5 Home Improvements That Will Increase The Value of Your Home

Looking to sell your home? Maybe you’re just looking to boost the overall value of your home for a future sale? Before you hire a realtor and get to the nitty-gritty of selling, or simply upping the value of your home, there are some home improvements you may want to consider.

Each of these improvements can boost not only the monetary value of your home but also its curb appeal and sellability.

1. Update Your Windows

Perhaps one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase the overall value of your home is to update your windows. Windows are not only aesthetically pleasing (or displeasing, depending on their condition) but they also affect your home’s ability to regulate temperature.

If you still have those old single pane style windows on your home that get frost on them when it snows, it’s probably time to upgrade them. Often homeowners will neglect replacing windows due to cost constraints and misconceptions about their installation, but the fact is, modern glass is much more cost effective to produce than it used to be, and the installation process is handled by experts who make sure you’re getting a perfect fit.

When you shop for windows, look for a company with a good reputation for quality, and compare replacement windows cost with competitors to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

2. A Solid Paint Job

As simple as it sounds, the paint in your home can seriously affect its resale value. Homes are much more than just a place to sleep at night; they become an expression of ourselves and our lives.

Paint comes in many varieties, colors, and standards of quality, but no matter what variation you choose for your exterior and interior paint job, make sure that’s it’s applied correctly. An uneven coat, paint splashes, and streaks can throw off an entire room.

Low-quality paint can dry unevenly and lose its luster as the drying process continues. It can also begin to chip away very early on in its life, causing not only aesthetic displeasure (who wants to look at peeling paint?) but also end up costing more money in the long run. Spend the extra money to get high-quality paint, and you’ll not only boost the curb appeal and overall value of your home, but you’ll save yourself the future cost of replacing low-quality paint.

Applying the paint is just as important as the quality. Use even brush strokes and high-quality brushes, and be sure to use painter’s tape for crisp lines. Don’t forget to line your floors, you don’t want any paint to end up on the new carpet.

3. Install An Air Conditioning System

One of the most coveted home improvements is a central air system. This alleviates the summer heat and makes the overall living conditions of your home exponentially more comfortable. Not to mention, it adds a nice boost to your home’s overall value.

A buyer will be looking for comfort and security in their new home, and having an air conditioning system is a luxury that not every homeowner has been afforded. Most centralized air conditioning units cost anywhere from about $700 to over $2,000, depending on the size and output of the unit itself.

If you choose to invest in an A/C unit, it’s usually best to have professional installation, but it is possible to DIY. With some things, however, it’s best to leave it to the experts. The last thing you’ll want to do when trying to boost your home’s value is to generate more unnecessary costs.

4. Finish Your Basement

A finished basement can be an extremely attractive and valuable addition to your home. It can be used as another bedroom, a rec room, an entertainment center, or even a home office. Basements often end up being used for storing household items which go forgotten for years. By cleaning out, and finishing your basement, you can create a brand new living space to enjoy in your home.

If you plan on finishing your basement, your first step should be to get a professional inspection to ensure you don’t have any leaks. You don’t want a puddle of water under the carpet at your first Super Bowl party. If you find that your basement has a water problem, you’ll want to address it first and foremost. Water can be hard to get rid of once it’s there. And water damage can cause any number of problems with carpet, electrical systems, etc.

The second item you’ll want to address is what you plan to do with the basement. An office may not require an entire basement, but only a part of it. Alternatively, a rec room may require that the entire basement is finished. Make a plan, get the basement inspected or waterproofed, and you’ll be on your way to a valuable addition to your home.

5. Update The Kitchen And Bathroom

Does your bathroom or kitchen have the same tile and plumbing as it did when it was built in 1952? Those outdated appliances and tile colors may be nostalgic to you, but to a future buyer, they could be tacky and displeasing. Not to mention outdated plumbing, appliances, and electrical systems can cause more issues than a simple eyesore.

Get your plumbing and electrical systems inspected and updated if necessary. Replace or repair those old appliances to give your home a much needed critical update that will boost its value and livability.

Get some new tile or flooring installed to bring your kitchen or bathroom up to modern style standards, and as always, you can give the rooms a fresh coat of paint to really boost the aesthetic and dollar value of your home.