Simpson
If you want to improve your home and add value without breaking the bank, here are nine ways you can start. These may not seem like major renovations at first glance, but they can make all the difference when it comes time to sell your house.
1. Will better curb appeal Add Value To Your Home?
Curb appeal is one of the most overlooked aspects of property maintenance. When people see your home, they immediately form an opinion about it based on its exterior appearance. If it looks unkempt or out-of-date, they won’t be as likely to call you to buy it.
To spruce up your house, consider these simple upgrades:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Trim trees and bushes around your windows
- Paint the front door and trim
- Replace broken windowpanes
- Install new storm doors and hardware
- Plant flowers and shrubs near your entryway
- Clear away any debris from the sidewalk
- Sweep, mow, and mulch your lawn
- Maintain your driveway
- Maintain your walkways
- Keep your roof clean
You don’t have to spend a fortune on these improvements if you’re willing to do the work yourself. A few hours every month will go a very long way.
2. Will a full bedroom remodel Add Value?
The biggest thing you can do to improve your home’s value is to convert bedrooms into living spaces. You probably don’t need a bigger master suite, but you do want to make it feel more spacious. Here are a few options:
- Create an office space by converting part of a spare room into a home office
- Convert a guest bedroom into a game room
- Build an additional closet and/or bathroom within your current space
If you plan on selling your home in the future, this would be worth doing. Otherwise, it might be worth waiting until your kids grow up since the extra square footage will only increase the home’s value.
3. Will a full bathroom remodel Add Value?
This isn’t something everyone thinks about, but a new bathroom can boost your home’s value. It doesn’t have to be large either – a smaller project can still provide a huge return on your investment.
Here are a few ideas:
- Upgrade your showerhead and faucet
- Install new flooring
- Install a new toilet
- Replace outdated lighting fixtures
These are great projects to tackle before you decide to move because you’ll likely be able to save money by fixing them yourself. And even if you hire someone to do it for you, you’ll have a finished product that looks a lot better than what came with your old bathroom.
4. Is a kitchen remodel a good investment?
Kitchens tend to stay in demand because they offer a lot of conveniences. You can cook almost anything in one and entertain guests in style. Plus, kitchens can easily be converted into dining or family rooms, adding to their versatility.
But while they may look pretty standard, kitchens are among the most expensive items to update. According to Remodeling Magazine, the average cost per square foot of kitchen remodeling is $10,000. That means the average kitchen remodel costs between $40,000 and $50,000.
However, if you want to sell your home in the long run, then spending a little bit of money now could be worth it. In fact, studies show that homes with brand-new kitchens sell faster than those without. So if you aren’t planning to live in your home for much longer, it might be worth investing in your kitchen.
5. Is it essential to Replacing Old Windows?
Windows are one of the most overlooked parts of your house. They’re also one of the most expensive things to replace. But if you want to maximize your home’s resale value, replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones might be worth doing now instead of later.
Here are a few reasons why:
- New windows will lower your heating and cooling bills significantly
- New windows will keep your home cooler during the hot summer months
- New windows will make your home more comfortable to live in
And with a few tweaks, you can transform your windows into something beautiful. For example, you can install casements, awnings, or bay windows. You can even use stained glass!
6. Attic insulation
Your attic has a lot of potentials to add value to your home, particularly if you haven’t done much work in it recently. The project includes upgrading insulation, which can reduce your HVAC costs and improve the quality of your home’s environment.
An insulated attic will also keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer months. Plus, it keeps heat from escaping through cracks and gaps in your ceiling, which can cause mold growth. It’s also possible to upgrade your attic insulation while doing other home improvement tasks, such as installing new windows.
7. Roof replacement
If you need to replace your roof, consider getting a composite shingle rather than a metal roof. While metal roofs are more durable and last longer, they also cost more to maintain over time. Composite roofs are less expensive to install and maintain, making them a smart choice for homeowners who plan to keep their homes for decades. One thing, what about a slate roof? Does it increase house value?
8. Smart home technology and security
Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular, with everything from thermostats to lights integrated with online platforms. And while most of these systems are designed to make life easier, they’re also helping homeowners save money on utility bills.
One of the best options for homeowners is a video doorbell system. These devices allow you to see who’s at your doorstep via a camera. They also let you speak directly to visitors who ring your doorbell. Video Doorbells are available for under $100 and can be installed anywhere in your home.
A security system is another option. There are plenty of DIY options that let you monitor the activity of your home remotely. Or you can invest in professionally installed surveillance cameras and DVRs that can track your pets or kids.
9. Finishing your basement
Basements typically don’t get used often. Most people don’t even know that they exist. But finishing basements add value to your home, whether you live in a detached home, apartment building, or split-level home.
Here are a few suggestions:
– Finish off your unfinished basement using drywall and paint
– Add insulation
– Install plumbing
– Add electrical outlets
– Add a water heater
– Install a washer/dryer
– Add cabinets
You can add shelving, cabinets, and lighting if you have a small basement. Adding a home gym is another option to turn your basement into a recreational area.
Depending on the size of the basement, finishing can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. But once it’s complete, you’ll be glad you spent a little money to make it worthwhile.
Have you purchased a home lately? Are there things you did to fix it that you wish you had known beforehand? Share your thoughts in the comment section! However, before that, let’s enjoy our relevant video titled:
House renovation ideas to increase your property’s value Video:
Hey, and welcome to the Simphome finance video series. Today, we will discuss ideas you can use to increase your property’s value.
Let’s dive in.
1. Paint
Are you planning to sell your house and would like to renovate it? Painting is a great way to increase its value since it can make it look as good as new. This can easily appeal to most potential buyers since it makes different rooms in the home look more updated and cleaner.
If you want to renovate your house but don’t have a lot of cash, you should not overlook painting since it is cost-effective. Think about the paint colors you would like to add to your home. Ensure you paint neutral colors to the different rooms since this can appeal to most people and make the home stand out. Matte finishes can give your home a sophisticated look.
You can also add depth and detail to your living space by picking contrasting colors for the doors, walls, and ceiling. Feel free to paint such areas in different shades of white. You should consider upgrading the paint in your home’s interior and exterior.
Though repainting the home may seem time-consuming, it is worth considering. If you don’t have time to paint your home, you can seek professional assistance and negotiate the cost of this task. Fresh paint can also revive worn spots and give the house instant charm.
2. Work on your front yard
Apart from adding a fresh coat of paint to your house, you can increase the property’s value by paying attention to the front yard. Many potential buyers are impressed with a well-manicured front garden. This can make it easy for you to find a buyer for your home when you are ready to sell. According to a specific report, more than 60% of potential home buyers view houses after evaluating the front yard.
This means you should not only work on the house’s interior but also forget its surroundings. If your garden is not in the best condition, consider planting some flowers to make it stand out. Flowers such as lilies and lavender can improve curb appeal.
You can also plant shrubs that are easy to grow and have an amazing fragrance. Adding flowers that tend to bloom at various times can make your front yard look unique. Alternatively, start planting mature trees in the garden. Ensure that the garden does not have weeds or dead plants. If your garden has some overgrown scrubs, work on them.
You can also add a feeling of seclusion to your garden by raising boundary fences. When planting, you should look for ways to make the garden look more captivating. For instance, you can create some interesting shapes in the garden. Though manicuring the front yard needs high maintenance, it can help you sell your property for more since it can increase its value.
3. Fix structural problems
Have you lived in your home for years? If yes, you may have noticed specific structural issues that need fixing. Working on them can help you increase the property’s value. You can ensure the house is structurally secure by eliminating any safety hazards. These are some of the things that professionals pay attention to during inspection when you are selling a house.
If you have leaky roofs or some cracks on the walls, you should repair them. Find out whether some tiles on the roof or around the house are broken or missing and replace them. What is the condition of the chimney? If it is not in the best condition, fixing it is essential before putting your home up for sale.
You should also deal with other issues, such as termite infestation or water leaks in your home. If you notice a lot of structural defects within the property, you should work closely with a structural engineer or builder to fix them. Alternatively, consider hiring an inspector who can check out your home.
Such a professional may quickly notice hidden problems that could hurt the property’s value. Repairing structural issues as soon as they are spotted is better than overlooking them to avoid spending more in the future.
4. Make the house more efficient
This is another excellent renovation idea to make your property more valuable. Creating an energy-efficient house can also help you save money on utility bills and energy in the long run. It is also great since it can reduce emissions and environmental footprint. You can achieve this by installing a smart thermostat.
Rather than using regular bulbs in your home, consider switching to energy-efficient bulbs. Such bulbs are better since they are more efficient and last longer. You can look for automated LED bulbs that one can control through an app. Also, consider investing in solar panels since they can increase the property’s value. Such panels can save you considerable electric costs every year.
If your home does not already have a central heating system or has an old one, you need to update this. Adding insulation and sealing drafts around windows and doors can make the house more efficient. Adding insulation can help with temperature regulation. You can use sealant or caulks to close openings around the windows.
5. Come up with an outdoor seating area
Do you have a large property? If yes, you can boost exterior appeal by creating a seating area outdoors. Many people enjoy spending time outdoors since it can be pretty relaxing. You should, therefore, consider setting up a porch or deck outside the house. Ensure that the furniture you set outdoors is not only portable but also comfortable.
This is a great way to expand the square footage of your property. Once you do this, you should also consider installing outdoor lighting. This can make the outdoor seating area look more entertaining. It can also encourage a family to spend some time outdoors, even at night.
Though investing in outdoor lighting will cost you money, it can help you get more for the property during selling. Do you live in a very cold area? If yes, consider adding a fire pit to the outdoor space. This enhances the overall value of your property and encourages everyone to spend some time outdoors during chilly nights.
6. Create an addition
If you already have an outdoor seating area and would like to increase the property’s value, you should consider creating an addition to the house. Families keep growing, and additional rooms can add significant value to a home. Look for ways to physically extend the house.
For instance, you can create a new bedroom by dividing the existing space or converting the loft. This can increase the property’s sale price since potential buyers are always keen on the number of bedrooms in a home. Apart from the bedroom, you can also increase value by adding a bathroom. For example, look for ways to create an en suite in the master bedroom.
You can add an extra bathroom to the property by extending or remodeling an existing space. The bathroom is also one of the main areas that potential buyers focus on before pursuing properties. Some homeowners also add a sunroom or conservatory to their properties. This is a great idea that people who spend most of their time working indoors will love.
7. Redo the kitchen
Since the kitchen is among the essential areas in a home, you should make some changes. Renovating the kitchen can make your home more beautiful and valuable. Considering ways to make it stand out, consider an open floor plan since it is a desirable layout. You can also update the kitchen with some new appliances. Research can help you identify modern kitchen features to add to your home.
Aim at creating an attractive and sociable kitchen. You can achieve this by making some structural changes. Making minor changes like better lighting, new floor tiles, or replacing kitchen unit doors can significantly impact.
8. Declutter and clean
Wondering how else to update interiors? Consider decluttering and cleaning more often. A house with less clutter looks more appealing than one with things at every corner. If you have a lot of stuff, you can create more storage space to make the rooms appear well organized. This can also make the house look bigger. If you no longer need some things, you can donate them to have more room for the necessary items.
Besides, paying attention to cleanliness can also help you attract potential buyers when showcasing your house. Ensure you vacuum more often and take care of areas such as the windows. Cleaning the windows can encourage more light penetration into a home. You can even pay for deep-cleaning services from time to time since this can add more to the property’s resale value.
9. Decorate the home
Did you know that decorating the home can also increase its value? Well, now you do. Start looking for popular decor designs that you can incorporate into your home. This is cost-effective and can make the home look modern and fresh.
Some brilliant decorating ideas you can try include adding beautiful art on the walls, throwing pillows in the living area, and adding house plants. These can help you transform your house.
That’s it for this video. Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you like the video, and subscribe for more useful content. Until next time, thanks for watching!
