If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve made a number of improvements to your home over the years. Whether you’ve installed a new roof, replaced the windows, or done a complete bathroom remodel, it’s important to keep records of these improvements. That way, if you ever decide to sell your home, you can show potential buyers what has been done and how much it has increased the value of your home.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips on how to keep track of your home improvements:
Start by creating a home improvement file. This can be a physical file or an electronic file, but it should include photos of the work that’s been done, as well as copies of any invoices or receipts. It can be helpful to invest in some basic accounting supplies like folders or envelopes to organize all these essential documents in one central location.
If you’ve made a major improvement, such as installing a new roof, be sure to get a signed and dated statement from the contractor that confirms the work has been completed.
If you’ve made any changes to your home’s wiring or plumbing, be sure to get a permit from your local municipality and keep a copy of the permit with your home improvement file.
If you’re doing any work yourself, be sure to keep a record of the materials you’ve used and the steps you took to complete the project. This will come in handy if you ever need to make repairs or do additional work on your home.
But why should you keep records of these home improvements? Here are four reasons:
To Provide Documentation For When You Sell Your Home
If you’ve made any improvements to your home, it’s a good idea to keep records of them. This is especially true if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future. By having records of all your home improvements, you can provide potential buyers with documentation of the work that’s been done. This can help speed up the sale process and may even lead to a higher sale price.
To Keep Track Of Your Home Improvement Expenses
There are many reasons to keep records of your home improvements, chief among them being the ability to track your expenses. By keeping an accurate and detailed account of the work that is done on your home, you can ensure that you are able to accurately budget for future projects and repairs. Looking back on your San Diego bathroom remodeling project, for instance, you can estimate your budget for remodeling a second bathroom. Additionally, if you should ever need to sell your home, having a comprehensive records of past improvements can help to increase the value of your property.
To Help With Insurance Claims Related To Home Improvements
There are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to keep records of your home improvements. First, if something ever happens to your home and you have to make a claim related to the improvements, having records will make the process much easier. Insurance companies will often ask for proof of what was done and how much it cost, and without records, you may not be able to provide that information.
Keep Records Of Energy-Efficient Upgrades
There are many reasons why you should keep records of all your home improvements, especially if they are energy-efficient upgrades. If you ever need to apply for a home improvement loan, you will be able to prove that you have made energy-efficient upgrades in the past and that you are likely to do so in the future. This will make you a more desirable borrower and could lead to a lower interest rate on your loan. Having all this information in one place will make it easy for you to keep track of your home’s energy efficiency and to make any necessary improvements.