Three Home Improvements that Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous ...

Whether we want to admit it or not, most of us are in a friendly competition with our neighbors ? whether it?s to have the greenest lawn, the biggest deck, or the newest addition to a home. There?s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition ? especially when the additions that you make to your home could increase its appeal and market value.

Despite the state of the economy in the past few years, home improvement spending is on the rise. As of 2011, money spent on remodeling increased by 9.2% to $125.1 billion ? up from $114.6 billion in 2010, according to data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies from Harvard University.

So where is your money best spent when it comes to home renovations? Check out these top three must-have home improvements that will make your neighbors jealous:

1. Wooden Deck

According to Remodeling Magazine, adding a wooden deck to your house will yield a return of roughly 80% of the cost of the project when and if you sell your home. Basically, this home improvement is a smart investment when it comes to making a convenient addition to your home.

Not only will you use a deck often in warmer weather, but it will up the resale value of your house so that you earn more money years after the project is finished. For most people, a deck provides an attractive addition because it creates the illusion of more space in a small to medium-sized home.

2. Home Security System

Choosing from one of the many alarm systems on the market is a sound upgrade to make to your home. First and foremost, it will protect your family and ensure all of your valuables are kept safe when you are out of the house or on vacation.

For most people, a home security system is the best investment that they can make because it guarantees peace of mind both inside and outside of the home. And, once again, installing a state-of-the-art home security system will increase the value of your home and up the market price if you choose to sell in the future.

3. Interior D?cor

If your home is in desperate need of a facelift, or if you?re in a pinch to sell your home quickly, hiring a professional decorator for the task is a wise investment to make. When you hire a professional decorator, you will pay one flat fee. This means that you won?t have to take on the task of decorating your home yourself and attempting to buy all of the coordinating furniture, knickknacks, pictures, and other accessories to fill a room.

A professional decorator could cost anywhere from $35-$500 per hour and will quickly remedy any aesthetic issues that may prevent your home from being sold quickly. If your home isn?t on the market, the touch of a professional decorator may be all you need to stylishly upgrade your home and enjoy it for years to come.

Improvements to your home can do more than add value to it; it can add to your overall quality of life. A new wooden deck might be the feature you need to help you relax after a long day. A home security system will solve that anxiety you?ve been feeling when you travel. New decorations around the house will make it feel ?new? again. Most importantly, these home improvements are sure to get the neighbors talking.

This article was brought to you by BuyerZone?s Home Security Systems writer, Sylvia Rosen.

Source: http://www.granitetransformations.com/blog/2900/three-home-improvements-that-will-make-your-neighbors-jealous/

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