For most of us, our house is our biggest investment — in fact, 70 percent of Americans say their house is their greatest asset. So, when we think about how to add value to our home, we want to be sure we see a substantial return on our investment.
Whether you’re thinking of selling your home this spring or sometime in the future, a home improvement project can make a big difference. According to HGTV, about 75 percent of a project’s costs directly increases the value of your home.
If you’re thinking of selling, a home improvement project means more money at closing. If you’re not in the market, then a remodel allows you to enjoy your home until the day you do decide to sell. An upgrade is a win-win.
Of course, it’s essential to budget for home improvement, as some projects may require a substantial investment. Make a plan and prioritize one room or space at a time.
To start, consider one of these five sure bets for increasing the value of your home.
Spruce Up
Make sure everything in your home is tidy and in working order. Now’s a great time to take stock of those little fixes that will add up. For example, a broken windowpane, a door that needs painting or a leaking sink are not costly to repair and update but make a big difference in your house’s quality and appearance.
Spring is also the perfect time to declutter. Open the windows and let the fresh air in as you organize closets and clean out basements.
Cook Up a Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is a great place to upgrade, according to Consumer Reports. A kitchen upgrade can be costly, especially if you’re installing high-end countertops or appliances, but you can also make a difference without spending a lot. Consider a colorful backsplash or new cabinet hardware. A fresh coat of paint or replacing the blinds can also work wonders.
Bring the Outdoors In
Adding a deck provides flexible space with a huge return on investment. According to Remodeling Magazine, you recoup almost 83 percent of a new deck when you sell your home. Make the most of your investment by protecting your wood deck against the elements with Trex Protect. If you have a second-story deck, you can expand your outdoor living space by adding an under-deck drainage system such as Trex RainEscape. Once installed, a deck drainage system creates a water-proof space under your elevated deck, giving you endless possibilities on how to use the dry space below the deck.
Make Every Day Spa Day
You can spend a lot of money on splashy tiled walk-in showers and exquisitely expensive countertops. However, you can also add a new feel to your bathroom with paint, modern faucets and new knobs. Trending: under-mount sinks are more popular these days versus drop-in sinks.
Go Green
Think about energy efficiency. Whether you spend a lot of money on new energy-efficient windows or heating and cooling systems or simply add a storm door or a smart thermostat, you can save money now and make your house more appealing to future buyers.
Use your time this winter to do some online research, explore your options, and plan your project. Now’s a perfect time!
