Chances are your home is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought. Yet if you’re like most of us, what you spent to acquire it is only the beginning. According to a survey conducted by NerdWallet, nearly two-thirds (65%) of U.S. homeowners believe the value of their home will continue to rise over the next 10 years. And about 70% of American homeowners believe your house is your biggest asset, taking care of it is probably a top priority. The good news is, making your house more efficient, adding square footage, upgrading the kitchen or bath and installing smart-home technology can help increase its value. It pays to plan carefully and make smart choices with return on investment in mind. Here are some tips in home remodeling to consider to raise the value of your home.
Bathroom Remodel
Replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures in your bathroom. Re-caulk the tub – use a softener like CAULK-BE-GONE to get rid of the old caulk. Fill the tub with water after you’re done to stretch caulk while it dries. If your old tub is too large to fit out the door, re-glaze it for a like-new finish. Remove dated wall coverings and apply a fresh coat of paint. For damaged walls, spray-on texture provides quick coverage. Remodel the bathroom with ceramic tile floor. You can add other updates such as a solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink and a recessed medicine cabinet with a light.
Landscaping
Start off by going to local garden centers who often offer free design services. Use plants that add a splash of color to the front of the house making eye-catching. You can also vary the height of plants. If your doorway is overwhelmed with greenery, replace overgrown shrubbery with flowering foundation plants. Mix heights and colors for dramatic effect. Add a walkway and fountain to your property, not only does it add a beautiful focal point, but adds major value to your property.
Minor Kitchen Remodeling
Do a minor remodel when your kitchen needs a cosmetic update and not a drastically different floor plan. A kitchen update can include re-facing cabinets and drawers, a new wall oven, cooktop, sink and fixtures, and laminate countertops. Put recessed lights 3’ to 5’ apart on center and 18” from cabinets to light the countertops. Try going for stone or trendy glass countertops. Brighten up the kitchen by sanding and painting existing cabinets. Other updates to consider include replacing major appliances with more energy-efficient models and removing and replacing resilient flooring.
Exterior Improvements
Choose the right color combination for doors, trim and siding. Take a 300 square foot band of existing vinyl siding from the bottom third of the front of your house and replace it with manufactured stone veneer. For an updated look, remove old awnings from windows and doors. Swap damaged wrought-iron railings for real wood supports for a more inviting entry. Give a bare, charmless porch a dramatic makeover by adding a pergola and columns. Replace existing siding with new siding, including factory trim at all openings and corners. Make a great first impression by removing your existing entry door and cutting and reframing the opening for a larger fiberglass entrance door with dial sidelights. Brighten up the exterior by painting your home in a different color – go bold!
Roofing Replacement
A new roof is a big deal to home buyers and it’s one of the most important parts of your home. Although it will cost you, the resale value will make up for it.
Window Replacements
Replace widows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite vinyl windows. Simulated wood-grain interior finish; custom-color exterior finish. Trim exterior to match existing. OR replace double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite wood windows. Include an interior finish of stained hardwood, an exterior finish of custom-color aluminum cladding, and exterior trim to match what’s already there.
Deck, Patio or Porch Addition
Add eye-appeal with decorative planters on the front porch, patio and decks. Give your courtyard the remodeling it needs with an inviting gate, lighting and mature plantings. Use bold plantings to emphasize features. Make sure your porch railings are safe and attractive. A wood deck addition was reported as the fourth best remodeling project for its value. And it continues to remain a desired home attribute, because it creates more living space without breaking the bank. Or try going for a composite deck addition, it may not have the same recoupment as wood, but it still makes the list, coming in at number 13 on Remodeling magazine’s list.
