Surprisingly Simple Home Improvements That Add the Most Value
June 27, 2018
When it comes to home improvement projects, it's not easy choosing which renovations to green-light and which ones to scrap (especially if you plan on selling your house soon).
All home improvements are not created equal.
In fact, home improvement projects like a new roof, driveway, air conditioner, furnace — these are types of expensive renovations you might be surprised to hear don’t really move the price needle. Rather, they're just considered normal, wear-and-tear maintenance of a home.
Don't throw in the hammer just yet, though! Because when it comes to low-cost upgrades that will increase the value of your home, we still have plenty of suggestions:
Quick Home Improvements That Add the Most Value
Do you plan on selling your home in the near future — or even in the next few years? Here is a list of low-cost home improvement projects that could provide an immediate return on investment:
1. Give Your Kitchen and Bathroom a ‘Facelift’.
Remodeling a bathroom or a kitchen is one of the most profitable home improvements you can make.
But you don’t have to gut the rooms down to the studs to reap the biggest benefits. In fact, experts say you should only consider a complete kitchen or bath overhaul if you plan to live in your house long enough to reap the rewards.
Instead, consider a "surface facelift," which might involve changing the vanity or vanity top, hanging a new mirror or installing new flooring. This type of “surface facelift” can make a big difference when it comes time to sell — and it doesn't cost a whole lot! For example, do you have a green or blue bathtub that's a few decades old? You don’t necessarily need a new one. Consider instead calling a re-surfacing expert to re-coat the existing tub.
2. Update Your Fixtures & Ceiling Fans.
When it comes to making a quick, affordable and user-friendly home upgrade, allow us to shed some light on one of your best options: new fixtures!
Lighting is a minor upgrade that will create an impact and make a home show better. Many gold fixtures from the 80's and 90's can date your house. For a few hundred dollars, switching everything to a brushed nickel or rubbed bronze finish can be a more affordable upgrade that makes your house look more current.
3. Remember: Curb Appeal Counts.
Walk across the street, turn around and look at your home. If you find yourself feeling a bit underwhelmed by your "curb appeal," you won’t be the only one.
Those people driving by your house, to see if they want to schedule a showing, are likely thinking the same thing. So when it comes to booking a showing — a fresh coat of paint, some landscaping elbow grease or a new front door can make a world of difference.
Not only that, some specific types of home loans (like FHA or VA loans) will prohibit the borrower from buying a house with chipped paint or peeling siding in the first place.
4. Clean And De-clutter Everything.
Some of the best things in life are free — including one of the most important home upgrades: cleaning your house! And there's not really a cost involved — just labor.
Staging your home involves more than the traditional vacuuming, dusting and scrubbing. You should also make a point to “de-clutter” — which means opening up walkways and taking down family photos (which can lead a buyer to feel like they’re invading your space). Clear off the countertops, remove excess items, and clear out closets so they look bigger.
For more cleaning tips to help you sell your home, refer to this guide from the American Cleaning Institute.
5. You Might Not Have to Replace Your Carpet, But You Should Clean It.
It’s no secret that new carpet can give a room new life. But sometimes, “fresh and clean” can do as much as new.
Before replacing a carpet altogether, see about getting it professionally cleaned. You can also hire a pro to come in and "re-stretch" your carpet so it's not lumpy and loose anymore. Of course, if all else fails, it might be time to replace the carpet. And if you do make sure you get a neutral color.
6. Tear Those Old Curtains Down.
New windows have plenty of aesthetic and energy saving benefits, but they’re also expensive. Luckily, there’s a way to add value to your current windows by taking away something else: your dated curtains.
Sometimes simpler is better. If you have nice wood trim and new shades, you might not need anything else. You should also replace any cracked window glass or torn screens.
7. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Nearly every expert agrees, a fresh coat of paint still reigns supreme as one of the easiest and cheapest ways to refresh a room (especially if you do it yourself).
It can also make a great first impression. Just be sure to pick neutral colors and stay away from the outlandish shades.
For more Expensive Renovations, consider a Home Equity Loan.
If you're planning a more expensive home improvement project to enjoy for the next few years without selling, consider using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Northwestern Bank to fund it.
Want to Learn More?
Still unsure of what home renovations to pursue? Your banker or Real Estate Agent can help you determine if the cost will justify the improvements you want to make.
So, if you’re considering home renovations or putting your home on the market, contact us at Northwestern Bank today!