Remodeling your home makes it more enjoyable and boosts your home’s value. However, not all remodeling projects are alike. Some projects can be valuable to your home, while others can reduce their sale price. Here are some projects you need to consider to boost your resale value.
1- Painting
Based on your location, the labor required, and the type of paint used, the average painting project can cost between $945 and $2,893. You should use neutral colors like soft grays, whites, and beiges. Look for whatever is different; for example, you can use an accent wall.
If every room has a different color, repainting them is more manageable. Many of the real estate professionals interviewed by HomeLight agreed that they advised sellers to paint their homes before listing. The most popular colors include Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter and Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray.
2- Curb Appeal Boosters
Your home’s curb appeal is related to whether it portrays a positive image to potential buyers. There are different ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.
You can begin by replacing or repairing the brick, vinyl, or wood siding. Another idea is to buy a new entry door. Also, consider replacing a weathered garage door and installing new lights. Another idea is to paint your front door a dark color. According to a report by Zillow, painting the front door can boost your home’s price by over $6,000.
3- Improve Energy Efficiency
Invite a home inspector to check whether your home has solid insulation. Drafty windows and doors can cause high energy consumption. It’s advisable to consider minor updates like improving the insulation in your attic. Seal the cracks around your windows, doors, and electric sockets to avoid energy losses.
Single pane drafty windows usually turn off many home buyers. Consider having energy star-rated windows to save on heating and cooling expenses. Remember, you also get a green energy tax credit by upgrading to energy-star-rated windows.
4- Keep Flooring Consistent
Another important remodeling project involves flooring. This project is usually recommended if your house has different types of floors. Buyers will be drawn to a uniform flooring look. Many real estate professionals claim that buyers expect premium vinyl or hardwood floors. However, you don’t have to get rid of all carpeting. Many real estate professionals suggest getting rid of outdated, worn-out, or stained carpets.
5- Brighten the kitchen
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of brightening your kitchen is between $395 and $1,235. This varies depending on labor and equipment. Many home buyers prefer white-colored kitchens. These kitchens tend to brighten the space of your home.
According to Harrison, a real estate expert, many buyers seek white and clean walls. They don’t want stark white but at least a clean palette. If your kitchen has other colors, professionals advise painting its walls white to brighten that space. You can also upgrade kitchen cabinets with fresh hardware like hand pulls.
You should also consider replacing countertops. Use bright looks like a white or gray whiter countertop made of marble, granite, or quartz. Harrison also warns against multicolored or brown granite. Also, she says you shouldn’t replace countertops if the other elements of your kitchen aren’t upgraded. This is because the countertops will appear out of place.
6- Bathroom Upgrades
Another important remodeling project you should consider is your bathroom. Depending on how much you plan to spend on remodeling your bathroom, different ideas can work for you.
First, you can consider installing new tubs, sinks, toilets, or showers. Also, painting and re-flooring are essential upgrades. Another significant upgrade is to add storage space and improve the lighting. Consider putting in a mirror or vanity.
You can also add a bathroom to your home, especially if you have one bathroom. Buyers love homes with several bathrooms. They are also convenient, especially for a large family. You can add a bathroom by turning a closet, renovating unused space, or adding an ensuite. Remember, adding a bathroom or having a master suite can be expensive and may not boost the resale value of your home. Therefore, consult widely before making any conclusions.
7- Keeping the Home Up to Code
Lastly, you should consider keeping your home up to code. No homebuyer will move into a house with outdated features. Therefore, some improvement projects can bring your home up-to-date with residential building codes depending on how old your home is.
For example, many old homes benefit from new plumbing, roofing, windows, insulation, electric wiring, and HVAC systems. These renovations work for older homes that haven’t gone through any recent updates. Although these projects can be costly, they will add value to your home. Furthermore, they will make your home safer and comfortable for you and future homebuyers.
In Conclusion
Remodeling your home may seem costly, but if you make the right choices, it will pay off in the end. Remember to remodel with the homebuyers’ best interests at heart. Also, consult widely with real estate professionals and home designers before investing in any project.
About Transition Realty
Transition Realty owner Steve Lehmeyer specializes in helping people manage real estate transactions in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. His experience in the Minnesota real estate market spans 20 years. Steve and his team work with clients to buy & sell single-family homes, townhouses, condos, lake homes, and investment property. Download a free home search app for your smartphone or search the MLS at TransitionRealty.com.
