According to the latest cost vs value report, some home improvement projects can deliver an ROI of up to 93.3% when you sell your home.
These statistics make it easy to determine where to start if you want to carry out a home makeover before listing your house. If you have the budget for it , that is.
Luckily, there are many other ways to add custom home additions without losing out on the deal. Keep reading for the best home improvement ideas, including some surprisingly affordable ones.
1. Minor Kitchen Remodel
Every prospective home buyer loves a newly refurbished kitchen, and this home renovation also adds value to your life, even if you aren’t selling your home.
A new kitchen can set you back several thousand dollars. Fortunately, many affordable home improvement ideas can improve the look and flow of this room without a massive financial outlay.
Some of these are:
- Upgrading your countertops
- A fresh coat of paint
- New flooring
- Refurbishing your cabinet doors
Even adding a dining nook will add appeal and function to your kitchen, and abundant storage is a welcome addition to any kitchen.
There are many innovative ways to maximize the space in your kitchen quickly and easily, like adding shelves or converting a corner cabinet into a lazy Susan.
2. Boost Your Bathroom
Bathrooms are the next big hitters after kitchens when it comes to impressing potential buyers. Spacious, clean bathrooms with plenty of storage are popular right now, and double vanities have always been a big drawcard for buyers.
Like your kitchen, you needn’t spend a fortune on improving your bathroom. Some of the following fixes can improve its appearance and usefulness considerably:
- New tile and flooring
- Upgrading lighting
- Switching out the faucets
- Painting
- Refinishing your bath and shower
- Adding storage
If you want to go all out, you can consider replacing your old shower with a frameless one featuring a rain shower head or installing larger windows for more natural light.
3. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Solar panels lead the way when it comes to boosting your home’s energy efficiency and value. Although they’re an expensive investment, they’ll pay for themselves in around 15 years thanks to lower electricity bills.
Prospective buyers know this, and they’re willing to pay more for homes with PV panels on the roof as well as extra energy improvements.
A well-insulated home that takes advantage of passive heating is another attraction for buyers, and you don’t need to break down walls and add expensive extras to achieve this.
Sealing your windows and installing affordable plantation shutters are cost-effective ways to maximize your home’s insulation.
If you can afford to upgrade your windows to the new, Energy-Star-rated variety. You’ll earn tax credits for your efforts, too.
Other energy-efficient measures include heat pumps, window film, and tankless water heaters.
4. Smart Home Automation
Home automation is a hot trend in real estate right now. It helps you manage your home’s energy efficiency and makes life easier for everyone.
Some of these worthwhile smart additions include:
- Thermostats
- Home security systems
- Doorbell cameras
- Smoke, radon, and carbon monoxide detectors
- Lights
These set-it-and-forget-it home improvements make it easier to manage your home life, which is a high-value benefit in today’s busy world.
A voice-controlled assistant like Alexa helps keep tabs on all your smart appliances and devices and allows you to manage your home remotely, too.
5. Outdoor Home Improvement Tips
After almost a year of indoor confinement, most Americans are embracing outdoor living like never before Some of the most attractive outdoor additions for home sellers include:
- Decks
- Patios
- Outdoor kitchens
- Fire pits
Not only do these home additions add appeal for buyers, but they’re great for your family, too. What’s more, they add immensely to your home’s curb appeal.
6. Refine Your Curb Appeal
First impressions are important when it comes to your career and your daily life, they’re even more so when you’re expecting someone to part with many 1000s of dollars for a home purchase.
An unkempt yard creates a negative vibe from the moment an interested buyer drives up to your home. In extreme cases, they might even drive on by.
Professionally landscaped gardens look gorgeous and can do much to enhance your home’s attraction. While the right home buyer might snap up the opportunity to live among these pristine spaces, some home buyers view them as labor-intensive, unnecessary extra.
It makes more sense to stick with low-key improvements like mowing your lawn, weeding your flower beds, and adding some low-maintenance container plants. You should also consider painting your porch and your front door and installing attractive outdoor lighting.
Updating your home’s siding, driveway, and garage door are among the more expensive renovation items to consider.
7. Maximize Your Space
Apart from outdoor spaces, people also discovered a need for more interior space while confined indoors. Some of these desirable extras include studios, gyms, and home offices.
Converting your attic or basement into an extra living area is more cost-effective than building an extension or an ADU and can add considerable value to your home. Another great trick is installing mirror radiators wherever you need a mirror. This way you’ll have both a mirror and a radiator in one spot. The more versatile a space is, the more prospective buyers can visualize themselves using it.
Make sure you comply with local building regulations when undertaking these upgrades, or you could end up with problems during a title search on your home.
Seek Value in Everyday Things
Home improvement projects can add more than financial value to your home. They also improve your quality of life and your interactions with your family.
Would you like to discover some more helpful information for enhancing your lifestyle? Browse my blog for more real estate, career, and home improvement tips to help you achieve your goals.
