Homeowners often undertake renovation projects with the intention of increasing their home’s value. They may even go as far as hiring contractors to make these improvements.
However, not all renovations add value. In fact, some renovations can actually hurt a home’s sale price. Here are some Affordable Renovations Before You List your house for sale to add value to your home:
1. Upgrade the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home. It is where family and friends gather to eat, talk about their day, and share stories. Investing in a new kitchen is a great way to add value to your home, especially if you choose timeless design elements that will still look beautiful years after the renovation.
If your kitchen cabinets are outdated or worn, consider replacing them with a more modern style. You may also want to upgrade your appliances to newer models that are more energy efficient and offer smart home compatibility. These features will appeal to many potential buyers and make your home more attractive on the market.
Another kitchen upgrade that can add value is adding a backsplash. This can instantly brighten up your space and elevate the overall look of your kitchen. You could even replace your outdated or worn countertops with new granite or quartz countertops. Lastly, upgrading your lighting is an easy and cost-effective way to increase the value of your kitchen.
However, you should be careful not to overspend on a kitchen remodel. If you spend too much, you might not get your money back when it comes time to sell. Also, be sure to keep your renovations within the standard of the neighborhood and avoid making any high-end or personalized choices that might turn off buyers. Also, be prepared to lose some personal time during the renovation process. This can be difficult when you have a full-time job, children to care for, or other obligations. To help you during this time, consider renting a storage unit to keep your belongings safe and out of the way while your renovation is underway.
2. Add a Deck
A deck is another great way to add value to your home, as it’s a feature that many prospective buyers are looking for. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the extra space yourself while you’re living in your home.
However, it’s important to note that not every home improvement or remodeling project will increase the value of your house. “Overly personalized renovations tend to detract from value rather than adding it.” Likewise, improvements that make your home too expensive in relation to the surrounding neighborhood could also turn off potential buyers.
To ensure that you’re making the best choices for improving your home, it’s essential to speak with a home renovation expert. These professionals can help you decide what improvements will work and how much money you’ll be able to get back when it comes time to sell your home. They can also recommend the best energy-efficient upgrades and other improvements that will lower your utility bills and save you money in the long run. Additionally, they can help you determine the proper amount of home insurance coverage to ensure that your investment is protected.
3. Add a Bathroom
Adding a bathroom is a great way to add value to your home. If you have guests staying over or your family has gotten out of hand, a second bathroom will make life much easier for everyone. If you’re looking to sell your home, having an extra bathroom will help you get a higher price for it.
Bathroom additions are one of the most expensive renovation projects you can undertake, but they’re also one of the best returns on investment. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, you can expect to recoup about 50% of the money you spend on a mid-range bathroom addition.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a bathroom addition, such as location and plumbing. Ideally, you should try to add the bathroom where it will be close to an existing set of water lines and sewer pipes. This will be less expensive than running new pipes across the house to accommodate the new bathroom.
Another important thing to consider is what kind of bathroom you want to add. A half bath is a great option for an additional guest bathroom or powder room, but if you’re looking to boost your home’s value, then a full bathroom is the way to go.
Lastly, be sure to choose a contractor that has experience in remodeling bathrooms. They will know how to maximize space and provide a clean, finished look. It’s also a good idea to get estimates from several different contractors before making any decisions. This will ensure that you’re getting the best possible price for your renovation project. It’s also a good idea not to skimp on the finishes, such as the tile and fixtures. Investing in quality materials will pay off in the long run when it comes time to sell your home.
4. Add a Garage
A garage is a highly sought-after feature in any home, especially for those with many cars or who want to keep their vehicles well protected from the elements. But a garage can also be a great place to add value through home renovation by transforming it into an extra room.
One popular option for a garage addition is turning it into a multi-purpose room for entertaining or relaxing. Simply install a tv, some seating and maybe a few decorations and you’ve got yourself a nice space to enjoy on a cold winter night or when you just need to get away from the kids for a bit.
Some homeowners may even opt to turn the garage into a bedroom or an office, which can be a big selling point for future buyers. Just make sure to keep the zoning laws and requirements in mind when building this type of addition. You’ll also need to figure out how you plan on insulating the space and providing electricity for lighting and appliances.
It’s also important to consider how the addition will affect your property line and any neighbors, as you don’t want to create a situation where you’re creating an eye sore that turns off potential buyers. A good way to avoid this is to make sure that your garage addition faces the street and not directly onto a neighbor’s property.
Before starting your project, it’s wise to speak with a professional and have the necessary site plans drawn up. This will help to ensure that your home’s resale value is not harmed by the addition and it also helps with obtaining any necessary permits. A good place to start is by researching your local zoning laws to learn more about how far you can build from your property line, what types of garages are allowed and any other restrictions.
