7 Ways to Boost Your Home's ValueHome Improvement Referral & Information ServicesUpdated on Apr 18, 2019 View more like this | Visit PROVO, UT | Contact Wine Zog |
Regardless of where you live, purchasing a home is a major investment. Certain factors that dictate home value are outside of the homeowners' control (location, the housing market, etc.), but there are things you can do to ensure your home is worth as much as possible.
It’s important to remember that not all home improvement projects pay off. Maximize your investment by making smart updates to your property that are guaranteed to increase your home’s value.
1. Spruce up the exterior.
The outside of your home and landscaping are the first thing visitors and buyers notice about your home. Make your property stand out by keeping the exterior clean and free of debris. Power wash your home once a year, keep the lawn trimmed, maintain the flower beds, and spread mulch.
Along with caring for the appearance of your home, it’s important to stay on top of necessary repairs and maintenance. Regularly check the roof for buckled and missing shingles. Keep the cutters free of debris. Replace damaged siding and lighting fixtures.
2. Add more living space.
One sure way to increase the value of your home is to maximize your living space. If you have an attic or unfinished basement, you are sitting on an opportunity to add more square footage to your home.
Many craftsman homes and bungalows have attics that make a perfect bonus space. If your attic is large with a high ceiling, you may have the potential to convert it to a master bedroom, bathroom, and closet. This type of conversion will add the greatest value. If your attic space is a bit smaller, converting it to a den or office is also a sure payoff.
By finishing an unfinished basement, you can add hundreds of square footage to your home. Assess the windows in your space to determine if you can create a legal bedroom. If not, another great way to use an unfinished basement is to create an additional living room, home theater, or exercise space.
3. Update the kitchen and bathrooms.
While the kitchen and bathrooms are often the most expensive rooms in a home to remodel, they also add the most value. Keep in mind that you don’t have to install top-of-the-line appliances or the most expensive countertops to see a return on your investment.
Many homeowners make the mistake of going overboard with upgrades. Avoid this by doing research on comparable homes in your area. Make it a point to compete with these homes, but don’t go over-the-top.
4. Increase energy efficiency.
Making your home more energy efficient will not only benefit you while you still own the home, but it will also make it easier to sell. Lower your utility bills and increase the value of your home with some simple upgrades.
The first thing all homeowners can do to boost their property’s energy efficiency is to install LED light bulbs. This easy and inexpensive improvement is sure to save money and impress prospective buyers.
If you’re able to invest even more toward energy efficiency, you're sure to see a return in your investment. In the kitchen, select ENERGY STAR appliances in stainless steel. You'll also increase your home's value by installing an energy efficient water heater [1] and double pane windows.
5. Make it low-maintenance.
Nothing is more stressful than an unexpected, expensive home repair. Prevent emergencies by making your home as low-maintenance as possible. Consider installing quartz countertops as they don’t easily stain and are easy to clean. Opt for a metal roof that is environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and easy to maintain.
Make your home even more stress-free by upgrading the major mechanical systems. Update heating, electricity, and plumbing to avoid any major unexpected issues. Ensure your water heater is running smoothly and upgrade when it nears its life expectancy, rather than waiting until it breaks.
6. Introduce smart technology.
Technological updates will appeal to younger buyers as they are accustomed to using smartphones. Bring your home into the modern area by introducing smart technology like home cameras, smart thermostats, Bluetooth door locks[2], and master-controlled lighting. While these updates are relatively inexpensive to install, they are guaranteed to increase your home’s value, make life more convenient, and impress prospective buyers.
7. Don’t forget the paint.
One of the least expensive ways to increase the value of your home is by adding a fresh coat of paint. If you plan to sell, opt for neutral tones on the walls and accent with colorful pillows, rugs, and curtains. This will make your home move-in ready and allow prospective buyers to envision their belongings in your home.
It’s also possible to increase your home’s curb appeal with paint. Along with updating the color of your home and touching up chipping paint, you can add pops of color to the front door or shutters, making your home more modern and attractive to buyers.
Before diving into any home renovation projects, always reflect on the value they will bring to your home. Use the tips shared above and the time, money, and energy you invest in your home are sure to pay off.
It’s important to remember that not all home improvement projects pay off. Maximize your investment by making smart updates to your property that are guaranteed to increase your home’s value.
1. Spruce up the exterior.
The outside of your home and landscaping are the first thing visitors and buyers notice about your home. Make your property stand out by keeping the exterior clean and free of debris. Power wash your home once a year, keep the lawn trimmed, maintain the flower beds, and spread mulch.
Along with caring for the appearance of your home, it’s important to stay on top of necessary repairs and maintenance. Regularly check the roof for buckled and missing shingles. Keep the cutters free of debris. Replace damaged siding and lighting fixtures.
2. Add more living space.
One sure way to increase the value of your home is to maximize your living space. If you have an attic or unfinished basement, you are sitting on an opportunity to add more square footage to your home.
Many craftsman homes and bungalows have attics that make a perfect bonus space. If your attic is large with a high ceiling, you may have the potential to convert it to a master bedroom, bathroom, and closet. This type of conversion will add the greatest value. If your attic space is a bit smaller, converting it to a den or office is also a sure payoff.
By finishing an unfinished basement, you can add hundreds of square footage to your home. Assess the windows in your space to determine if you can create a legal bedroom. If not, another great way to use an unfinished basement is to create an additional living room, home theater, or exercise space.
3. Update the kitchen and bathrooms.
While the kitchen and bathrooms are often the most expensive rooms in a home to remodel, they also add the most value. Keep in mind that you don’t have to install top-of-the-line appliances or the most expensive countertops to see a return on your investment.
Many homeowners make the mistake of going overboard with upgrades. Avoid this by doing research on comparable homes in your area. Make it a point to compete with these homes, but don’t go over-the-top.
4. Increase energy efficiency.
Making your home more energy efficient will not only benefit you while you still own the home, but it will also make it easier to sell. Lower your utility bills and increase the value of your home with some simple upgrades.
The first thing all homeowners can do to boost their property’s energy efficiency is to install LED light bulbs. This easy and inexpensive improvement is sure to save money and impress prospective buyers.
If you’re able to invest even more toward energy efficiency, you're sure to see a return in your investment. In the kitchen, select ENERGY STAR appliances in stainless steel. You'll also increase your home's value by installing an energy efficient water heater [1] and double pane windows.
5. Make it low-maintenance.
Nothing is more stressful than an unexpected, expensive home repair. Prevent emergencies by making your home as low-maintenance as possible. Consider installing quartz countertops as they don’t easily stain and are easy to clean. Opt for a metal roof that is environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and easy to maintain.
Make your home even more stress-free by upgrading the major mechanical systems. Update heating, electricity, and plumbing to avoid any major unexpected issues. Ensure your water heater is running smoothly and upgrade when it nears its life expectancy, rather than waiting until it breaks.
6. Introduce smart technology.
Technological updates will appeal to younger buyers as they are accustomed to using smartphones. Bring your home into the modern area by introducing smart technology like home cameras, smart thermostats, Bluetooth door locks[2], and master-controlled lighting. While these updates are relatively inexpensive to install, they are guaranteed to increase your home’s value, make life more convenient, and impress prospective buyers.
7. Don’t forget the paint.
One of the least expensive ways to increase the value of your home is by adding a fresh coat of paint. If you plan to sell, opt for neutral tones on the walls and accent with colorful pillows, rugs, and curtains. This will make your home move-in ready and allow prospective buyers to envision their belongings in your home.
It’s also possible to increase your home’s curb appeal with paint. Along with updating the color of your home and touching up chipping paint, you can add pops of color to the front door or shutters, making your home more modern and attractive to buyers.
Before diving into any home renovation projects, always reflect on the value they will bring to your home. Use the tips shared above and the time, money, and energy you invest in your home are sure to pay off.
