CHARLESGATE Blog

7 Improvements to Increase Your Home Value

Written by Michael DiMella | Apr 23, 2015 4:00:00 AM

Clueless homeowners looking for smart ways to boost the value of their homes for sale will almost always invest in things that won’t really matter. Just because you added that amazing pool in your backyard or changed your bathroom tiles to chic ones imported straight from Italy, doesn’t mean your property value will increase significantly. Those shopping for a house are usually interested in functionality – here are 7 simple home improvements that will dramatically increase your property value.

1. Replacement of outdoor elements

Replacing elements like garage doors, windows, front doors and siding is rather inexpensive, but can significantly increase the property value. According to Remodeling Magazine, the average return on investments for outdoor replacement projects is 72%!

It’s definitely worth to replace your windows to vinyl, add a steel entry door and change your siding to fiber-cement or foam-backed one. This kind of projects will add more value to your property than remodeling projects. Hiring trusted contractors such as Prominent Construction roofing would offer everything to keep your home stay in good shape for a long time.

2. Repairing and replacing home systems

This point is a must. Have a close look at all the major systems at your home – plumbing, electricity, heating and sewage systems – to see whether they could use an upgrade, repair or simple replacement.

Those systems are something future homeowners will depend on – they want to be sure that everything will work well in the future. If your home is old, consider replacing the roof, getting residential plumbing services to upgrade your plumbing, and revamping its heating and air-conditioning systems. Believe me, it is far easier to say to the potential homebuyers that your house doesn’t have a pool than to admit it doesn’t have a working heating system. Functionality wins again. And when it comes to roofing, it can be even dangerous if roof is in bad condition. Contact West Palm Beach roofing contractor to inspect and fix your roof.

3. Adding a attic bedroom

When it comes to recouping a nice return on your investment, adding a new attic bedroom is the best solution ever. Remodeling Magazine suggests that homeowners deciding to add a nice bedroom to their attics can expect a recoup of 72.5% of the costs when they sell the property. If your attic is spacious enough, consider this option – the average cost is around $50.000 and the added benefit to property value is really worth it.

4. Installing a security system

This simple move can add a lot to the value of your property – security is something every homeowner appreciates. Install a security system with a package of various home security devices – most of those are quite inexpensive, but will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Security cameras are an interesting option – they offer great protection at a good price. To top it all, you will look great in the eyes of the homebuyers, since they will regard as a reliable person who values security.

5. Improving the kitchen

Kitchens are the heart of every home, so it’s only natural that every improvement added here will be valuable. Add a fresh layer of paint to the walls of your kitchen (https://www.paradiseexteriors.com/ emphasize that this is a must if you plan to completely remodel it and add new furniture) and replace your dated vinyl flooring with tile or laminate. You can also add new cabinetry and hardware, countertops and appliances.

6. A new bathroom

There’s no better way to increase the property value than by adding a new bathroom or revamping the old one. They’re a bit tricky because the costs involved are pretty high, but they can really raise the value of the entire property – who would want to buy a home with old bathroom appliances? When changing your bathroom, expect to recover 51% of its cost at sale – at least according to the National Association of Realtors.

7. Landscaping

Surprising, but true. You can easily consider landscaping as a long-term investment to your property – hire a professional landscaper to plan a functional garden and maintain it regularly. Add decorative lighting, outdoor entertainment areas like fireplaces or grill stations, and a great driveway or house entrance – you’ll be making an important addition to your property value.

Follow those 7 tips and you can be sure to make the most from your next home sale.

Lori Gardner is an experienced property advisor working at performanceproperty.com.au where she helps customers find and purchase houses of their dreams. While not working, Lori spends her time away from the noisy cities, trekking with Off the Grid Guru gadgets and camping with her friends.