Do-it-yourself Kitchen Projects Add Equity

by | Aug 20, 2013 | 2, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Do-it-yourself Kitchen Projects Add Equity</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – A kitchen is one of the most used and important areas in a home. Even as home prices across the country decline, a kitchen remodel can still add value to your home.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">According to the 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report (a joint study done by the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling magazine providing national and regional averages) kitchen remodels rank just after siding and window replacement in return on investment.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">A few simple do-it-yourself projects in your kitchen can update the space without the expense of hiring professionals. Plan ahead, rent the right tools and get advice in order to complete your project on budget and on schedule to enhance the value of your home.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">One way to reduce costs associated with DIY projects is to rent the tools you need from an American Rental Association (ARA) member rental store. Renting gives you access to all types of tools, including specialty tools that may be too expensive to purchase and too large to store but are necessary to finish the job successfully and professionally. ARA member rental stores are also great resources for expert advice on which tools you need, how to use them correctly and safely and how to best complete your project.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Here are some DIY project ideas to get you started.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Update the flooring</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Adding ceramic tile to an outdated kitchen is a simple way to increase the value of your home. Rent a wet saw to make cutting the tile easy and the finished product look professional. Your ARA member rental store can teach you the basics of using a wet saw, as well as safety issues and tricks of the trade. Take advantage of their expertise to tile like a pro.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Remove wallpaper</strong><span>  </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Remove dated and dirty wallpaper. With the right tools, such as a steamer, the paper often just peels off. This machine is easy to operate and can be rented. It has a steam tank and a plate that emits vapor as you hold it to the wall, which usually loosens even the stickiest paper in about two or three minutes. Once you have removed the wallpaper, choose a neutral paint color.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Create a pass-through</strong><span>  </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">A pass-through can add light and openness to your space. Draw an outline of the opening on the wall then remove enough wall material to locate any electrical, plumbing or gas lines. Once it’s safe to proceed, rent a reciprocating saw to cut through the drywall, studs and nails. Renting an electric drill and nail gun to rough-in the opening and add trim creates a professional, finished look.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Add crown molding</strong><span>  </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">This small detail adds an aura of luxury to your kitchen, and with the proper tools and instruction, it can be easily done in a weekend. Rent a compound miter saw to make the perfect cuts, and a nail gun to attach the molding.<span>  </span>Ask your ARA member rental store expert for tips on cutting the corners correctly to avoid wasting materials.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">To find your local ARA member rental store, visit www.RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest rental store locator. You can search by geographic location and by the specific type of equipment you are looking to rent.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>