Are you considering selling your house? Or maybe you want to make some much-needed repairs and upgrades, but you’re not sure which will offer the best return on investment. Regardless of your motivation, if you’re looking to increase the value of your house, some tried and tested methods will get the job done. Here are 8 ways to increase the value of a home:
Kitchen and bathroom remodels
Anytime you can add square footage or functionality to a house, you’re increasing its value. A full kitchen or bathroom can be costly, but even minor updates can make a significant impact. For example, refacing cabinets, painting walls, or upgrading hardware and fixtures can give your kitchen or bathroom an entirely new look without breaking the bank.
New Roofing
Over time, roofs will start to show signs of wear and tear. Replacing an old, damaged roof with a new one is a great way to increase the value of your house. It will be more aesthetically pleasing, but a new roof will protect your home from the elements and potential water damage. However, this is not the kind of project that you can DIY – it’s important to hire experienced roofing professionals to get the job done right. They can also help you choose the best roofing materials for your climate and budget.
Energy-efficient upgrades
Making your home more energy efficient is good for the environment and can save you money on your utility bills. And, when done right, energy-efficient upgrades can also increase the value of your house. Some energy-efficient upgrades include adding insulation, upgrading windows and doors, and installing energy-efficient appliances.
Addition of energy-efficient features
Making your home more energy-efficient is good for the environment and for your wallet (and potential buyers’ wallets, too). Simple improvements like weatherstripping doors and windows, adding insulation, and switching to LED bulbs can make a big difference in both your energy costs and how attractive your home is to potential buyers looking to save money in the long run.
Interior painting
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to breathe new life into tired-looking rooms. When choosing paint colors, though, be sure to stick with neutrals so as not to turn off potential buyers with tastes that differ from your own. Moreover, quality should also be a top priority. Cheap paint may save you money upfront, but it will likely need to be replaced sooner, which isn’t very cost-effective in the long run.
Smart home technology
More and more buyers are looking for homes with “smart” features like programmable thermostats. These security systems can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or even automated sprinkler systems that water the lawn on their schedule—all of which can help save time (and money) in the long run without any extra effort on their part once they move in, making these types of features beautiful indeed! Some of the advantages of a smart home include the following:
- The peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is secure even when you’re away;
- The convenience of being able to control your home’s temperature, lighting, and security system from anywhere in the world;
- The money you’ll save on your utility bills by being able to program your home’s systems to operate more efficiently.
While not everyone is looking for a smart home, there’s no doubt that this type of technology is becoming increasingly popular—and that it can definitely increase the value of your property should you choose to sell in the future.
New flooring
Old and outdated flooring is a major turnoff for many potential buyers—but new floors can be costly to install. If you’re not ready for a complete replacement just yet, try having your floors refinished instead (this works exceptionally well for hardwood floors). Not only will this give them a much-needed facelift, but it will also protect them from further damage down the road—making them last longer and potentially saving you money in the long run.
Increased curb appeal
Curb appeal doesn’t stop at landscaping—plenty of other ways to make your home more inviting from the street level. For example, power washing siding and walkways, repainting or replacing front doors, or adding outdoor lighting are all relatively easy projects that can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal—and, therefore, its value as well. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the outside of your house can also make it look more inviting and well-cared-for, which is always appealing to potential buyers.
Final thoughts
These are just a few ideas to get you started—but regardless of which route you choose to take when increasing the value of your home, remember that even small changes can have a big impact. So don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get started today!
