Spring is the perfect time to finish off some of the home renovations and upgrades that you have been thinking about. In addition to the beautiful weather, you might also have a hefty tax refund headed your way, and putting that money back into your home is a great investment. Here is a look at five renovations and upgrades that could substantially boost the value of your Los Angeles home according to Hanley Wood Media’s Cost vs. Value Report
Rejuvenate the Kitchen
Giving your kitchen a makeover is one of the best ways to increase your home’s resale value. If you have received a relatively large tax refund, then you should consider replacing all of your appliances and upgrading the counter. Appliances aren’t something you buy very often, so make sure you get something you’ll want to keep for years. New appliances are often more energy efficient which means you may be saving money on your utilities. Most modern refrigerator designs are made to fit more food giving you plenty of storage space. Most are able to fit jugs of milk and juice in the door. For those who don’t want to spend that much, painting the cabinets and replacing all of the fixtures are great options as well. A midrange minor kitchen remodel will cost around $26,481 with a resale value of $27,818. This would mean you have 105% of the cost recouped.
Add another Layer of Paint
In addition to being a relatively inexpensive project, painting your home can also be done without any professional assistance. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the outside of your home will have a major impact on its appearance and curb appeal. You can also cover up minor cosmetic imperfections on the inside of your home with a little bit of paint, some joint compound, and all-purpose caulking. Changing the color scheme of your home can rejuvenate how you feel about it.
Improve the Insulation
Even though modern insulation is incredibly durable, it won’t last forever. As a general rule, you should check your home’s insulation at least once a year for any signs of damage. If the insulation seems matted or torn, then you should replace it with fresh cellulose or fiberglass. Check the roof for leaks and your windows to make sure they are sealed properly. Replacing a roof with asphalt shingles will cost you around $30,036 with a resale value of $27,750. This would mean you have 92% of the cost recouped.
Repave the Driveway
No matter what steps you take to protect your driveway, you will most likely notice cracks, chips, and stains at some point. If you live near a busy street you should consider getting a U shaped driveway for easy access and exit. A residential paving professional should be able to repave your driveway quickly, and that upgrade could increase the appeal of your home and offset the negative connotations of living on a busy road. Not to mention the safety it would add to the home if you have children.
Replace the Garage Door
Replacing a garage door is another simple project that only takes a few hours to complete, and this upgrade will have a huge impact on the appearance of your home. You can also add a wireless receiver to the motor so that you can control your garage door from anywhere in the world. Those receivers can easily be accessed with a mobile app, and you won’t ever have to worry about being locked out as long as you have your phone. A garage door replacement will cost around $3,887 with a resale value of $4,812. This would mean you have 123.8% of the cost recouped.
Before you hire a contractor to carry out one of these projects, you must always ask for their license number and proof of insurance. Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor could result in huge fines, and that is one situation that homeowners never want to be in. Most people have a couple of projects they want done to their house, but put them off because of expenses. If you receive a nice tax refund consider investing in your property. Efficacy and comfort are worth investing in.
