Whether you’re looking to sell your home at some point in the near future, or you simply want to make sure your home is staying with the times and preserving its long-term value, there are certain projects you can invest in for a strong ROI.
7 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value
While every home and individual real estate market is different, there are several tried and true ways to increase the value of your home and ensure a strong return on investment. Check out the following and make a mental note of which ones are best suited for your property.
1. Remodel the Kitchen and Bathrooms
These are often the most expensive and time-consuming projects, but they can also have the biggest impact on a home’s value. Here are three specific suggestions to ensure your remodel projects in these rooms command top dollar in return:
- Prioritize functionality over style. Focus on the practical aspects of the remodel, such as new appliances, countertops, and storage, rather than trendy finishes or designs that may not appeal to all buyers.
- Keep the remodel within your budget. Overspending on a remodel can eat into your ROI, so it’s important to stick to a budget and avoid going over the top with luxury features.
- Stay neutral. Choose a neutral color palette and finishes that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. (This is especially important if you’re planning to sell in the near future.)
If you’re not sure which finishes to choose for mass appeal, you might consider hiring an interior designer or remodel specialist to help you put a plan together. This will help you get the most value in return for your spending.
2. Add Square Footage
This can be done through a room addition or finishing a basement or attic space. The most cost-effective option is to repurpose space that currently doesn’t count as heated square footage. This includes garage conversions, drying in a porch, or finishing off an unfinished basement or walk-in attic.
3. Update the Exterior
This can include a fresh coat of paint, new siding, or new windows and doors. You can get a surprisingly high bang for your buck by replacing old, dated garage doors. The same goes for front doors. If your front door is looking a little dated, a new one can pay for itself when it comes time to sell.
4. Add or Upgrade Outdoor Living Areas
Almost every buyer of a single-family home in today’s market is looking for outdoor living space. By adding or upgrading outdoor living space on your property, you can instantly make your house a more attractive (and valuable) option.
One suggestion is to add an outdoor fireplace. This can transform a porch or patio and add extra months of useability in the late fall and early spring. An outdoor kitchen is also very attractive for entertaining and enjoying the backyard year round.
5. Invest in Landscaping
Adding curb appeal can make a big difference in how a home is perceived by buyers. Landscaping, which includes both soft and hard landscaping, is always a good way to spend renovation dollars.
6. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Things like new insulation, a new furnace or air conditioner, or solar panels can save homeowners money on energy costs and make a home more attractive to buyers. They might not have the same aesthetic appeal as new countertops or freshly painted walls, but they can bring just as much ROI when properly installed.
7. Smart Home Systems
Including security cameras, thermostats, and lighting systems can be a great way to add value to your home and make it more attractive to buyers. An increasingly large percentage of homebuyers – particularly among the millennial generation – are proactively seeking out smart home technology. By appealing to these buyers, you add value to your property over the long-term. (Not to mention the convenience you get to enjoy over the short-term.)
Give Your Home’s Value a Boost
You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars or blow through your entire life’s savings just to upgrade your home. With some smart planning and strategic spending, you can boost your home’s value exponentially by investing in just a few attractive upgrades and features. Use this article as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
