Five Of The Best Ways To Increase Your Home’s Value

First impressions are important, especially when it comes to your home. The first thing any potential buyer will see is your home’s façade, and even the smallest problem may detract from the overall impression of the home. Luckily you can boost your home’s curb appeal even on a small budget, or opt for a bigger renovation if you have the funds. If you want to start small, make sure your lawn is kept in check, hedges trimmed, and weeds pulled regularly. If you find yourself ending up with barren flowerbeds or dead patches of grass every year, consider hardier and more drought resistant alternatives. But landscaping is just one part of your home’s first impression – you want to ensure your driveway is properly paved and free of cracks, and that your home’s exterior paint and siding are well maintained.

When potential buyers look at a home, they try to envision what it would be like to live in the space. A good portion of the home’s area is located outside in the backyard. Families today spend a considerable amount of their time outdoors, whether it’s for a family barbecue or an intimate dinner with a few close friends. A good backyard is an integral part of a great home, and a huge selling point when you choose to sell your home. So how do you ensure that your home’s backyard is ahead of the competition? With an estimated 70-90% recuperation of the cost, adding a deck to your outdoor living space is one of the smartest ways to increase your home’s value. Deck installation can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over ten thousand dollars, so choose the price point that’s best for you. Don’t feel the need to splurge, however –  in general, the higher the initial upfront cost, the lower the recoup percentage you can expect. Another improvement to consider is an upgrade to the greenery in your backyard. You can do smaller improvements yourself on a relatively small budget, such as a new flowerbed or an appealing arrangement of terra cotta potted plants. However, if you don’t mind spending a bit more and want a less hands-on approach, consider enlisting the help of a professional landscaper.

Just like updating your kitchen, money spent on a bathroom remodel is money well spent. You can go the cheaper route by replacing the existing vanity with a more updated version, adding a fresh coat of paint, and swapping out hardware. Alternatively, you can opt for a total bathroom redo with new tiling and a new shower/bathtub, and addition of his and hers sinks, or even a complete remodel with a change of layout. Whichever option you choose, remember that at the higher price points, the home value returns diminish. For example, spending several thousand dollars to install a hydronic towel warmer is not a financially savvy move, and is not an upgrade that will add significant resale value to your home. Try to keep bathroom renovations at midrange or slightly above to ensure that you get the best return for your money when it comes time to sell.