4 Renovations that Add Significant Value to Your Home
So you want high-value renovations that will help turn your house into a home while also adding real value to your house, making it worth more?
Here are four of the best DIY projects you can do.
House Reno Project #1: Minor Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen remodel can become a major deal. If it's been a long time since anything was updated, you could probably run the gamut of what could use an update:
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Microwave
- Countertops
- Backsplash
- Paint
- Sink
The list goes on and on!
There's a lot of stuff to do yourself. But the good news is you don't have to update every single thing to improve your home equity. You can start with a minor remodel for now. For example, try painting the cabinets and walls. If you want a backsplash, now is the time to do that too.
While this will be time-intensive, it's not too expensive or difficult and according to the National Association of Realtors, it will increase the value of your home. If you go a little further and replace something bigger like the countertops or fridge, rest assured that your home's value will go up from those upgrades as well.
High-Value Renovation Project #2: Replace Your Windows
How are your windows doing? Are they in good shape meaning they look good, aren't cloudy, and are fully sealed, preventing any critters or drafty air from getting in your home?
Or have your windows seen better days? Maybe the seal has broken so now the window looks foggy. Maybe cold air comes right through the window because it's an original, single-pane window that doesn't provide great insulation against the elements.
If your windows aren't doing so well, it might be time to replace them. Fortunately, this is another high-value renovation where you recoup a lot of the money you invest into it.
Windows is one of those things where you can choose to go either the DIY route or hire a professional. If you have the time to work on DIY projects around the home, it may be worth trying to do it yourself. Start small with just two windows and see how it goes.
Why do we recommend two windows? Because the first one will inevitably go somewhat slow since you haven't done this before. But you'll get better and faster by the time you install the second one, giving you a good idea of how long it'd take you to install the rest.
High-Value Renovation Project #3: Improve the Lighting
A home seller can improve the odds of getting fast, great offers by leveling up the lighting of the home.
For example, what kind of lighting do you have in your master bathroom? Is it an old fixture that reminds you of something you had in your childhood? Or is it a much more modern feature that you'd expect to see if you walk in a model home built in 2021?
How about outside the home? Are there floodlights so you can see around the property at night? Or is it so dark that once nighttime comes, you can't see a thing?
The great thing about lighting is if the wires are already in place, you can easily do it yourself. If the wires are not there, you should probably hire an electrician, though some people do take the challenge of wiring it themselves.
High-Value Renovation Project #4: Finish the Basement
This type of renovation is a lot of work. Just think about everything that goes into it:
- Framing the rooms
- Hanging up sheetrock
- Painting
- Building a grid and drop ceiling (if you don't do sheetrock)
- Installing tile in kitchen or bathroom areas
- Putting in a vanity, toilet, and bath/shower
- Laying down carpet, hardwood, etc.
It is a lot of work, but here's the thing: a home with a finished basement stands out in the marketplace!
Conclusion
If you're considering a high-value renovation, we encourage you to do it sooner rather than later. That way you can enjoy the renovation now and when you decide to become a home seller! Whenever you decide to buy your next house, contact us so we can get you a great mortgage to buy the house of your dreams.