Do it yourself - Sweat Equity

Over the years before Linda and I bought a house we always talked about our game plan, what our exit strategy would be, how long we are going to own, and what projects we could do ourselves.

What Sweat Equity could we do to increase the value?

One of my favorites Sweat Equity projects that most people can do is painting a room.

Now I am not going to tell you any great secret how to paint this room with one coat of paint because that is not going to happen.

Hit you tube if you want to know more of the details. What I start with first is getting some drop cloths and some good quality paint brushes and supplies. Do not go cheap, it will just add time and aggravation to your project.

Prime everything you are painting and caulk all the trim work. I always found it easier to patch and repair walls with a coat of primer.

Paint the ceiling with a good quality paint, it saves on clean-up as the paint is not dripping back on you and the floor.

I am old school, two coats of paint on the walls, as I never have found paint to cover and give the finish I am trying to achieve in one coat.

If you are planning on living in the home for the rest of your life, let your inner Picasso come out. If you are selling, talk to a paint supplier to get the latest popular neutral color that will appeal to potential buyers.

When the project is done, stand back and look at what you have accomplished.

You have made your home more marketable; you have added value to your home plus you get to enjoy it while you live there.

A Big Win Win!