7 projects to undertake if you want to improve the value of your home
olivialixx47 July 28, 2023Whether you’re thinking of selling your property this year or just like the idea of improving the value of your home and therefore the value of your investment (who doesn’t?), certain home improvements can they can not only improve the look of your home, but also increase its market value. “The value of making a home improvement varies significantly based on two dimensions: the current value of the home and its location,” says Beatrice de Jong, broker and consumer trends expert at Open-door. Read on for some do-it-yourself projects to improve your home’s value.
Make a good first impression
“The entryway or foyer can be an incredibly important place for home value, as it sets the tone for the rest of the space,” says Toronto-based interior designer Ali Budd. Make sure closets are perfectly made with a combination of display shelving and drawers. Normally, the doors throughout the house should be consistent, with the exception of the hall. Take advantage of this time to do something special, like wainscoting, applied moldings, and gorgeous hardware.”
Spruce up your outdoor space
According to De Jong, buyers can add 5-12% more value to a well-landscaped home. The space does not have to be large, but it must be well thought out. Budd suggests incorporating four main elements: a place to eat, a place to rest, lighting, and greenery for both beauty and privacy: “Mature trees can be hard to come by and are expensive, but even a simple lattice with Interlocking vegetation can offer a lot of privacy between houses and add a great green punch,” he says. If you’re on a budget, Budd also recommends installing in-ground lighting. “And if your budget doesn’t allow it,” he says, “don’t underestimate the impact of some pretty string lights.” At the front, De Jong says that the installation of planters must be considered. “And don’t forget the front door,” he says. “Make sure it has a fresh coat of paint and maybe even a seasonal wreath.”
Create more storage space
“The biggest non-aesthetic question our customers ask is: will I have enough storage space?” In the living areas, open wardrobe with drawers allow for quick cleanup, especially for families with small children. In the kitchen, tall, deep cabinets with pull-out shelves make for a great pantry, as well as a place to store dinnerware and small appliances: “They can also make the kitchen look twice as big,” says Budd. One caveat, he notes: “Open shelving is for display, not storage.”
Give it a new coat of paint
“Paint changes everything,” says Portland, Maine interior designer Heidi LaChapelle. She further adds, “Whether it’s choosing the right shade of white or reapplying what was there before, paint cleans it up instantly.” For an easy, modern approach, she suggests painting the ceiling, trim, and walls the same color and gloss: “With time and patience, even beginners can make a fresh paint job look professional,” says de Jong. “You don’t need a ton of equipment, and there are tons of tutorials online that go into great detail.” Light, neutral colors are the most attractive and enhance the value of your home.”, and go for a higher quality paint if you can, as low quality paint chips more easily and requires more coats, and don’t skip the primer.
Rethink the kitchen…
According to an Opendoor survey, 50% of prospective homebuyers say outdated kitchen appliances are the biggest turn-off for them. De Jong recommends replacing old appliances with new stainless steel ones: “Buyers will pay a higher price for a move-in-ready home,” he says. A quick and easy upgrade is to switch kitchen hardware and light fixtures to other types of metal, like matte black or satin brass,” says Austin-based interior designer Christine Turknett.
… And also the bathroom
Bathroom remodels typically cost 3-8% of a home’s value, but a do-it-yourself job can cost even less than that, dramatically increasing your return on investmentSays San Antonio-based designer Shawna Percival: “Just painting the closets and replacing the mirrors can make a world of difference,” she says. “Go one step further and update the lighting and plumbing—bonus points if you match the finishes on these fixtures. Replacing the sink is possible,” says LaChapelle: “You just have to take into account the type of sink you currently have and choose the same one over a new one, so the change is seamless,” she says. “That is, one or two hole, deck mounted or wall mounted.” As Turknett points out, since bathrooms often take up little space, even small changes can go a long way.
Even think about tackling the floors
Wood flooring is a smart home improvement that always adds value. According to Realm, which provides data on home improvements with the highest return on investment, new floors have an average 342% return on investment. “New floors can improve the overall look of the house and solve other design problems, such as providing a continuous line of sight to spaces that previously seemed disconnected,” says Marc Bacher, founder of flooring brand Stuga, who says that If you have some basic DIY skills, installing flooring is more doable than it seems. The most difficult thing is the scale of the project, since it is quite disturbing to move all the belongings while the installation lasts, “he says.” For the rest,
