Whether you are planning to renovate your home for more comfort or have
plans to sell soon, you should carefully consider what home improvements works
and what not. Relevant home improvements can help to significantly increase the value of listed houses.
Even if you are not selling at the very moment, some lousy renovation
choices at the time might decrease home’s value later on. By making the right
changes over an extended period, you do not gradually increase only the amount
of the house. Control over your renovation budget will increase, as well as enjoying
the new luxuries in your home.
1.
Make Your Home Greener
Energy efficiency is our future. Therefore, homes that are energy-efficient
are becoming very popular in the market. There are many ways to make house more
energy-efficient, and it all depends on your budget and time left before
selling. By making some energy-efficient changes, you will also benefit from
the savings.
What Not to Do
Although all green improvements are sure to increase the value of your
home, some more expensive and more significant project might not appeal to your
market. However, if you are planning to stay put for a long time, go ahead! These
bigger investments will be a great benefit in the long run.
If the potential buyers in your area will not be able to afford massive upgrades
like solar panels, green roofs
or smart home, it is best to avoid them. Sometimes, specific green improvements
might scare potential buyers if it means they need to keep up with the
maintenance and invest more money.
How to Improve
Insulating is the first step to an energy-efficient home. All homes
should have primary insulation which keeps
the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Make sure all the
cracks around the house are sealed and add some insulation to the attic or
basement. Upgrades like energy-star windows and doors will also increase the
energy efficiency and home’s value.
Try to present your home in a good light (pun intended) by installing
energy-star light bulbs and other energy-star appliances and fixtures if your
budget allows it. Programmable thermostats, energy-efficient
water heater, and dual flush toilets will help to increase the
value of your home as most home buyers understand the significance of these
installations and how it can help trim the energy bills.
2.
Basic Updates and Maintenance
Improving your home with some needed updates are in most case the easiest
and least expensive way to increase its value. Some updates can be done long before the house is up for sale
while others are best to apply just before putting on the market.
What Not to Do
Just because a screaming red wall color in the living room and some
quirky tiles in the kitchen looks great for you, does not mean it will appeal
to the potential buyers.
Everyone style is various, and that is why bold colors, too much
wallpaper, textured walls, and over-personalized renovations can decrease the value of your home. Also, no matter
how handy you think you are, it is better to leave some projects to professionals as
an unusual DIY finish can scare off your buyers.
How to Improve
A new paint layer will do
wonders for a home just before you hang up the for sale sign. Other areas of
the house which might be deteriorating are best
done as soon as you spot a problem because leaving wood to rot or mold
to grow can cause further problems. When a roof is leaking, for instance, it is
essential to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Most buyers will very quickly see the faults first before they notice the
positive aspect. By making sure your home is regularly maintained and in
excellent condition, you will ensure that it is in tip-top shape for when the
time comes to sell. Buyers will appreciate a home that is well looked after, and this will eliminate the risk of them
“finding “ problems.
3. Remodel Certain Areas
The kitchen and bathroom are two areas that can be
considered a good investment when remodeled. Updating areas like these are sure to
increase the value of your home.
What Not to Do
Once again, depending on your market, a high-end kitchen or bathroom
might not be worth the effort as it might not bring you a return on investment.
Fancy additions like a whirlpool tub can
be hard to clean or make it complicated to climb in and out.
How to Improve
Consider a fresh paint with modern colors, energy-efficient appliance in
the kitchen and energy-efficient fixtures in the bathroom. Keep the new devices
in mid-range and work on those outdated or worn areas instead.
Maybe giving a new varnish to the cupboards in the kitchen or adding
extra racks in the bathroom will improve the overall look. Walk-in showers
are also less expensive than whirlpools.
4. New Additions
Adding some square footage to your home can benefit your resale value,
but only if you add on where it matters.
What Not to Do
Just like major green investment, don’t insist on investing in added
rooms if you are planning to move in the near future.
Tearing down to create a bigger space or an extra bedroom might seem like a
great idea, but keep in mind that such renovations can hold hidden costs as
unexpected circumstances tend to pop up. Swimming pools and sunroom are two
more expensive projects that might seem like a good idea, but in most cases,
they do not add to the value of the home.
How to Improve
If you have an attic or unfinished basement, reinvent in a useful room. A
small apartment added to the home can also come in handy to buyers who want to
rent in the future. Another good area that can provide a unique living
environment is to build a deck as they
offer an outdoor space people can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
When you are not sure what to improve in the house, keep it simple and
try to think like a buyer. In times like these where the housing market is not
at its peak, it is best to cater to budget-minded buyers.
If you struggle to see what needs to be
done, contact a certified home inspector who
will give you the ups and downs of your house. Also, energy efficiency is the
key today with the comfort and character of the home following. Sometimes all
you need are just some easy replacements and maintenance to keep your home up to standard.
Matt James is a freelance writer specialized in home improvement, smart
technology, architecture & design. He has a love of outdoors and spending
time with his dog Cooper. You can reach him on Facebook and Instagram.
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