There were 683 thousand houses sold in the United States in 2019, so who’s to say you can’t put your own home on the marketplace? If you fear that your home isn’t nice enough to sell, don’t let this stop you. Take action! Many people across the county have been able to transform their homes and increase the home value by making a few renovations.
For whatever reason you wish to increase your home’s value, read on. Here are ways you can upgrade and modernize your home.
Power Wash the Home
If you want to improve the home value instantly, try power washing the exterior of your home. This can eliminate years worth of dirt caked onto the front and sides of the house. Don’t forget to also powerwash the sidewalks to give your house a cleaner and more put-together look.
Renting the equipment is also relatively cheap, which is amazing news if you want to increase the home value while on a budget.
Purchase Modern Furniture
If you don’t want to commit to a big project, you can increase the home value by redecorating the space with new furniture. Donate your old furniture and start anew. If you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, browse the secondhand shops in your area. Furniture consignment stores can also help you find some hidden gems while on a budget.
When selecting your furniture, it’s important to stick to a theme. Also, try to come up with a design plan beforehand. Otherwise, you might arrive at the furniture store only to feel overwhelmed with the vast selection.
Buy a new coffee table, a love seat, a recliner, and perhaps new decor. New artwork can also add more visual interest.
Use your creativity and add a collage or photo wall.
Enhance the Backyard
Before you pour your time and energy into the interior of the home, don’t forget the exterior! Having a gorgeous front and back yard will enhance your quality of living as well. Not to mention, you’ll have much better luck selling the place and make a profit.
Why is it so important to dedicate as much time to your yard? Close your eyes and imagine drinking ice-cold lemonade on a gorgeous porch. Better yet, imagine smelling fresh flowers from a garden, or roasting marshmallows by the firepit. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with your backyard space. Adding these special touches will also make it easier for buyers to see themselves living in the space. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Understand How Much Space You Have to Work With
If you want to increase your home value in the backyard, understand how much space you’re working with. You want to make the best use of the space. If you’re not too careful, it may end up looking cluttered and tacky. Remove anything that is no longer functional, like old lawn furniture or worn down figurines.
If your backyard is smaller, think about creating a small deck and adding furniture. This tip will add depth and interest to an otherwise tiny and dull backyard.
Keep the upgrades small, and purchase a modest chair and table set, instead of a large outdoor patio set.
Plant a Nice Garden
More people are gardening now than ever. Since it’s a hobby that doesn’t require technological devices, it’s also therapeutic and great for your mental health. If you want to make the best use out of your space, consider planting a vegetable or herb garden. You’ll also have fresh vegetables and lunch, making this the hobby that never stops giving. Tomatoes, rosemary, sage, and cilantro are all popular picks and sure to suit a variety of home-cooked meals.
Install a Firepit
This project is another way you can increase your home’s value. Homeowners may see up to a 78% recoupment, especially if they opt for a pit that has gas running to it. While most families opt for a pool, a fire pit can be used year-round, stretching its value even further.
Paint the Home
If power washing fails to leave your home looking like new, you may have to take an alternative route. Painting, for instance, can change up the look and increase the home value!
If you want dramatic results, paint the exterior and interior of the home. You don’t necessarily have to choose new colors. This process can take more time, as you have to lay down a primer as well. You can stick with the original colors, but not that a fresh coat can make sure a huge difference when adding more home value to your space.
Fix Water Damage
Water damage repair is also a must if you want the home value of your property to skyrocket. Not only does it look awful, but it’s also a health hazard. Water damage is also a breeding ground for mold, which can be toxic and smell awful!
No one should have to live like this so, start by identifying the source if you fear this may be a problem in your home. It should be easily identifiable. You can usually find water damage in the bathroom by the toilet or sinks. If you leak into your home, the water damage may exist behind the walls.
Next, remove the clean standing water in the area with rags or a vacuum.
Dehumidify the area to remove any excess water you may have missed properly. Clean and sanitize the area with bleach or a similar agent. Finally, replace or renovate the area. If the carpet was destroyed, you’ll need to add new flooring. It the wall was destroyed by the water damage, you’ll have to create a new one.
If any of these steps sound daunting, you may need to contact a professional well versed in water damage repair.
Install New Floors
Old and musty carpet can be an automatic turnoff if you’re trying to sell your home. Increase the home value and impress your guests by replacing any old flooring. If you want something timeless, wood floors are an excellent choice. However, if you wish to purchase something modern, concrete floors have been dominating the home renovation scene. Floor installation is a must, so pick your materials wisely when renovating your home.
Carpet flooring is also a decent option if you have kids, or want your home to appeal to a family when trying to sell it.
Sure, they are harder to clean, but they are cozy, and cushion falls and trips quite well.
Repair the Kitchen Appliances
Before buying all-new appliances for the kitchen, look into appliance repair first. You can save money this way, especially if the stove, fridge, and microwave are already in decent condition!
Replace the Backsplash
Replace the backsplash in your kitchen for a new and colorful look. This is another simple project that you can do yourself. You can choose a chic brick pattern if you want the kitchen to remain a neutral space. You can also use the backsplash to add a pop of color that will make cooking in the kitchen an even more desirable experience.
Paint your Bathtub
When tackling projects to increase the value of your home, one can’t help but wonder — which projects are safe and appropriate to DIY?
While it’s always best to call a professional for things like air conditioning repair, this project is easy and hassle-free! Start by making sure the tub is completely dry. You will then need to scrub it clean with a strong cleaner like bleach or acetone.
Repair any imperfections in the tub using caulk. If there aren’t any, it’s time to move onto the next step. Sand the tub down with wet/dry sandpaper. Then, using the appropriate kind of paint, start from one corner and work your way back until it’s completely painted. Do this for two coats of paint.
Wait around three days before running water into your work. Once the tub has dried, your bathroom should look spectacular!
Now, let’s discuss the types of plumbing services you should leave to a professional when trying to add value to your home.
Call a Plumber
If you want your home to sell like hotcakes, call up a residential plumber in your area for a final inspection. They can also help you install new faucets for a fresher look. They can also check for leaks in the pipes and solve your low water pressure problem.
Maintain the Home
Everyone desires to have a dramatic home makeover when they decide to increase their home value. However, many other tasks go unnoticed. Regardless, this doesn’t make them any less crucial.
Air Conditioning
No one wants to live in a sweltering home. This factor is so important when upgrading your home — through the HVAC system may not be visible to the naked eye, ensure it’s running properly.
You can maintain the system yourself, or call upon a business specializing in HVAC services to lend a hand. Working with a professional is your best bet. They can focus on this side of enhancing the home, while you can zone in on the more visible aspects — like painting and redecorating.
Heating
If you don’t need air conditioning repair, ensure your heating system is up to code. Freezing in the middle of winter isn’t ideal either!
Repair the Gas Line
You should also make sure the gas line to your home doesn’t need to be repaired. Call a professional to conduct gas line repairs if you notice any of these signs.
- You hear a hissing sound near the gas line. This means that gas may be escaping.
- Your appliances are working at a slower and less efficient pace.
- Your utility bill has risen a ridiculous amount in a short amount of time.
Call an Electrician
When trying to upgrade your home, you want to ensure the wiring and electricity are up to code. Look for residential electricians in your area to give you the thumbs-up when doing any kind of flip or upgrade. This should be one of the last few steps when it comes to maintaining your home. If everything checks out, feel free to move on towards these other improvements.
Fix the Roof
Like the foundation of a home, the roof is one part of the house that keeps everything together and solid as a rock. Therefore, ensure that your roof is in good shape. Regardless if you’re trying to sell your property or not, roofing services are essential to any homeowner. Start with an inspection. If your inspector notices that:
- there’s rubble surrounding the home
- there are obvious leaks in the ceiling and roof
- there are missing shingles
- there are shingle granules in the gutter of the home
- the roof appears as if it’s caving inwards
They will suggest repairs or a brand new roof.
Wrapping Up
You don’t have to subject yourself to living in an outdated home!
If you’re trying to sell your property, there’s only one way you can help it fly off the marketplace. You must increase the home value. If you have never taken on a project like this, no worries! Use these tips as a template, so that you can renovate and redesign your space for the most dramatic impact.
