Projects that Can Increase the Value of Your House

No matter if you just bought your house or you’ve lived in it for a while, you may have considered undertaking some projects and making some improvements. Home improvements can help to add visual appeal, make the home more comfortable, and even reduce the cost of living there. Many home improvements can help to increase the home’s value. Whether you plan on selling soon or you want to remain in the house for at least a few years, here are some of the projects that can help to increase the value of your home.

Update the Kitchen

One of the major points that most homebuyers tend to focus on is the kitchen. It is often considered to be the heart of the home. There are several changes that you can make to upgrade the space. Replace your countertops with granite or marble. You can replace cabinets and redo floors. Upgrade the appliances.

If you don’t have a large budget to update your kitchen, small changes can make a huge difference. Instead of completely replacing your cabinets, simply reface them with new doors and hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can also help to breathe new life into the room.

Increase Its Size

The amount of square footage can play a role in the total value of your home. Typically, larger homes are worth more. One way to add square footage to your home is to build an addition such as an extra bathroom or bedroom.

Another way to add space to your home is to finish a room such as your basement or attic. Consider turning the basement into an in-law suite or home gym. You can turn the attic into a guest bedroom, a playroom for children, or an office. You may not be physically making the house bigger, but you are increasing the useable space.

Install (or Upgrade) Your Fireplace

In a 2016 survey, Angie’s List found that almost 70% of the 100 real estate agents surveyed believed that a fireplace added value to a home. The company also surveyed homeowners and homebuyers and found that most wanted or enjoyed having a fireplace in their home.

If you currently have a fireplace, don’t get rid of it. Even if you haven’t used it in a while, it can still help to increase the value of your home. Give it a good cleaning or upgrade it. If you’ve thought about adding one, now may be a good time to do so. According to the survey, more people are looking for a viable gas fire place when searching for their new home.

Improve Your Energy-Efficiency

One of the biggest monthly expenses they face (outside of a mortgage) is energy costs. Fortunately, there are many improvements that you can make to your home that can help to decrease your energy usage, and therefore your energy bills. Improvements you can make include:

• Energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
• Energy-efficient washer and dryer.
• Installing double-paned windows.
• Upgrading the insulation in the attic.
• Improving your lighting.

Add Smart Features

While smart devices in the home might not necessarily increase its value, it can make your home more desirable to buyers. In turn, this can help you to get a better selling price. Smart features are designed to make life easier. The great thing is that you don’t have to go overboard. Features like a smart programmable thermostat, fire detector, and security cameras can all help to add appeal. In many cases, potential buyers are willing to pay more.

Don’t Ignore the Outside

It’s not just the inside of your home that matters. The outside is just as important. The exterior of the home and the yard can impact the overall value of the home. Boosting the curb appeal can be as easy as power washing the sides of the house and painting the door. Other ways to boost curb appeal include making small repairs, cleaning up the yard, and adding some fresh flowers.

Making improvements in your home can make it a more enjoyable place to live. These improvements can also help to increase the value of your house, enabling you to get more money when you decide to put your house on the market.