6 renovation tips that will help boost the value of your home
By Contributor on Aug 19, 2016
It’s easy to look around and realize your home needs some refreshing. It’s a little more difficult to know exactly what projects will be profitable in the future. If you’re stuck on knowing where to concentrate your renovation budget, Home Improvement Leads pinpoints which undertakings are likely to add value and appeal to potential buyers.
1) Modernize the kitchen
A full kitchen reno can be pretty daunting, both to your wallet and your schedule. There’s a good chance that an overhaul will yield a return when it’s time to sell, but it’s also more cost efficient to make smaller changes. There’s nothing that sends as strong a positive message as a well-designed kitchen.
If you’re in need of inspiration (but let’s be honest—most of us already have our dream kitchen planned out), consider white cabinets, which are clean, timeless, and contemporary. It’s hard to go wrong with quality stainless steel appliances, and butcher block counters are both in style and less expensive than granite or quartz.
2) Increase energy efficiency
Energy efficient upgrades bring undeniable results—even the upgrades you can’t see. Simply adding fiberglass insulation to the attic can yield more than a 100% return. Other areas to focus on include your inefficient HVAC system, older windows with a high rate of heat transfer (upgrading to energy efficient windows gives an opportunity to improve aesthetic as well), installing a programmable or smart thermostat, and sealing up cracks and gaps.
Another project to consider is roof replacement. If you have a roof that’s more than 20 years old, it may be time to invest in a more energy efficient alternative like metal, which won’t need replacing for several decades.
3) Replace worn carpet or outdated tiles
Professionally cleaning your carpet goes a long way, but homebuyers overwhelmingly prefer engineered laminate or real hardwood floors to both tile and carpet. If your budget only allows for a flooring refresh in certain areas, go for the entryway and common rooms, like the living room, kitchen, and hallways.
4) Add curb appeal
Revitalizing the front yard and your home’s facade gives you quite a bit of bang for your buck. A little bit of landscaping or colour in the form of plants or fresh paint can make a stunning first impression. In order to get potential buyers to fall in love with your dashing, up-to-date interior, you need to get them over the threshold first. Repaint the front door, keep the lawn tidy and, if you don’t have much of a green thumb to speak of, hire some landscapers.
5) Get rid of anything that dates your home
Brassy fixtures, popcorns ceilings, old wallpaper, and wood panels are just a few features that can hold your house hostage in previous decades. Cover popcorn ceilings with drywall, remove or paint glossy wood paneling on the walls, and get rid of wallpaper that conjures up nostalgia for the ‘80s. These are fairly inexpensive and even DIY fixes that will give you a new slate to work with.
6) Invest in small updates that make a big difference
If you’re undertaking a large project like the kitchen remodel or roof replacement, you may not have much wiggle room in the budget to take on bathrooms or bedrooms. But don’t give up on giving these rooms a facelift. Replacing light fixtures, hardware, mirrors, and even switch plates can spiff up a room without breaking the bank. In other words, renovate wisely!
If you're looking for a new home, then take these six renovation tips into consideration first before selling!
