Introduction
It’s always a good idea to increase your home value and keep it in tip-top shape, but it can be especially important if you’re looking to sell it.
When buyers are looking at properties, they’re trying to determine whether or not the house will be worth their investment. The more they feel that they’ll get their money’s worth when they buy your home—or that they can easily increase its value themselves—the more likely they’ll be to make an offer on it. Here are some ways you can increase the value of your home:
1. Clean and declutter
Cleaning and decluttering your home is one of the best ways to increase its value. The more clutter you have, the less appealing your house is to potential buyers.
According to a study by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), homes that were clean and free of clutter sold for more than homes with clutter. The study showed that a house in need of repairs sold for $11,000 less than it would have if it had been in pristine condition.
If you’re looking to sell your home, take some time to clean it up so that it looks as good as possible.
2. Remodel your kitchen
If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen, it’s probably because you want to increase the value of your home either for yourself or future buyers. And we get it—you want to make sure that when you sell, you get top dollar for the property.
But what does “increasing the value” really mean? How do you know if your kitchen remodel will pay off? Keep in mind that a kitchen renovation doesn’t always have to be a major renovation.
Well, here are a few points to consider:
Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house—it’s where we gather and share meals with friends and family. So when you’re looking to sell, it’s important that this space is warm and inviting, with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating areas. When possible, try to include an open floor plan layout so that you can entertain guests while still cooking in the kitchen!
It’s also important that your kitchen has enough storage space for all of your appliances and supplies. If there aren’t enough cabinets or drawers for everything you need, consider adding extra cabinetry or installing shelving units along walls where they’ll be out of sight when not in use but easily accessible when needed (like during holiday meal prep!).
Remodeling the kitchen is one of the most popular home improvement projects.
Kitchen remodels can increase the value of your home by up to 25%.
A kitchen remodel is often a great investment, as kitchens are one of the first things people look at when considering buying a house.
You can start a kitchen remodel in stages over time, which saves money and hassle — especially if you have a tight budget or lack big construction experience.
3. Update your bathroom
There is nothing more important than having a clean and well-lit bathroom. It’s where you go to freshen up, but also where you go when you’re sick or injured so it should be as comfortable as possible.
If your bathrooms are outdated, consider updating them by replacing old fixtures and adding new tile, a shower curtain, and toilet seat coverings.
The best way to increase home value is by making any repairs that may be necessary on the exterior of your house so it looks attractive from the street curb appeal.
4. Add more usable square footage
If you’re looking to add some extra space to your home, there are a few different ways you can do it. One of the most common ways is by adding a second story. By doing this, you can add more living space without having to expand outward or build upward.
Another way is by adding an addition to the back of your house. Adding an extra room from the back can be a great way to add space without taking away from any existing rooms in your home. It also gives you the opportunity to create a new entrance that doesn’t involve going through another room in order to reach it.
One of the easiest ways is by adding an addition to your garage or carport instead of building onto your house itself. This allows you to keep your original structure and create something new without having to tear down anything else first! Every square foot counts!
If you’re looking for a simpler home improvement project, think about painting!
5. Paint the exterior of your home
When it comes to increasing the value of your home, painting the exterior of your house is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do so.
A fresh coat of exterior paint can improve the look and curb appeal of any home in a matter of days.
If you’re looking for ways how to increase property value, here are some tips on how to choose paint colors that will help you get started:
Choose colors that complement your house’s architecture.
Choose paints that are durable and resistant to fading or discoloration (i.e., semi-transparent finish).
6. Replace your front door and/or garage door
Replacing your front door or garage door is one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home. It’s also one of the most effective.
Make sure it’s secure, in good condition, and sized properly for your house. A secure door with no holes or other damage is important to potential buyers.
Make sure it matches the style of your home’s architecture. If you want a traditional look, for example, then an ornate front door might not be appropriate for you; likewise, if you want something modern or contemporary then a simple design may be better suited to your tastes (and budget).
Consider replacing doors rather than repairing them when they need work because this will save money over time and give off a more professional vibe when people come by to view houses on the market.
7. Install new pipes
Replacing old pipes with new ones can greatly increase the value of your home. Be sure to use only high-quality materials, though, as they can be quite expensive.
If a repair is not possible or very difficult, it may be best to replace your pipes instead of attempting repairs.
When replacing pipes, be careful not to cut yourself or anyone else on their sharp edges! You should also wear protective gear like goggles and gloves while doing this job so that you do not hurt yourself with any flying debris or other hazards present during this process.
8. Upgrade to smart home technology
One of the best ways to increase your home value is to make it smart. Smart homes have many benefits, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in the real estate market.
There are lots of ways to make your home smart, and they’re not all expensive or complicated. Here are some things that you can do to make your house feel more like the future:
1) Installing a smart thermostat so you don’t have to worry about adjusting the temperature when you come home from work.
2) Get a smart security system that can tell you if someone breaks in while you’re away on vacation.
3) Upgrade your lightbulbs so they use less electricity and have different colors!
4) Make sure all of your appliances are connected to the internet so they can report back to you how much energy they’re using and what food is still in the fridge!
Adding smart devices like thermostats and doorbell security cameras can help you save money on utilities while also making your home look more attractive to potential buyers.
9. Make updates to your landscaping
The way a house looks from the outside can impact how much it sells for and how fast it sells. If you want to put your home on the market, there are several things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your property.
Remove any dead plants or damaged trees—it’s not just good for the environment, but also for drawing potential buyers into your front yard.
Give all of your shrubs a fresh cut. This will make them look healthy and vibrant without costing too much time or money (and if you have a lot of shrubs, it may actually save time in the long run).
Add some new plants or flowers around the front door: they’ll help create an inviting atmosphere while making sure that people notice where they’re supposed to enter your home.
10. Improve the lighting in your house
Your home’s lighting is more than just a way to help you see. It can actually help you sell your house. When you’re looking at homes, you notice the way they are lit—and if it’s dark, dingy, and gloomy, you’ll probably think twice about buying that place.
But what if your own home is like that? Well, good news: improving your lighting can actually increase its value by as much as $5,000!
To do this, first make sure that all of your bulbs are working properly. You don’t have to get rid of them (unless they’re really old or in bad shape), but you should check the wattage and make sure they’re not flickering or turning off unexpectedly. Then go through each room and replace any overhead lights with LED bulbs—they last longer and use less energy than traditional bulbs do.
If you want to go even further, consider adding some task lighting where people spend most of their time: near the kitchen sink or stovetop; in bedrooms; in bathrooms… wherever there’s natural light coming in through windows doesn’t mean there isn’t still room for additional light fixtures! Just be sure not to overdo it
11. Install new fixtures or hardware
Install new fixtures or hardware. If you have old light fixtures and door knobs, it’s time to update them with modern ones that suit your personal style.
The same goes for faucets and shower heads; even if they look fine, they can be upgraded for a modern aesthetic. Replacing old hardware is also a great way to make an entrance feel more welcoming and inviting—and it can help create an overall sense of cleanliness in the home as well.
12. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Appliances are the most expensive part of your home, and they’re also the first thing buyers notice.
If you want to increase your home value, it’s important to upgrade them, and improving your energy efficiency is one of the smartest home improvements you can make.
Energy-efficient upgrades will help you save money on your utility bills, which means the buyer can have peace of mind knowing that their new home will be comfortable and easy to maintain. But most importantly, it will increase your home value.
A good investment is one that provides a return on your investment. Money invested in appliances will be recouped when you sell your house or rent it out—in addition to adding value through their lifespan.
Appliance upgrades are often considered an aesthetic improvement as well, so if you’re looking for ways to increase home value, this could be one option worth considering!
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, improving your home’s energy efficiency can increase its value by as much as 20%.
That means if you’re thinking about selling, it makes sense to invest in energy-efficient appliances and other upgrades for your home—not just because they’re good for the environment, but also because they’ll make your house worth more when you put it on the market!
In fact, according to the EPA, if you make a few key improvements to your home’s insulation by installing new windows, you can save around $250 per year on energy costs. This means that over time, the cost of these changes will be recouped and then some!
The good news is that the process is relatively simple: first, you need to get a professional energy audit from a trained professional. Then they’ll point out all of the areas where your house’s energy efficiency needs improvement. After that, it’s just a matter of making those changes (which might include things like increasing insulation levels) and waiting for your utility bill savings to roll in!
13. Install Solar panels
Solar panels are another common way of cutting down on your home’s energy costs.
When it comes to home renovations, many people think of ways to make their house more energy-efficient. Installing solar panels is a great way to add value to your home and save on energy costs.
Solar panels are useful in many ways: They can help you heat your house or water, provide electricity for the entire home, and even provide power for your car! The national average cost of installing solar panels is about $7 per watt, which means that a 5-kW system will cost around $35,000. However, depending on where you live and what kind of system you choose, this cost could be much higher.
A typical homeowner can expect to see an increase in their home’s value by as much as 20% when they install solar panels. This increase may vary depending on where you live and how much sunlight hits your roof.
14. Install hardwood floors
Installing hardwood floors is a great way to increase the value of your home. Not only do they look good, but they’re also durable and long-lasting.
If you’re looking to add some warmth to your space, hardwood floors are an excellent choice. They can be stained to match almost any decor and they’ll never go out of style. You can even add patterned carpeting over them if you want some extra texture in your space.
Installing hardwood floors is also a great way to create an open floor plan if you don’t have one already. The cost of installation will vary depending on how much work needs to be done and the type of wood used, (get quotes from multiple contractors) but it’s generally cheaper than installing tile or laminate flooring because it’s easier to work with than either of those options (and won’t chip like laminate!).
15. Build a deck or patio
Building a deck or patio is a great way to increase your home’s value. You’ll need the right permits, and it’s important to use materials that are suited to your climate. Here are some tips on how to build a deck or patio:
Plan your design carefully. Be sure that you have enough space for a patio or deck in case you need to relocate any trees or shrubs on the property in order to make room for them. If you’re replacing an old roof with one made with newer materials—such as aluminum shingles—you might want to consider adding a matching railing around the perimeter of your new roof so that the finished product looks consistent with its surroundings while still being sturdy enough not only support itself but also withstand high winds without breaking apart (and thus causing damage).
Make sure there’s plenty of sunlight available throughout most hours per day in order for plants/vegetation
16. Replace bad roofing
The value of a home depends on many factors, including the size and condition of its rooms. However, one key area that’s easy to overlook is the roofing.
A bad roof can be more than just an eyesore; it can actually decrease the resale value of your home. That being said, replacing or repairing a damaged roof is not always necessary.
Most homeowners don’t think about their roofs until there’s a problem—and once that happens it’s usually too late to fix them for good!
But whether your property needs repairs or a complete replacement, there are some things you should know before making any decisions.
17. Finish the basement
A finished basement can add value to your home, so if you have one, it’s worth your while to make the most of it. Here are some ways that might help:
Turn it into a rental apartment. If there’s room for two bedrooms and one bathroom (or even just one bedroom and a full Bath), then renting out space in the basement can add significant income to your family each month. This could be especially helpful if you’re facing financial difficulties or want to build up savings for something bigger down the road—such as retirement!
Use it as an office space or playroom for children who are old enough not to wander around without supervision but too young for their own rooms. If this sounds like something your family could really benefit from, don’t hesitate! The sooner you finish off that basement area, the better off everyone will be later on down the road when they need somewhere quiet where they can get some work done without interruptions from younger siblings asking questions constantly.
18. Plant some trees or shrubs
You can also add some trees and shrubs to your front yard. Trees and shrubs provide several advantages for home buyers, including:
Energy savings. Trees and other plants help reduce energy costs by lowering the temperature of your home and using less heating and cooling in the summer or winter months.
Improved air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen back into it, which improves overall air quality by making oxygen more available for human breathing. This is especially beneficial if you have any allergies!
Lower water usage requirements in your yard (and garden). Plants also act as a natural barrier against harsh winds that cause soil erosion on bare land areas where there may otherwise be little protection from erosion-causing storms like hurricanes or tornadoes; this helps maintain healthy plant growth during these conditions so that you don’t have to worry about losing everything during bad weather seasons!
How to pay for home improvements to increase value
If you’re thinking about making home improvements, but aren’t sure how to pay for them, here are some options to consider.
Personal loan
A personal loan is a great way to pay for home improvements. You can use your credit score and income as collateral, so it’s relatively easy to get pre-approved for a loan. Personal loans are also often offered at a lower interest rate than credit cards or other loans, which means you’ll pay less in interest charges over time.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC) a.k.a home equity loan
A home equity loan is another option that can help you pay for home improvements. A HELOC gives you access to funds that can be used for home repairs and other expenses related to your home—like remodeling or replacing appliances—without having to take out a new loan. When your balance gets low, you can simply borrow more money from the lender without having to go through the entire process again.
Cash-out refinance
Another option, if you need more cash than what’s available through your personal savings account or HELOC line of credit (LOLC), is refinancing with a mortgage lender who will let you choose between a cash-out refinance or regular refinance options depending on their current rates and terms.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at some of the ways you can increase the value of your home. From the dining room to the laundry room to the master bedroom, there are plenty of options to improve your home value and make it more comfortable for you and your family.
Whether you’re doing a minor remodel or a major project, these actionable tips and financing options will surely help your real estate agent fetch a higher asking price.
Of course, if you want help finding a property that will increase in value over time, we’re here for you.
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