Home improvements can be both exciting and necessary to increase your home value when selling your home. So, how do you know if the improvements you are making are going to add value? Let me break down a few improvements that can help increase the value of your home including renovations, aesthetic updates, and additions. I can help provide the necessary guidance to you in determining if what you are doing is going to actually be worth it in the end.
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel
What two rooms in your home do you spend the most time in? You probably thought of the kitchen and the bathroom. Not only are these the rooms you spend the most time in, but also can make or break the value of your home. Buyers want a kitchen they will fall in love with and a bathroom they can see themselves getting ready in every morning. So give that to them with your renovations. Consider bringing these rooms as up-to-date as you can. When renovating your kitchen, maybe you need to add new countertops, or an island, or simply repaint your cabinets. Your bathroom may need a new toilet or tub, or a new vanity to give it an updated look. You don’t need to call a contractor and have them gut your kitchen and bathroom, these simple changes can go a long way and drastically improve the value of your home.
New Flooring
Flooring is important to update, especially if your current flooring is stained, scratched, or damaged in any way. Consider selecting flooring that is durable, appealing, and moderately priced. These types of renovations will improve the value of your home, however, it is important to remember that when choosing things like new flooring you do not want to select the most expensive or ornate products as this may not attract everyone. This is a particularly important concept that is overlooked more often than not.
Eco-Friendly
Another considerable renovation to explore is making your home more eco-friendly. This may include window updates, light fixture changes, new insulation, energy star appliances, and more. These changes will not only improve the home value but you will immediately start seeing the monetary benefits from saving money on utilities like heating, cooling, electricity, and water.
Aesthetic Updates
Aesthetic updates tend to be more affordable projects that can add value to your home. Examples of aesthetic updates are painting and landscaping. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls or changing the color to something more modern is a simple improvement that buyers will notice. The first thing a buyer sees when touring a home is the initial curb appeal. Ways to improve your curb appeal include ensuring your grass is healthy and well-maintained, as well as ensuring flower beds have new mulch or other hardscape materials that are not overgrown. Having a clean-cut lawn and attractive doors on the exterior of your home can leave a lasting first impression.
Additions
The final item to consider when trying to add value to your home is adding an addition. This, in most cases, is the most costly “renovation” because it requires much planning, execution, and decision-making. When considering an addition for your home, always consult a professional to do the work. No matter how handy you might be as a homeowner when it comes to adding on to your home, there are certain laws and regulations set in place that must be abided by. These professionals know these laws and regulations and are able to assist you in ensuring what you are doing to your home is legal and prevent you from big fines and other unwanted attention from your local government, homeowner’s association, and other entities.
Some additions to consider would be adding an outside deck, three-season porch, or other outside amenities to give the home a bit more hosting space. Other ideas for additions fall into the realm of increasing the living square footage of the home. This addition could be a new master suite decked out with the closet of your dreams and a massive bathroom equipped with a spa-sized bathtub and a walk-in shower, or, it could be as modest as some extra square footage in the kitchen or living area. An idea not to be overlooked is a garage addition. Many buyers take a lot of pride in their cars and will not look at homes that do not have garages to protect their expensive toys. These garages can be attached to the home itself or completely separate from the home, just as long as it makes sense for your property.
It is important to remember that not all of these renovations are necessary to add to your home value. It is always important to seek professional guidance when making any renovations or additions. If you feel stuck on what types of projects to take on as a homeowner and are interested in seeking further guidance about what improvements to make to your specific property, please give me a call and I will assist you as best as I can!
