949-392-1999
By Emily John
Introduction
When it comes to selling your home, the most important thing is that it’s in good condition. You can sell a fixer-upper for less than its market value, but you’re also likely to get lower offers on it and have a harder time selling it—and that could cost you big money. Your best bet is to do some basic renovations before putting your house on the market, then watch its value soar when potential buyers see what they’ll be getting in return. Here are seven top home improvements guaranteed to boost your home’s value:
1. Update the exterior and make it more energy-efficient:
- Siding: Siding is the exterior wall covering of your home. If it’s old and cracked, it may be time to replace it with new siding that will protect your home from weather damage and make it look better than ever. You can even hire brick pointing and masonry contractors for this purpose, they will beautify your house as well as will increase its value too!
- Roofing: The roof protects everything inside your house from rain, snow and sun damage–so if yours isn’t in good shape anymore (leaks are a common problem), then it’s time for an upgrade! A new roof can also help improve energy efficiency by keeping out heat loss through attic vents during winter months while still allowing sunlight in during summer months.
2. Improve your kitchen:
The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s no surprise that adding a few upgrades can make a big difference in terms of value. If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to improve the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank, consider these ideas:
- Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models that have earned an Energy Star rating from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, updating one old appliance can save up to $50 per year on utility bills. You might also consider replacing all of them at once if some are more than 10 years old; older appliances are less efficient than newer ones and therefore cost more money over time.
- Add new cabinets or countertops made out of materials such as granite or solid surface materials (such as Corian) which tend to last longer than traditional wood veneers.
- Consider installing under-cabinet lighting if there isn’t enough natural light coming into your kitchen area; this will allow homeowners who enjoy cooking late into evening hours without having trouble seeing what they’re doing!
3. Install a Wood or Stone Flooring System:
If you’re looking for a way to add value to your home without breaking the bank, consider installing wood or stone flooring, and also this is what many real estate agents suggest too! After all, to increase the house’s value is the main point!
Wood floors are often the most popular choice because they can be installed in any room of your house and come in a variety of colors and styles. Wooden flooring comes in two main types: solid wood and engineered (also called laminate). Solid hardwood is made from one piece of timber that has been sanded down so it’s smooth on top and has no visible gaps between boards. Engineered wood consists of many layers glued together under pressure–it looks like real wood but isn’t as durable or expensive as its counterpart.
If you prefer stone floors, there are several options available depending on what type of style you want: marble or granite; quartzite; slate tiles; glass tiles with patterns etched into them; even cork!
4. Increase your curb appeal:
- Add a porch. A porch is a great way to make your home look more inviting and give it curb appeal, but if you don’t have the room for one, consider adding an outdoor living space such as a deck or patio instead.
- Plant flowers in front of your home. Flowers aren’t just for yards–they can help improve the looks of any property! They’ll also add color and fragrance that will make people want to stop by when they visit friends or family who live there (and maybe even check out other homes in the neighborhood).
5. Replace aging windows and doors:
If you’ve lived in your home for several years, chances are that some of its windows and doors have seen better days. If they’re drafty or don’t keep out noise well, it might be time to replace them with new ones. A good rule of thumb is that if the window frame has been painted more than once, it’s probably time to upgrade! If you have an older home (or one built prior to 1980), replacing your old single-pane glass windows with double-paned models will help reduce heating costs by up to 40%. And because these newer models tend not only to be more efficient but also larger than their predecessors–often meaning fewer gaps between panes–they’ll add value as well as comfort when selling time comes around again!
6. Update landscaping and lighting.
Landscaping and lighting are two of the most important aspects of a home’s exterior. If you want to maximize the value of your home, it’s essential that these elements are in good condition.
If your landscaping is outdated or unkempt, it will give buyers an impression that other parts of the property need work as well. A fresh coat of paint on doors and windows will also help make them look new again!
7. Add a screened-in porch or deck:
Adding a screened-in porch or deck is one of the most popular ways to increase your home’s value. You can choose to enclose only part of your house, or you can make it all screen. If you want to add an entire screened-in porch, it’s best not to do so on the front of your house because this may make it look smaller than it already is.
If you’re planning on adding a screened-in porch or deck, there are some things you should consider first:
- Location – Where will your new addition go? Will it be attached directly onto the existing structure or will there be space between them?
- Size – How big should each room be so that everyone fits comfortably inside without feeling cramped? Don’t forget about ventilation!
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some ideas for how to improve your home and boost its value. Whether you’re looking to sell in the next year or just want to make life more comfortable, these seven home improvements are guaranteed to boost the value of any home!
