Increase the Value of Your Home with these 4 Overall Best Home Improvements
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, the best home improvements are the ones that give you the best return on investment (ROI). The key to this is concentrating your efforts on factors that will have the most “bang for your buck.” Previously, we discussed what you can do in specific rooms to increase your home value. In this article, we discuss improvements you can make in your home overall.
Here are the 4 overall best home improvements that will increase the resale value of your home.
- Fresh coat of neutral paint
- Update flooring
- Improve energy efficiency
- Boost curb appeal
1. Fresh coat of neutral paint
If you’re on a tight budget and want to execute one of the best home improvements in your home overall that will have the most impact, look no further than a fresh coat of paint! Many experts agree that if you only do one thing to improve the resale appeal and value of your home, a fresh coat of paint is your best option.
Throughout the years there have been bumps, scrapes, and stains that have accumulated. You might not notice them because they have come on gradually over time. But to a potential buyer coming in to view your home, it can make the house look dated and not taken care of. A new coat of paint adds instant freshness and vibrancy.
However, even if you have a preference for bold statement colors, choose a neutral color instead. A neutral color scheme such as a soft white or light grey provides potential buyers with a clean slate with which to envision their own style and furnishings in. Not only that, but lighter colors can make rooms seem more spacious. The more they can envision their lives in your house the more likely they will feel it is the right home for them and to make an offer.
2. Update flooring
Another one of the best home improvements to your home overall that immediately boosts resale value is to update your flooring. If you are thinking about selling your home but haven’t changed your carpet in years, it’s time. Especially if you have pets and kids, over time your carpet gets torn, worn, stained, and can harbor odors. This will be an instant turnoff to potential buyers as soon as they enter your house.
Investing in hardwood flooring is always an excellent way to increase the value of your home, as that is a widely sought-after feature amongst most buyers. There are various types and qualities of hardwood flooring to choose from depending on your budget. Hardwood floors are also very straightforward to install. If you already have hardwood floors, consider at least having them refinished so they look fresh and new.
Of course, there are other types of flooring to consider, but you really can’t go wrong with hardwood floors.
3. Improve energy efficiency
If you’re looking for the best home improvements to make to your home to increase its value, consider updating and improving energy efficiency overall. There are several ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
If your house has old windows, one of the most effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your house is to replace them with energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows have multiple panes that are gas-insulated and protected by up-to-date frames, making it nearly impossible for air to escape in and out of your home. This means that your house stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with much less effort from your appliances and your wallet! Energy-efficient windows also provide other benefits such as:
- Increased temperature comfort
- Less condensation
- Protection against sun fading
- Reduced noise
- Easier on the environment
A few more of the best home improvements that increase the energy efficiency and resale value of your home might include:
- Insulating the attic
- Updating appliances to Energy Star Certified models
- Replace the HVAC
- Install a smart thermostat
- Seal cracks around doors, windows, light switches, and electrical sockets
- Update electric panels
- Energy-efficient water heater
4. Boost curb appeal
Last but certainly not least, if there’s one aspect of your home to focus on for the best home improvements to increase resale value, focus on curb appeal. Your home’s curb appeal is critically important. None of the wonderful features of your home or improvements you make will matter if no one comes to step inside and take a look. Curb appeal is what makes prospective home buyers want to come inside to look at your home in the first place. If the yard and outside of your home don’t look well-maintained, it might imply to buyers that the rest of the home hasn’t been well-maintained either and make it seem like a fixer-upper.
Improving the curb appeal of your home does not have to be complicated or too expensive. Simply ensuring your lawn is well-manicured is a simple and effective place to start. Little things such as mowing the lawn, pruning shrubs, applying mulch, and planting some colorful, welcoming flowers can all make a big difference overall without making a big dent in your wallet. Other ways you can improve the curb appeal of your home could include:
- A new front door
- Update the garage door
- Replace siding
- Add stone veneer
- Touch up exterior paint
- Pressure wash home exterior, pathways, and driveway
- Add a deck, porch, or patio
Consider roof replacement
Lastly, to improve not just curb appeal but structural appeal you might consider replacing your roof. This is no small investment. However, if your roof is in a poor condition, that is an instant turnoff for most homebuyers who will want to avoid the obvious looming necessity and cost of that maintenance factor. Alternatively, if a brand new roof can be an extremely encouraging feature and attractive selling point. Depending on the condition of your roof, it could mean the difference between selling your house sooner or having it sit on the market for months or even years.
Are you considering selling your home? Give Ruth Stultz a call to see how she can help! Ruth Stultz is a highly experienced realtor who understands Lake Conroe and Montgomery County better than anyone. When it comes to selling your current home or finding the perfect property with everything you want, Ruth knows exactly where to look. You can trust Ruth Stultz with buying and selling your home.
Love this content and want more? Check out our blog!
