Increase Your Home’s Resale Value with these Quick Upgrades. Here’s How.

If you’re ready to jump into the hot real estate market and want to increase the resale value of your home, here are several simple home improvement ideas to complete in a short amount of time.

Selecting the Right Home Improvements that Increase Value

First things first. Make a list of all the home improvements you would like to do. Then look at each item and determine whether it is necessary to spend the money. Breaking the bank won’t always bring you a return on your investment. There are many cheaper ways to increase home value including these simple home improvement ideas.

Simple Interior Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Yourself

Not a home renovation professional? No problem. If you can add a little sweat equity to your DIY attitude, you’re all set.

1. Cleaning. It may seem obvious, but one of the best home improvements is to clean your house. Start by de-cluttering, which will help make your home appear larger. Vacuum or deep clean carpets. Get rid of mold and mildew in the bathrooms. Wipe dirt and grime off baseboards and crown molding. Wash the windows to a streak-free shine.

2. Painting. The easiest way to freshen up scuffs or drab walls is by painting. It’s amazing how a few cans of paint can make a dramatic difference to your whole house. Ensure you select a neutral colour scheme in order to appeal to the widest array of potential buyers. Remember to freshen up trim on windows and doors too.

3. Lighting. Another bright idea to increase home value is to add or change the lighting fixtures in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or hallway. Choosing the right type of fixture and bulb will transform the ambiance and style of any space since a well-lit room feels more welcoming.

4. Cabinet Hardware. Give your kitchen or bathroom a quick and easy facelift simply by switching out the cabinet hardware. Go from outdated to out-of-this-world with just a few turns of your screwdriver. New hardware will make any room immediately look more modern and updated.

5. Storage. Maximize the space in any room by adding simple storage solutions. In kitchens, use inexpensive baskets under the sink to store cleaning supplies. Add cutlery drawers to sort and organize utensils. In bedrooms, add adjustable rods and shelving to closets and use baskets for under-bed storage. For the empty space above the toilet, use specially designed shelving units to maximize storage.

6. Install Smart Technology. Smart technology in your home provides the lifestyle that today’s buyers are looking for. Being able to control everything from appliances to security systems from anywhere by using an app on a smartphone or tablet, is the ultimate convenience and will make your home more appealing.

Simple Exterior Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Yourself

Once you’ve tackled some interior home improvement projects, turn your attention to the outside. You have probably heard the expression “you only get one chance to make a first impression”. This certainly holds true for your home. When potential buyers see your home for the first time, the outside of your house could make or break whether they even want to take a look inside. 

Here are some simple exterior home improvements that add value.

1. Pressure Washing. A pressure washer is a great tool to help deep clean the exterior of your house. With a pressure washer, you can have your patio, deck, driveway, and even siding looking like new again. It’s an affordable tool that will help you avoid costly replacements and will also make cleaning a lot quicker than if you were to do it by hand.

2. Landscaping. Appearances matter and your home is no exception. A well-maintained lawn, trimmed hedges, beautiful flowers, and leafy plants will all add colour and dimension to your home. Hide or neatly store hoses, and put away lawn mowers, gardening tools, garbage, and recycling bins.

3. Upgrade Your Front Door. The main focal point of any home is the front door. Repainting or replacing the door will increase your home’s resale value because it makes a great first impression. It’s an easy way to add colour and define your home’s style.

4. Upgrade Your Garage Door. A new garage door will help boost your home’s curb appeal. Depending on the type of garage door, you can also improve your home’s safety and security and even save on energy bills if the door is insulated. Add a new garage door opener for an easy way to increase home value.

Hire a Pro to Improve Resale Value

There are some home improvement projects that you may not want to tackle on your own. Here’s how to add value to your home with the help of professionals.

1. Add a Patio or Deck. Adding extra living space is a sure way to improve the resale value of your home, even when it’s outside.

2. Add a Fire Pit. If you already have a patio or deck, consider adding a fire pit. Situated in another area of your backyard, a fire pit adds more seating and creates a focal point in your backyard.

3. Add or Repair Fences. They say good fences make good neighbours. But fences increase home value too as they add to the curb appeal of your property. Fences also provide a safe, private enclosure for your family and pets.

Best Areas to Spend Money for Home Upgrades

If you do have some money to invest in major home improvements, there are certain areas where you will get the most bang for your buck. Spend wisely in these areas:

1. Kitchen. Experts agree that the kitchen is the heart of the home and any upgrades you make to this space will increase home value. Depending on your budget, you could simply change out old appliances and still make a huge impact. From here, the options are endless: stone countertops, new flooring, new lighting, custom cabinets, islands, and the list goes on.

2. Bathroom. Next to kitchens, bathrooms are another area in your home where upgrades increase resale value. Replace the old vanity with a sleek new option with undermount sink and stylish hardware. Add new light fixtures, plus wallpaper or paint for a pop of unexpected colour.

3. Roof. More than adding additional curb appeal to your home, a new roof signals to potential home buyers that they won’t need to spend money or time on repairs as soon as they purchase your house. There are several options to choose from including asphalt shingles, metal, solar panels, and new high-tech materials that reflect sun and result in lower utility costs.

Home Upgrades to Avoid

When considering home upgrades, there are some that you should avoid spending money on because some investments are just not worth the money. These include: 

1. Installing a Swimming Pool. While it may seem like a good idea for your family, potential buyers may see this as extra maintenance or a hazard for those with young children. 

2. Room Conversions. You may enjoy reading in a room you designed as a library, but potential buyers will have to repurpose the room should they require the extra bedroom. 

3. Changing the Carpet. Most buyers don’t want wall-to-wall carpeting. Invest in a good steam cleaning of existing carpet instead.

Prepping your house before listing it for sale takes planning and good decision making since the right home improvements can push up the resale value. Take the DIY approach whenever possible and only complete home improvements that are proven to increase your home’s value and bring you the most return on your investment.