We saw a 12.4% increase in home sales between 2018 and 2019. As you try to sell your home, it can help to make a few updates first. The right home improvements can add value to your home, allowing you to make the best sale possible.
With this list of the best value home improvements you can make, you can make a plan to improve your home’s value.
Take the time to explore these best home improvements for resale. As you make these home improvements, you’ll add more value to a home appraisal. Setting your home up for the highest value can set you up for success in the long-run.
Improve your home inside and out with these tips for boosting your home’s value!
1. Switch Your Sink
Let’s start in your kitchen. First, take a look around at any items that look old and outdated. Your sink is a good place to start.
A shiny new sink can pull your cabinets and countertops together. A rusty, dull sink, on the other hand, can make your kitchen look old, too. Instead of trying to scrub away your sink’s age, consider switching it out entirely.
You use your sink every single day. It’s bound to age each day, too.
Adding a new sink to your sink is one of the best value home improvements you can make right off the bat. Try to choose a generous-sized sink. If you want to create a modern look, choose stainless steel.
For a country-inspired look, try a classic white farmhouse sink instead. There are also charming apron sink options available.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure it’s sturdy. Otherwise, the home improvements you’re making to add value to your home won’t last.
2. Check the Cabinets
A few additional updates to your kitchen can become some of the best home upgrades for resale in the long-run. Homebuyers will likely compare your kitchen to others, both as a whole and by comparing individual items.
On average, a kitchen remodel usually costs around $19,920. If you’re on a budget, make sure to choose which home improvement updates will add the most value to your home.
A few small updates in a single room can have an overall big effect. In addition to looking at your kitchen sink, a homebuyer will also look at your cabinets. After all, your cabinets play a part in adding a lot of color to the kitchen.
Each time you open and close your cabinets, you’re wearing the wood and paint down. Sun exposure can cause the color to fade away, too. Instead of spending thousands on brand new cabinets, sand down the doors and drawer fronts yourself.
Then, stain or paint your cabinets. You can add shiny new handles and knobs, too.
3. Switch Old Appliances
While you’re still in the kitchen, take a look at the appliances. Old, barely-working appliances can eat at your energy bill. Consider replacing these old appliances with new, energy-efficient options instead.
As you explore your options, consider choosing stainless steel. The steel will give your kitchen a sparkling glow, which will tell buyers it’s clean and pricey.
You don’t have to buy brand new appliances if it’s not in your budget. Instead, look online for gently used options. Switching your stove, refrigerator, and other appliances for new ones will offer a better return on investment than leaving your old ones in place.
While you’re still in the kitchen, take a look around.
Do your countertops look scratched, scuffed, and old? Maybe the color is bland and boring. Many home buyers decide to buy new countertops while choosing from the best home improvements for resale.
Try exploring natural stone surfaces. You can even save money by purchasing leftover pieces from stone scrap yards. Try granite tile, engineered quartz, or granite if you’re looking for cheaper options.
4. The Roof
As you make a list of the best value home improvements for your home, don’t forget your biggest defense system: your roof. Your home’s roof protects you, your valuables, and your family from the elements, rain or shine.
While this home improvement might sound complicated or expensive, it’s also essential. A homebuyer won’t show interest in your home if they realize there’s a problem with the roof. If you plan on living in your home for a while, a leaky roof could lead to costly damages.
Protect your family and valuables. Replacing your home’s roof can provide your family with comfort and add value to your home.
5. The Bathroom
Many of the best value home improvements you can make are in your bathroom.
First, take a look at your tub, sink, and toilet. Over time, water can leave you with a cracked, discolored, or even mildewy seal around each. The gross, aged appearance can turn home buyers away.
Instead, consider replacing the caulking yourself. It will only cost you $10, but the upgrade can make your bathroom look clean and refreshed.
While you’re in the bathroom, consider looking at your sink, countertop, and floors as well.
6. Curb Appeal
Don’t forget to head outside to make a few home improvements. A view of your home from the curb is the first thing potential buyers will see.
Start by seeding your lawns and putting down new sod. Take the time to maintain your new lawn and keep it green with fertilizer. You might want to add flowerbeds, too.
Next, give your door a fresh coat of paint. A rich red can make your door pop and attract buyers.
You might want to consider new parking lot lights while you’re at it. Let your home shine from the outside! Improving your home’s curb appeal will ensure it looks bright and inviting.
7. Wood Flooring
Are your floors starting to look scuffed up? Maybe you have pets who have stained your carpets over the years. Instead of getting them cleaned, consider updating your home with new hardwood floors.
This home improvement tip will add value to your home and give it a refreshed, open look.
8. Windows, Doors, and Siding
While you’re outside, take a look at your windows, doors, and siding. Old windows can rot away over time. Energy-efficient windows, on the other hand, can keep UV rays from discoloring the carpets inside your home.
Don’t forget to upgrade a worn-out door or damaging siding while you’re at it. Siding is an exterior material that’s applied to the walls of your home. It’s used to protect your home from the effects of harsh weather.
It’s also another great way to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Don’t choose crazy colors that will make your home stand out. That’s not the purpose of curb appeal. Rather, you want your home to look well-maintained.
New siding is a great way to give your home the facelift it needs!
If you’re looking into new materials for siding, consider fiber-cement siding, which is made from:
- Wood fibers
- Portland cement
- Clay
- Sand
This material is becoming more popular as it’s low-maintenance, weather resistance, and durable. By investing in new siding now, you can protect your home for years to come.
9. Add a Deck
As you consider the best home upgrades for resale that fit your budget, think about the exterior and exterior of your home. Adding a wooden deck can help your home stand out from the rest. You can entice home buyers by helping them imagine barbeques and fun in the sun with family and friends.
Consider a design material such as wood instead of a plastic or composite alternative. A wooden deck is a more cost-effective option. If you do choose wood, make sure you’re prepared to sand and refinish it periodically.
Otherwise, you and your guests might end up with splinters.
Deck and patio additions are one of the more financially smart home improvements you can make, too. For starters, a deck will increase your living area at a minimal cost. As a result, you’re adding space and value to your home.
10. Update the Garage
Don’t forget the garage. A weather-beaten, broken garage will hurt your home’s value and curb appeal. Instead, upgrade it with a new one to bring your home’s total value up!
Older garages are dangerous, too. Today, most garage doors are equipped with an auto-reversing feature for safety purposes. If you’re living in an older home, you might want to look into getting it replaced.
New garage installation costs about $2,300 on average.
In addition to adding to your home’s curb appeal, a new garage door can also make it easier for you to entice buyers and sell your home.
Home Sweet Resale: 10 of the Best Value Home Improvements You Can Make
Start the process of selling your home off strong with these tips! As you use this list of the best value home improvements, you can help your home stand out in the market. Then, you’ll attract new buyers and make the most of your sale!
Searching for more ways to upgrade your home? Check the Real Estate section of the website today!
