Spring has rolled around once again and homeowners everywhere are diving right into their spring cleaning. But many of us tend to put off those larger projects that can ultimately boost the resale value of the home. Why? Because those big projects can be costly and a lot of people simply do not have the time to throw on a hard hat and start a full remodel. However, what many homeowners do not realize is that there are ways to spice up the look of your home and add more to the resale value without having to undertake an HGTV style home demo.
It’s important to improve your home’s resale value so that you get a maximum return on your investment when it comes time to sell. You may not be planning on selling your home tomorrow, heck you may not be planning on selling it for decades, but when it does come time to put your home on the market, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck.
Taking the time to make minor improvements is a guaranteed way to enhance the resale value along with the look of your home without breaking the bank, so roll up your sleeves and add a couple of these easy projects to your spring cleaning checklist this year!
Revamp Your Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen is the heart of the home – it is where you and your family gather to cook and connect. Homeowners probably spend more time in the kitchen than almost any other room in your house. That is why a beautiful, clean, and sociable kitchen is vital to potential buyers. If you haven’t revamped your kitchen recently, it may be wise to give it a much-needed face-lift. Check out this article from on How to Refinish Cabinets Like a Pro.
We suggest focusing on your kitchen cabinets. A fresh splash of paint on those cabinet doors will ensure that the space looks brand spanking new. Just make sure that the paint color you choose works with your kitchen hardware and appliances so that the vibe of the room is cohesive. For some extra oomph, replace some of those cabinets with glass doors so you can show off your stylish dishware. You could even change out the knobs on your doors and drawers. These simple alterations to your cabinets will provide the illusion of an entire kitchen makeover and boost the value of your home with very little cost to you.
Don’t Be Conservative With Paint
Over time, the paint finishing in your home will start to show some wear and tear. Inspect the paint job on your walls and baseboards, and do not forget to survey your ceiling for signs of wear or fading; the look of your ceiling has the power to make or break the overall appearance of your home.
When you spy those pesky paint chips and discolorations, paint over everything. It is a cheap and effortless way to spruce up any room and the pristine aesthetic will inspire confidence in your buyers that you have properly cared for the dwelling.
Pro tip #1:
While you’re sifting through swatches to decide on a paint color, you’ll want to avoid anything too loud. This does not mean that you must slather your walls in 50 shades of beige, but bold colors can be polarizing for home buyers, not to mention hard to work with from an interior design standpoint. So, if you’re springing for color, mitigate the shock factor by selecting something with a neutral tone. Here are some good suggestions from Business Insider.
Repair Any Damage to Your Floors
The floors of your home take a serious beating and when buyers walk through a house that has scratched wood, dirty carpet, or broken tiles, those impairments will not be overlooked.
First things first, address any room in your house that has carpeting. Carpet can hold grime, odor, and even allergens, especially in rooms with heavy traffic. Buyers will not be impressed if they walk into your home and are greeted with a smell that singes their nose hairs. Rip out that dated carpet and replace it with new carpet, or better yet, get rid of the carpet all together to bump up your return by over 90 percent of your initial investment. If you can’t commit to exterminating the carpet, at the very least, get to work with a heavy-duty steam cleaner.
Next, assess the condition of any tile flooring that you may have. If you notice any cracks or stains, replace the dingy tiles and polish off the rest of the tile flooring for a sparkly finish.
If you have old wood flooring that is starting to look its age, get the floorboards refinished. In a study that was conducted by the National Association of Realtors, it was discovered that refinishing hardwood floors recovers 100 percent of the cost at resale. If you bypass the process of refinishing the floors and decide to replace them altogether, you’ll recuperate 91 percent of the cost at resale. Talk about a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Banish Those Popcorn Ceilings
Can we all agree that stucco ceilings (aka popcorn ceilings) are the worst? They are such an eyesore and their archaic nature will significantly date your house. Some home buyers even consider stucco to be a deal breaker when purchasing a home. Removing stucco can be labor intensive and expensive but it is well worth the time and effort to modernize your living space.
Here’s a trick to alleviating removal costs: Opt to scrape off the popcorn ceiling yourself. However, before you get started, please have your ceiling tested for asbestos. If it tests positive, you will need to get the removal completed by a professional.
Gussy Up Your Fixtures
Just like those popcorn ceilings, antiquated fixtures (even when well maintained) will date your home and decrease its value. Fortunately, replacing old fixtures doesn’t cost homeowners an arm and a leg, and call me crazy, but shopping for new fixtures can be fun!
Pro tip #2 and #3:
- Start with replacing the oldest fixtures in your home first. From there, you can work your way around the house until they’ve all been replaced. Out with the old and in with the new!
- Give any fixtures in your foyer extra TLC and attention. A buyer’s first impression of your home starts the moment they walk into your entryway. A magnificent light fixture or chandelier will add remarkable charm to your living quarters. Plus, it brightens up the room making it feel warm and welcoming.
Get Crafty With Tile
Tile back-splashes are a fabulous added touch to a kitchen or a bathroom and I am not the only one who thinks so. A recent study revealed that house listings including the word “back-splash” sold for 4 percent more than those without.
But be careful – outdated tile can be a huge turnoff. Crack that old tile off the wall and replace it with something modern and sleek. And if you have a natural creative ability, don’t be afraid to improve the space with your decorative touches. Just avoid any instinct driving you to get too wild and wacky. Remember, you are striving to improve the resale value of your home and if you are planning on selling soon, consider that your decorative taste may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Focus On The View
Windows in a home are a critical selling point. Much too often, homeowners cover up their big, beautiful windows with window treatments and tired old curtains. Take those coverings down and let in the natural light! Natural light makes your home look a lot more spacious and is beneficial for your mental and physical health. However, if you’re adamant about window treatments, make sure they complement the shape of the window, size of the room, and the view so they don’t end up having a negative impact on the value of your home.
These projects aren’t so bad, are they? A little elbow grease, a lot of paint, and presto! You’ve added value to your investment and improved the overall appearance of your property. Being homeowners is rewarding work! New fixtures, floors with sheen, and a deep clean, that’s what valuable homes are made of.