Home improvement projects are a great way to boost the value of your home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, improving your home will make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. The key, though, is to choose projects that will increase the value of your home while also meeting your personal needs.
Lowering Your Utility Bills
Increasing the efficiency of your home is a smart way to add value, says Scott Ewald, an HVAC expert at Trane. Replacing old, leaky windows and installing energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your electric bill.
Building an Addition
Adding a room to your home can be a great way to increase the livable square footage of your property, says Benjamin Ross, a Realtor and real estate investor in Corpus Christi, Texas. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to spend thousands of dollars on adding a new bedroom, bathroom or another room.
Painting or Wallpapering Your Home
A fresh coat of paint can turn even a dated home into an attractive, well-maintained space. Re-doing rooms with a bold color scheme can help your house stand out from the competition.
Re-grouting Your Tile
Getting rid of the dingy, dated tile in your bathroom and kitchen can make the rooms look new again. This can be a simple, inexpensive project that can help you make your home more beautiful and appealing to potential buyers.
Installing Crown Molding
Putting in crown molding is an easy and inexpensive way to make your home more beautiful, and it can also add character to a room. You can find these decorative strips at most home improvement stores, and they’re fairly easy to install.
Repairing Your Roof
Deteriorating roofs can negatively impact the resale value of your home. To avoid this problem, inspect your roof for any shingles that have become loose or broken. If you need to replace shingles, hire a professional to do the job.
Hiring a professional can save you money and time on the job, and it can also help to ensure that your project is done correctly. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with a free estimate before beginning work, and they will be able to answer any questions you have.
Cleaning Your Yard and Landscape
A messy yard can be a turn-off to future homebuyers, so clean up your outdoor area and take care of any landscaping issues you may have, recommends John Beasley, a landscape architect at Beasley Design in Dallas. Removing weeds and grass can make your yard appear more organized, while removing a tree that’s growing too close to a house or overhanging power lines will help to create a more inviting space.
Paying For Your Home Improvement
If you plan to finance your home improvement project, it’s important to check with your bank or other lender about the loan terms and conditions before agreeing to them. Depending on the amount of the loan, you may be required to pay interest or a fixed rate.