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The blood, sweat, and tears you put into your home improvement project should be worth it in the end, right? However, you could be in trouble if your home is under the eagle eye of a millennial. According to the National Association of Realtors, 43% of all home buyers are millennials, and they can be (understandably) picky about the finer details.
So how do you choose renovation projects that will be worthy of your time? You can do several things to add value to your home, including updating the kitchen and appliances. Completing the right home improvements around the house will add value and make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.
Do you want to learn more about which renovation projects will add value to your home? Here are ten renovation projects to boost your home’s value.
1. LED Lighting
Switching up the lighting in your home is an easy way to increase the property’s value. Potential buyers are looking for eco-friendly features within your home that could save them money in the future. If you have an older home, you should upgrade your lighting fixtures before you sell.
Choose the Right Bulbs
Change the bulbs in your home to energy-efficient, LED lightbulbs that you can dim. Dimmable LED lighting uses up to 90% less energy than a standard light bulb. So not only can you adjust the brightness in your home, but you’ll save money and the planet at the same time.
White bulbs will make your home feel open and spacious. White bulbs are especially useful in dimly-lit home areas such as the utility, storage spaces, or offices. Also, choose a cool white for kitchens and bathrooms where task lighting is important.
Change the Fixtures
Updating your lighting fixtures can help your home feel warmer and inviting. First, note down the styles that will fit your home’s design before you start shopping for new fixtures. Then, choose fixtures with similar design elements to create a cohesive look.
Make the most of the natural light in your home by placing large mirrors near light sources. Keep your windows clean and clear of any climbing plants to allow maximum light into the room.
2. Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is the heart of the home and an essential feature for a buyer. Around 36% of Americans cook at home every day. So remodeling your kitchen is one of the best home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home.
You should base your budget on the current value of your home and spend accordingly. Adding innovative home technology for security and lighting can help your home stand out and appear more desirable to buyers. Take a look at your kitchen’s lighting to ensure it is inviting and bright.
Repaint Kitchen Cabinets
Don’t overspend on your kitchen renovation if you want to see a return on your investment (ROI). Instead, make low-cost changes by repainting cabinets and replacing the backsplash to keep expenses low. Extra lighting can also help your kitchen look fresh and clean without spending too much money.
Add Storage Space
Adding more counter and storage space can make your kitchen seem larger and more functional. Potential buyers often look for a kitchen with an island as it is less likely to go out of style. You can use clever storage solutions such as hooks to hang mugs and pans if you have a small kitchen.
A kitchen island is a multi-functional area that can provide a space for breakfast, meal preparation, or office work.
Update Appliances
Add the finishing touches to your kitchen remodel by updating your appliances. Although kitchen appliances may not add value to your home, they can contribute to the overall look of your kitchen. In addition, appliances with Bluetooth and wifi capabilities will make cooking and cleaning light work for the new homeowners.
Upgrade Countertops
Switch out dark, granite worktops for bright, quartz, or porcelain countertops to give your kitchen a new lease of life. Spending money on high-quality materials will translate into a return on your investment. You can also remove outdated tiles and refresh the grout to improve your kitchen’s appearance and your home’s resale value.
3. Bathroom Upgrade
Updating your bathroom with new flooring and tiles is the least you should do before selling your home. Homeowners could recoup over 60% of the costs of their bathroom renovation when they sell their homes. If your bathroom furniture is old or damaged, you should replace it and add a fresh coat of paint to the entire room.
Replacing the tiles and updating existing cabinets are the simplest ways to appeal to buyers. Making your bathroom larger can also help if you have the skills to change the layout yourself. There are lots of bathroom remodeling options that can increase the value of your home, including:
- Heated floors
- Jacuzzi baths
- Extra storage space
- Shower seats
Remove outdated shower curtains and replace them with glass doors. Glass doors will make your bathroom easier to clean and allow more natural light to flood the room. Vinyl shower curtains are bad for the environment and give off harmful chemicals.
Eco-friendly Design
Energy-efficient updates are popular with buyers who want an eco-conscious home. Look for low-flow toilet flushes and water-saving options when completing your bathroom remodel projects. Replacing your shower head with a low-flow option will reduce water consumption and make your home more sustainable.
Installing underfloor heating is another way to create a sustainable bathroom that is bound to pique the interest of potential buyers. Underfloor heating uses less energy than central heating because it operates at a lower temperature. As a result, this is a lower-cost and energy-efficient method of heating your home.
4. Update the Walls
Adding a fresh coat of paint to your home is the cheapest and easiest way to add value. A neutral color palette will provide a blank canvas for furniture and decor. Choose warm white and light colors to brighten a room and make spaces feel larger.
A survey from Zillow revealed that painting your bathroom light blue could add $5,000 to the value of your home. Choose paint that will make rooms look larger and brighter than they are. Dark colors can make a space feel cold and cramped.
Paint the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways before considering the other rooms. The entryway is the most important place to paint because it is the first area potential buyers will see. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to a reading nook or seating area, as it could leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Choosing good quality paint for your kitchen and bathroom prevents mold and lingering odors. You want to create a neutral space that buyers can imagine themselves living in. Nobody wants to walk into your home and smell cooking oil or grease.
Choose the Right Paint
Aim to maximize natural light in your home by choosing satin and semi-gloss paints. These paints are durable and resistant to stains, making them more attractive to people who view your home. Unfortunately, cheap paint is of poor quality, so make sure you spend a little more to get a better brand.
Avoid using cheap brushes and rollers if you want a professional-looking finish. Cheap brushes will leave behind bristles and marks that will downgrade the overall finish of your walls. Use masking tape to protect any vulnerable areas and get better results.
5. Improve HVAC
A buyer will judge your home based on how comfortable and convenient it will be. Inspect your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) before putting it on the market. Potential buyers will rarely accept a home with old heating and air conditioning systems.
Ask a professional to look at your home’s HVAC systems to keep them maintained before selling. It may be possible for you to upgrade your existing system instead of buying a brand new one if it is in good condition. For example, you can replace the air condenser fan controls and other parts to increase the value of your home without spending too much.
Take a look at the insulation in your home to ensure you have the most energy-efficient HVAC possible. The air ducts should be sealed to prevent your air conditioning unit from working too hard. Use a sealant to repair any cracks or holes causing air to escape.
Your home should have a programmable thermostat to get the best out of your HVAC system.
6. Accessibility
Making your home more accessible can make it more welcoming to potential buyers. It will also open up your home to a broader audience and make it more marketable. You can make simple changes by widening slim doorways and adding a side door to your home.
Minimize the risk of trips or falls by removing thick carpets or rugs. Smooth, wood floors are best for cleanliness and mobility. Bathroom floors should also be non-slip to prevent injuries.
Add grab bars to the shower and toilet area to help with grip and support. Many prefer walk-in showers with an added seat compared to a bath and shower combination. Replacing rounded door knobs with lever handles will also make life easier for disabled buyers.
7. Outdoor Living Area
You can improve the square footage of your home by adding exterior living space such as decking or a patio. Show potential buyers that they can relax and live the high life by providing an irresistible, luxurious, and spacious outdoor living space. Home buyers should be able to see the potential for your outdoor living space.
Pools and Hot Tubs
Adding a pool to your property could be an exciting and worthwhile investment if you plan to sell your home. If you live in the perfect climate, a pool could be attractive to families looking at your home. Make sure you consider your yard size before making any decisions about pool installations.
Building an outdoor kitchen or firepit will add value to your property. Your outdoor kitchen should be functional and well-equipped. Make sure there is also a sheltered space so guests can enjoy themselves out of the sun.
Barbeques and Firepits
A fire pit and covered area show that the space is equipped for cooler nights and wet weather. A covered structure can also provide privacy and protection from the elements. Add a barbeque area or bar to make your outdoor area the ideal place for entertaining guests.
Landscaping
Another way to make your yard remodel worthwhile is to create focal points with a variety of flowers, plants, and shrubs. Use water features along with native plants to develop eye-catching levels that your visitors and potential buyers will enjoy.
Update the Exterior
Paying attention to the outside of your property is essential if you don’t want to scare away potential buyers. Inspect your mailbox and house numbers to ensure they are in excellent condition. A new garage door can also add value to your home.
Many real estate agents also recommend pressure washing the sidewalk by your home to improve the property’s overall look. Remove any mold and mildew marks from your fence, patio, and driveway before putting the pressure washer away.
Don’t forget that painting the exterior of your home also adds value. The outside of your home and the front door are the first things a potential buyer will see before entering the house. Blues and greens tend to be the most popular choices for front doors.
Replacing your existing front door with a steel door can increase your home’s energy efficiency and improve the property’s value. Your home will also appear safe and more secure to buyers. A heavy-duty door is a worthwhile investment that will banish cold drafts and improve the overall appearance of your home.
8. New Windows
Replacing the windows in your home can increase the energy efficiency as well as the value. You can improve the appearance of existing windows by repairing them, but it is better to replace the windows to increase value. Make sure that your new windows match the existing ones if you aren’t replacing all of them.
Extra Security
Installing new windows also improves the security of your home. Invest in windows that have a multi-point locking system for additional safety. In addition, modern windows offer night vents for those hot summer evenings when you want to leave a window open without inviting insects indoors.
Adding home security to your property could also add value and bring down the cost of home insurance. Potential buyers want to know that their families will be safe when they move in. Other homes may not have security features like yours, making your home a more desirable option for buyers.
Energy Efficient Windows
Shop around to find the most energy-efficient windows for your budget and style. Look for Energy Star-certified or Low-E windows for the best energy efficiency rating. Energy Star windows receive testing from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
The NFRC provides U-factor ratings for each window based on how insulated the window is. They also measure how heat passes through the window and how much air will leak from it. You can find the NFRC verification on the label of each window to see how well it performed in tests.
Although fixed windows are energy-saving, they are less functional than insulated or hinged windows.
9. Remove Carpets
The flooring you choose in your home can make a huge difference in selling your home. Avoid carpet at all costs and choose wood or tiles where possible. Make use of original wood floors during your home remodel by sanding and polishing them to their former glory.
Wooden floors add a touch of luxury to any home. Consider your options before choosing your flooring to avoid mismatching many different materials. Keep the flooring consistent throughout your home by choosing flooring that works well side by side.
Hardwood is durable, with various options available, including maple, oak, and pine. Avoid using wooden floors in the bathroom or kitchen to prevent mold. Porcelain or natural stone tiles are hardwearing, durable options that stand the test of time.
10. Create Extra Space
Prospective buyers love it when they feel like they are getting a bargain. So why not sweeten the deal with extra space by renovating the attic or basement? Adding square footage can increase the value of your home and create some unique selling points.
Add a Room
Consider adding a laundry or utility room to your home if you can do so. You can also upgrade an unfinished laundry area to increase the square footage of your home. Make the space more desirable by adding new plumbing, cabinets, and countertops.
Take a look at your floorplan to see if there is a room that could be enlarged or added to. For example, expanding the perimeter of your home could create opportunities for reading nooks or breakfast areas that will add value to your property.
Garage and Loft Conversions
Extending your living space into the loft or garage could increase your property value by up to 20%. You could convert half the space to extend your living room if you want to keep the extra parking space. Off-road parking options are an attractive feature for potential buyers.
Check that you have somewhere else to store tools or a chest freezer if you plan on converting your garage. A small outdoor shed could be the solution for tools and outdoor gear if you won’t have any space in your garage conversion. A partial garage conversion might be the best option if you have lots of belongings and no space.
If your loft is suitable for conversion, then this could also add value to your property. The space should be functional and with lots of natural light. Consider adding a skylight or extra windows to turn your loft into a bedroom, office, or hobby space.
Basement Remodel
Finishing your basement could increase the resale value of your home. The average ROI for a finished basement is 70%. Make sure you research to see if you need any permits to convert your basement into additional living space.
You could turn your basement into a game room or guest room to impress potential buyers. However, your property value will only increase if the renovation is completed to a high standard. Make sure you speak to a qualified contractor about finishing your basement before you start knocking walls down.
Get Help With the Right Renovation Projects
If you choose to sell your home, you should consider the type of buyer you will attract. Then, use this knowledge to determine which renovation projects will enhance your home for that buyer. Home improvement projects are worthwhile to protect your investment and don’t have to break the bank.
Are you looking for assistance with selling your home? With over 20 years of experience in the real estate market, Dean Miller Real Estate can help you make the right decisions for the best outcome.
Contact Dean Miller Real Estate for outstanding real estate services to suit every homeowner in Nassau County and Long Island.
