen.
  7. Closet organization for master closet
  8. Paint: kitchen, living, breakfast, hallway, master bath, and Wm's room
  9. Add skylights to the living room. It doesn't get any direct light.
  10. Replace smooth front doors with 6 panel
  11. Paint all the door trim white instead of definitely-dated-woody-brown.
  12. Crown moulding
  13. Captain's beds with built in drawers for the kids (not so much a home improvement as a furniture improvement)
  14. Re-stain cabinets in kids bath, master bath, and kitchen
  15. Texture walls in kitchen and master bath
I think that covers most of it. I'm probably missing some, but my wallet hurts already after typing that list. My number 1 is probably doing the door trim and painting rooms. That, more than any other, will make the most difference in the feel of the house.

So, what are some of everyone else's highest desire/priority projects around the house?
Of my list, what would anybody recommend I do first? (Tara, if you read this you can't answer since you're already telling me these things :) )

5 comments:

Nikki said...

Way to be a rock star of a husband!

I however spent two hours at Lowes on Friday with Micah getting house hold items for his kitchen!

Well I miss you tons! I hope to see you soon!

Also Tara...umm I miss you tons!If you read this email me Nikki_lagos@yahoo.com

Hugs,
Nikki

Anonymous said...

Well, I just might be bringing you by my version of your "list" this weekend! Remember, one step at a time!

And Nikki...I miss you too! I've been reading your blog. Sounds like life is pretty interesting for you!

Tara

Alicia said...

Our list is enormous as well. We've done a TON of updating/upgrading - some by choice and some by necessity (FLOOD) - but we still have a lot to do. Our number one is to re-insulate the duct work in the attic. The insulation is pulling away from the ducts, and we have horrible efficiency in the front two bedrooms as a result.
Out of your list, I'd agree on the painting. That's where you get the most bang for your buck, I think. Happy Home Improving!

Anonymous said...

Visit yourvendorslist.com and if that doesn't work, let me know. Our real estate agent, Russell Rhodes, who by the way attends CBC, has a ton of resources for trusted home improvement workers, Christian companies, or individuals who do these things for less money. If you want advice on the things you should take care of first, call Russell and have him come look at your home. Even if you are not selling now or ever, he will meet with you. The company is Rhodes and Associates. It was one of the best financial decisions we've ever made (working with Russell.)

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