Many types of renovations will add value to your home. Some are inexpensive and easy enough to complete over a weekend. We’ve narrowed the list to the top 20 renovations that instantly increase your home’s value.
20. Install a Kitchen Backsplash
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to add to your kitchen’s appeal. Installing a backsplash is an easy and inexpensive way for an instant upgrade. It’s a quick project that can be completed over a single weekend. Install the backsplash tiles on Saturday, and then grout and seal them on Sunday.
19. Paint Areas of Your Home
By far the biggest bang for your buck that can instantly transform interior and exterior areas of your home is by applying a fresh coat of paint. On average, a gallon of one-coat coverage paint runs around $38. If you’re looking for colors that will help your decor pop, contractors recommend a neutral palette or grays.
18. Perform Simple Fixes and Detailing
Many simple chores of cleaning and detailing can instantly add appeal to your home. For example, power washing siding, driveways, and decks. Washing your home’s windows (particularly second-floor exteriors that are often neglected). Improve interior and exterior lighting, either by adding new fixtures or swapping out bulbs for more illuminating and energy-efficient LEDs.
17. Add Landscape Lighting
You can improve the look of your home’s exterior appeal and deck areas with landscape lighting. Low-voltage lighting systems are a DIY project any beginner can handle. Using lighting to increase visibility outdoors and on deck areas improves safety. Further, low-voltage systems are less dangerous than standard household wiring. A transformer converts power from 120 volts to twelve volts.
16. Upgrade Kitchen Lighting
Kitchens are more than just cooking areas. In many homes, it’s also where people eat and gather. Lighting can play a key role in setting the mood and atmosphere. At the very least, consider swapping out lighting fixtures with those that use LEDs to improve illumination and save on your electricity bills.
15. Add Smart Home Technology
The majority of homes have a connected device. Homes with smart technology have increased value. Smart devices can detect when your water heater or plumbing is leaking and automatically shut off the water and notify you. This can stave off a disaster if you’re away. Most smart devices are inexpensive, easy DIY installs, but some may require skilled installation.
14. Add Loose-Fill Attic Insulation
One of the best investments you can make in your home, and one that often will recoup its entire cost in terms of added value – is attic insulation. Adding loose-fill insulation to your attic can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home. You’ll realize additional savings on your heating and cooling costs.
13. Cover Up Wear-and-Tear by Repainting
Over the years, the paint on walls can chip or have small cracks. The same can occur around baseboards, kitchen cabinets, and walls. There may be holes in walls from hanging items. Patching holes and cracks is an easy fix, with all-in-one patching tubes. Paint does wonders for covering up and concealing minor damage, and adding a fresh look.
12. Install Manufactured Stone Veneer
With stone veneer, you can add a look of elegance that will instantly increase your home’s value. The cost of installing manufactured stone veneer versus natural isn’t the biggest factor. Manufactured stone veneer is lighter, easier to handle, and easier to cut. Overall, it’s a better choice for a DIY project.
11. Garage Door Replacement
You can add a huge boost of curb appeal simply by swapping out your garage door. Consider avoiding a plane design and go for something that features levels (such as raised sections), texture (such as grooves), and possibly windows. Garage door replacement ranks on the list for recouping its installation cost.
10. Install a Fiberglass Entry Door
Fiberglass entry doors have many advantages over wood doors. They stand up to weather conditions better. There are strong cores have minimal heat exchange, making them energy-efficient. They offer a wealth of design that can also imitate the appearance of the wood door. They stand up against forced entry attempts. They’re environmentally friendly.
9. Add a Deck or Upgrade an Existing One
Adding an external deck falls on the inexpensive side of remodeling projects. There are many design options. For core materials, your main options are pressure-treated wood (that can withstand weathering) or composite. If you have an existing deck, you can refresh the look by adding composite decking. The advantage of composite decking is its color longevity and easy maintenance.
8. Window Replacement
Replacing older, dated window styles with newer, modern designs is an aesthetic difference buyers will notice. Further, modern, energy-efficient windows will save money on your utility bills. Recoupment rates on your investment are comparable on vinyl wood. However, wood has a higher average cost and a slightly lower recoupment rate.
7. Install a Steel Entry Door
Installing a steel entry door will increase your home’s resale value. Steel entry doors have several benefits including durability and affordability. They offer energy efficiency and some are ENERGY STAR certified. Steel offers security and strength against forced entry attempts. Steel entry doors are available in a variety of paint and stains, and some feature a textured, wood-grain appearance.
6. Remove Carpeting and Install Hardwood or Laminate
Price-wise, hardwoods and laminates are comparable to luxury carpets. However, carpets require more work to maintain. Laminate is easier to clean. Hardwoods and laminates are durable. Hardwood can fade in sunlight. Both are fairly simple to install DIY but laminate is easier. While laminate flooring is less expensive, hardwoods have stronger resale value.
5. Improve Universal Access
If you plan on selling your home at some point, to appeal to more potential buyers, should consider adding universal access features. Ensure key areas of your home are wheelchair accessible. Focus on key rooms such as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and dining area. Add an entry ramp. Install grab bars in tubs, showers, and next to toilets.
4. Do a Minor Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodels don’t have to be an expensive project. You can renovate only the parts of your kitchen that may need the most improvement or the parts that may add the most value. This could include the sink, fixtures, countertops, cabinet facing, hardware, cabinets, flooring, walls, backsplash, lighting, or appliances. Look for what’s most worn or outdated.
3. Finish Your Basement
If your home has an unfinished basement, finishing it to increase the usable square footage instantly adds huge value. Adding electrical and plumbing boosts the value even more. Finishing a basement is less costly than a room addition for added value. You don’t necessarily need to partition off the space. Allow buyers to imagine its uses for themselves.
Read More: The Top Signs Your Home Needs Window Replacements
2. Siding Replacement
Replacing your home’s siding will instantly increase its value. Appraisers examine the structural elements of a home and siding is considered. There are lots of choices for siding: wood, vinyl, cement fiber, composite (engineered or manufactured wood), seamless steel, board and batten, corrugated metal, aluminum, split-log, and more. Consider appearance, energy efficiency, water resistance, maintenance and care, installation, and lifespan.
Read More: 5 Surefire Ways to Increase Your Home Value
1. Roof Replacement
The roof is a critical area of the home that both buyers and appraisers will place scrutiny on and can make or break a sale. If you have an aging roof or any roofing problems, this is a must-do improvement. Repairing or replacing your roof is an improvement that will bring a good return on your investment.
Read More: 20 Home Renovation Projects on a Budget
