Getting ready to list your home on the market, or just want to make some value-adding improvements? When done well, simple renovations or additions can make a significant impact on your home’s overall value. Better yet, many fool-proof improvements can be cost-effective and easily modified to fit any budget.
But where to begin? When contemplating improvements or renovations, it’s important to consider having your home inspected if the improvements you intend to make are more than cosmetic. Inspections can reveal more serious issues that might be worsened by seemingly simple DIY projects.
Next, consult an expert. Consider hiring a local realtor or interior designer for an hour or two to check out your home and make suggestions about what you could easily build upon or improve to add value to your home. A standard hourly fee is normally less than $100, and within that time, they can give you many ideas for improvements. From paint colors to furniture placements, small and inexpensive – even free – alterations can go a long way toward improving the look and feel of your home.
Now, you’re ready to dive into the real improvements, additions, and renovations. Check out a few ideas below for value-adding updates to your home, ranging from simplest to more complex:
- Add a fresh coat of paint: One of the simplest and most cost-effective improvements is a fresh coat of paint. Remember that most homebuyers are attracted to neutrals when selecting your new color – but neutrals don’t have to be boring. Check out the 19 best neutral paint colors according to designers for some inspiration.
- Grow your garden: When it comes to adding value to your home, curb appeal is of the utmost importance. Expand your outdoor space with the addition of shrubbery, flowering bushes, and trees, keeping in mind to select plants that are native to your region. Consult this article for the top native plants for your region to ensure your landscaping additions are set up for success.
- Ditch out-of-date features: Have pesky old carpet that you’ve been wanting to rip up for a while? Or popcorn ceiling that visually dates your home? Getting rid of outdated home features such as these are a great way to modernize your home and add value back. However, be sure to consult a professional when taking on these tasks.
- Improve your bathrooms: Bathroom updates can be a huge value add for your home and don’t require a huge overhaul. Consider replacing dated wallpaper, updating the fixtures, or re-tiling one or all the bathrooms in your home. Incremental changes like these go a long way.
- Update your kitchen: At the end of the day, kitchen renovations are most likely to up your home’s value. However, don’t feel pressured to start from scratch; start by swapping out one item, like a sink or old microwave, for a newer model. Consider painting the cabinets a new color or replacing the hardware. In areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, small changes are sure to add big value to your home.
Updating your home is a marathon, not a sprint. Making incremental changes is a cost-effective and approachable way to add value to your home, ensuring your humble abode is a place where you and your family feel comfortable and content. Better yet, these changes add up, setting the foundation for a successful sale in the long-term.
Have questions about buying or selling your home? Contact us at Mariott Real Estate today.