While Ireland is slowly returning to some semblance of normality, many people are understandably considering ways to make some home improvements this summer. Facing this reality, and the fact most of us spend a lot of time at home this year, it is little wonder you might be inspired to take on a home improvement project, or finally get around to completing an unfinished one.
Whether you’d like to upgrade your kitchen, replace old drafty windows, give your driveway or garden a makeover or simply want to carry out a general refresh of paint and gutters, we have put together some key tips to get you started.
Choose your project wisely
Understanding the value added to your home from any project is a worthwhile exercise as it can be a practical approach to selecting the most appropriate one. Estate agents will often cite kitchens and bathrooms are high on the list of key selling-points. This is important, even if you are not considering selling! Kitchens and bathrooms typically cost the most to update but you can expect to receive a higher rate of return. The money you spend will increase your home’s value, which translates to more home equity for you. So, if you have a bunch of projects and looking to prioritise, why not use this approach. Also consider how long you plan to stay in your home. Is it your “forever home” or will you want to upgrade within two to five years as your family grows, or downsize heading into retirement? It’s probably not worth it to invest in more than cosmetic updates (paint, décor and other finishes) if you aren’t planning to stay in your home long-term. In this case a good DIY might do the trick – you can find great inspiration on Pinterest or by searching home decoration blogs.
Get quotes from multiple experts
Unfortunately, no amount of time spent studying online videos and TV home improvement programmes can help you accurately predict the cost of your own home improvement project. With so many variables at play it’s best to consult experts in your local area who know best.
Depending on the scale of the project you’re tackling, you may want to enlist a general contractor who will know how to accurately price-out the costs for the various trades required (plumbers, electricians, etc.). The Competition & Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland provides guidance on hiring trades-people.
By doing your research you’ll have an informed estimate of how much money your home improvement should cost.
Start saving and/or make use of your existing equity
One of the hardest parts of home improvements can be the diligence it takes to save up to afford them. Once you’ve decided to make your project a priority, look at your monthly or weekly budget and see how much you can dedicate to this goal.
Even if you have the funds saved, you can use the St. Joseph’s Irish Airports & Aviation Credit Union Current Account and Debit Card to make quick and easy payments at the DIY centre or online. Plus, we also offer members an overdraft facility of up to €5,000 which members may find more convenient to access through our online application process.
If you’re going to finance, do it the smart way
Credit cards charge what is referred to as ‘revolving credit’ which makes them one of the most expensive ways of borrowing money today. One trick to reduce the cost of interest on credit cards is where one repays the outstanding balance before the next billing cycle, but unfortunately, this is not an option for everyone, especially those working on tight family budgets.
But there is a smarter way to finance a home improvement project than by way of a credit card. Our Home Improvement loans offer members the option of a fast credit decision and at highly competitive rates too! A home improvement loan can be repaid over a 10-year period and loans range from €40,000 - €70,000. Additionally, the loans are not subject to a home valuation. With all loan applications, applicants will need to demonstrate repayment capacity and furnish a satisfactory credit history.
With these tips you’re one step closer to making some important improvements to your home. And if you need help along the way, the team at St. Joseph’s Irish Airports & Aviation Credit Union are here to answer any of the loan and credit questions you may have.
While Ireland is slowly returning to some semblance of normality, many people are understandably considering ways to make some home improvements this summer. Facing this reality, and the fact most of us spend a lot of time at home this year, it is little wonder you might be inspired to take on a home improvement project, or finally get around to completing an unfinished one.
Whether you’d like to upgrade your kitchen, replace old drafty windows, give your driveway or garden a makeover or simply want to carry out a general refresh of paint and gutters, we have put together some key tips to get you started.
Choose your project wisely
Understanding the value added to your home from any project is a worthwhile exercise as it can be a practical approach to selecting the most appropriate one. Estate agents will often cite kitchens and bathrooms are high on the list of key selling-points. This is important, even if you are not considering selling! Kitchens and bathrooms typically cost the most to update but you can expect to receive a higher rate of return. The money you spend will increase your home’s value, which translates to more home equity for you. So, if you have a bunch of projects and looking to prioritise, why not use this approach. Also consider how long you plan to stay in your home. Is it your “forever home” or will you want to upgrade within two to five years as your family grows, or downsize heading into retirement? It’s probably not worth it to invest in more than cosmetic updates (paint, décor and other finishes) if you aren’t planning to stay in your home long-term. In this case a good DIY might do the trick – you can find great inspiration on Pinterest or by searching home decoration blogs.
Get quotes from multiple experts
Unfortunately, no amount of time spent studying online videos and TV home improvement programmes can help you accurately predict the cost of your own home improvement project. With so many variables at play it’s best to consult experts in your local area who know best.
Depending on the scale of the project you’re tackling, you may want to enlist a general contractor who will know how to accurately price-out the costs for the various trades required (plumbers, electricians, etc.). The Competition & Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland provides guidance on hiring trades-people.
By doing your research you’ll have an informed estimate of how much money your home improvement should cost.
Start saving and/or make use of your existing equity
One of the hardest parts of home improvements can be the diligence it takes to save up to afford them. Once you’ve decided to make your project a priority, look at your monthly or weekly budget and see how much you can dedicate to this goal.
Even if you have the funds saved, you can use the St. Joseph’s Irish Airports & Aviation Credit Union Current Account and Debit Card to make quick and easy payments at the DIY centre or online. Plus, we also offer members an overdraft facility of up to €5,000 which members may find more convenient to access through our online application process.
If you’re going to finance, do it the smart way
Credit cards charge what is referred to as ‘revolving credit’ which makes them one of the most expensive ways of borrowing money today. One trick to reduce the cost of interest on credit cards is where one repays the outstanding balance before the next billing cycle, but unfortunately, this is not an option for everyone, especially those working on tight family budgets.
But there is a smarter way to finance a home improvement project than by way of a credit card. Our Home Improvement loans offer members the option of a fast credit decision and at highly competitive rates too! A home improvement loan can be repaid over a 10-year period and loans range from €40,000 - €70,000. Additionally, the loans are not subject to a home valuation. With all loan applications, applicants will need to demonstrate repayment capacity and furnish a satisfactory credit history.
With these tips you’re one step closer to making some important improvements to your home. And if you need help along the way, the team at St. Joseph’s Irish Airports & Aviation Credit Union are here to answer any of the loan and credit questions you may have.