There are lots of reasons to renovate your home, but one of the most popular is to make money when you go to sell. Home improvement experts agree that these projects can increase the value of your home — and most are more affordable than you may think.
-
Let There Be Light
Dark and dingy just doesn’t sell. Installing new windows or even a skylight can drastically transform a space to make it feel more welcoming. Upgrading and repairing old windows is also a way to let in more light. But sun isn’t your only option. Investing in an eye-catching fixture or installing a dimmer on existing lights can up the wow factor in any room. And a tip from This Old House: High wattage bulbs make small spaces feel larger, and soft lighting brings warmth to empty spaces.
-
Create More Space
If you’ve ever binge-watched “Flip or Flop” on a lazy Sunday afternoon, you know it’s all about an open floor plan. When it comes to upping the value of a pre-existing home, removing walls and other structures that break up a space can make an entire floor feel bigger and more functional. However, it’s smart to hire a pro to evaluate which walls are integral to the structure of your house before you begin any demo.
-
Do Sweat the Small Stuff
Not every home improvement project has to be a massive undertaking to pay off. Chipping paint or a splintering deck railing are small problems that can get worse and drag down the value of your home over time. Commit to regular general maintenance checks to stay ahead of the game. Cleaning walls, windows and floors also falls into general care tasks that have a big benefit.
-
Up Your Curb Appeal
Everyone knows you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But, when it comes to shopping for a new home, buyers do it all the time. A drab front door, dying shrubs and a brown lawn are not only unattractive, but they’re also a sign that there’s a lot of work to be done. Overgrown and dying trees, in particular, can have a hefty price tag if they need to be removed.
-
Focus on Your Floors
Installing new floors can be a scary task, but going all out on new hardwood isn’t the only way to increase the value of your home. Fixing squeaky steps, loose carpet and chipped tile are small ways to make a big difference. And if you do want to make a bigger upgrade, nixing worn carpet in main living spaces and installing engineered hardwoods, ceramic or porcelain tile is a great option to consider.
-
Update the Bathroom
They may not be big in terms of square footage, but bathrooms are big in terms of buyer priorities. Outdated fixtures and dated tile plague lots of older homes, and they may be hurting your home’s value more than you think. The average bathroom remodel costs $9,348, but you can spend less — between $3,500 and $7,000 — to fix up the essentials in a small- to medium-sized bathroom. Functionality is key in your bathroom too — if it’s a small space, adding some smart storage solutions can help, and don’t forget a regular deep clean!
-
Remodel Your Kitchen
An efficient and updated kitchen is one of the top things buyers look for, so a smart kitchen remodel is a great way to boost your home’s value. On average, a kitchen remodel costs $20,556. A smaller project costing between $10,000 and $15,000 may include painting walls, refacing cabinets, upgrading the sink and installing a tile backsplash. A larger $30,000+ renovation may include installing custom cabinets, hardwood floors, granite counters and high-end appliances.
Reprinted from LinksNJ.com
