Planning to make home living a bit more comfortable? Keep in mind that home improvements can either add value to the property or add to its costs.
Below is a list of home improvements that will put anyone in a strong position come selling time. Once that opportunity presents itself, you’ll be getting your home ready to sell in no time.
Interior Improvements to Keep Things Fresh
Turn the attic into a study or home office to boost the resale value of your home
- Upgrade the kitchen
As a frequently used zone, kitchens are one of the most commonly remodeled areas of the home. Overhauling rangehood, replacing countertops, and upgrading storage systems are a few things to consider. Just make sure the new-looking kitchen still fits with the overall design of the home.
Don’t go overboard, though. Spending over $60,000 to turn it into a five-star kitchen and then factoring the remodel cost into your asking price may discourage buyers.
According to the National Association of Realtors, a kitchen remodeling spend of $35,000 will pay back around 57% of their value.
- Add another bathroom
While a ratio of 1:1 is ideal when it comes to bed and baths, that may not be the case when it comes to your home. Increase the functionality of your place by adding another bathroom. If you have a growing family, the build is worth the investment. This improvement will also appeal to buyers who also have a burgeoning family to accommodate.
- Convert an unused or underutilized room into a useful space
According to Zillow, adding a family room opens up your home to millennials, which is the largest set of home buyers today (42%). The cost of converting unused space into a family home will definitely pay off once you sell your home.
- Make energy-efficient improvements
You won’t just save money on energy consumption, potential buyers will appreciate this feature as well. For instance, upgrading single-pane windows into dual-pane ones will help bring down heating and cooling costs.
Are there cold spots in the house? Keep errant drafts away by locking windows, insulating attics and basement floors, and applying caulk or foam insulation to seal holes where cable lines or pipes run from the exterior to the interior of the house.
You can also switch to low-flow toilets, energy-efficient lights, and other low-energy appliances.
- Create an entertainment room
If you choose to turn your basement into an entertainment room, it can easily become the most happening part of the house. Add the right décor and equipment and your space can host all kinds of activities and socials, from family-friendly gatherings, to beery game nights.
Depending on what’s possible, a few things like a giant flatscreen, great speakers, and comfortable sofas will get the job done.
Exterior Improvements to Catch the Buyer’s Eye
A covered patio or outdoor entertainment area is attractive to buyers
- Repair or replace the roof
A roof is supposed to last from 20 to 30 years, depending on the material. However, if you notice cracked tiles, loose or missing slates or shingles, and leaks that persist even if you have them repaired, then it’s time to replace your roof. Choose energy-efficient roofing materials that can reduce the demand for air conditioning by up to 15%. At the same time, insulate your attic, to bring the temperatures down beneath your roof. Once done, track the usage of your AC. Your energy-efficient roof and the reduced use of your air conditioning can be future selling points.
- Enhance curb appeal
While looks aren’t everything, it’s important to catch a potential buyer’s eye from the get-go. A nicely manicured lawn and a stylish front door are attractive to buyers. Be wary of overspending on landscaping though. Potential buyers may balk at the upkeep of a fancy yard or garden entails.
To give you a better idea of what to focus your attention on, here are four things that make your exterior look sloppy and unappealing:
- Poor maintenance. Peeling paint, rusty house numbers, sagging eaves, etc.
- Overgrown yard. Untrimmed hedges and trees that need pruning
- Cluttered lawns and porches. Toys, yard supplies, and holiday décor that haven’t been taken down
- Poor lighting. Blinkered bulbs and dim lighting that make your house look spooky at night
- Build a covered terrace or deck
Looking to maximize every inch of your space? A covered outdoor area is a place to entertain guests in style without the hassle of having to retreat indoors when the weather decides to rain on your party. Adding amenities like an outdoor bar and comfortable seats will make it even more cozy.
Do this right and a strong case for having a legitimate outdoor entertainment area where family and friends can spend more time together can be made to a potential buyer.
- Show off a sleek driveway
Nobody wants to see a driveway with weeds springing out from cracked concrete. Not to mention grime, dirt, and stains that need to be blasted away by a good power wash. Well-maintained driveways can be the icing to your curb appeal.
- But remember…
You don’t need to break the bank to spruce up your home. Regularly repairing and maintaining your home, and replacing appliances and fixtures with newer models when they no longer serve your needs, can prevent costly upgrades down the road. It also gives you the opportunity to save up for renovations you may want to undertake in the future.
If you’re planning to sell your home in California’s South Bay area, we’d like to help! Our team of real estate experts can offer valuable insights on other improvements that can enhance the resale value of your home.
Call 310.503.9886 or email skh8828(at)gmail(dotted)com for professional guidance from The Stephen Haw Group, your local experts with international connections.