There are simple ways you can increase the value of your home. Whether you’re planning to sell or want to keep your home’s value up, some of the following tips will help you instantly add value and curb appeal to your home.
Exterior
1. Cleanup – If you have debris around your yard, just take some time to clean it up. A sagging gutter or piece of siding in your yard can really make your house look run down.
2. Clear clutter: If you have bikes and trash cans lined up around your house, move them to a designated area in the back of your house. If you have room to store them in your garage, that’s even better.
3. Paint it: Depending on your budget and siding material, a fresh coat of paint on the exterior might be worth it.
4. Fix It: Fix sagging gutters or downspouts or loose siding or shingles. Even a beginning DIYer can handle these projects and save money by eliminating the need to call in a professional.
5. Landscaping – If you have your own gardening tools, tidying up your garden will be very easy and inexpensive. Trim trees, bushes, shrubs, and grass for a neat, manicured appearance. Plant low-maintenance plants and flowers. Hanging flower baskets for the front porch add a warm and inviting touch to a home.
6. Doors: Depending on the condition of the front door, replace it, repair it, or paint it. A garage door typically makes up 30% of the exterior of your home. If your garage door is old and worn, replace it. It will increase the value of your home and reduce the curb appeal. Replacing your garage door can make a huge improvement to the exterior of your home for less than $1,000 over the typical standard garage door.
7. Roof – Broken or missing shingles need to be repaired or replaced. If you have algae growth, hire a roof cleaner to remove it. An unsightly room can make a bad first impression on potential homebuyers.
Inside
Nothing increases the value of your home more than kitchen and bathroom updates. Consider these simple enhancements:
1. Knobs, Pulls, and Handles – Replacing the knobs, pulls, or handles on your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can give an old cabinet a new look.
2 Paint – Paint can be your secret tool to increase the value of your home. Whatever you decide to paint, be it cabinets, doors, walls or ceilings, it will update your home with a fresh new feel. Softwood kitchen cabinets can be painted white to turn a traditional kitchen into a contemporary kitchen.
3. Lighting: Bright rooms signal to potential homebuyers that you have nothing to hide. A well-lit house creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Select energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures for even more value.
4. Carpet removal or cleaning: Many older homes have beautiful hardwood floors under the rug. If your carpet is worn and stained, remove it and restore the natural wood underneath. This type of project involves a little more initial costs, but the return will be seen at the time of sale. If your carpets were recently updated, have them professionally cleaned to keep them looking their best.
