REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN.
Modernizing your kitchen is a smart move. Modern, updated kitchens are sought after by many prospective buyers.
Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report estimates that you will recoup between 62.7 and 81.6 percent of the investment in a kitchen renovation. But don’t go overboard. It’s not a good idea to add an $80,000 kitchen onto a home worth $125,000.
Start small when remodeling your kitchen. Replace the kitchen faucet with a modern energy-efficient option, replace the old cabinet hardware, and add new cabinet handles.
Instead of replacing cabinets, you can paint them a different color or hire a company that refinishes the cabinet boxes, installs new cabinet drawers and doors, and refaces the cabinets. These little updates will enhance the look of your entire kitchen.
Upgrade your appliances.
Consider ordering new face panels and doors from the manufacturer if your appliances do not match. You can achieve a more uniform look in your kitchen without having to replace the appliances.
Consider replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones that are more environmentally friendly and consume less energy. Seattle City Light may even offer you a discount. When shopping for a home, many potential buyers look for ways to cut costs.
BOOST THE BATHROOMS
According to the Cost-Visibility Report, Bathroom Remodels can recoup between 87.7 and 93.5 percent. Don’t go overboard, just like in the kitchen. Install new fixtures and brighten up the room by painting. Re-grout your bathtub. New mirrors and lighting fixtures can transform the appearance of a bathroom.
REMODEL YOUR ATTIC OR BASEMENT.
Additions to the square footage of your home may quickly cost more than you originally planned. Renovate the space you already have in your house instead of adding more. Imagine your attic as a second bedroom or workout space. Converting the basement into a living room. The more flexible the room is, the more appealing it will be to buyers.
GET DECKED OUT.
Adding a Deck is Worthwhile Due to the High Return on Investment. Decks are a great way to increase your living space, but they cost less per square foot.
The Cost vs. Value report shows that in Seattle, a wooden deck costing around $13,084 will recover an average of 106.7% of its original value when resold. A composite deck will cost around $ 19,227 and recoup an average of 122 percent of the value of that deck at resale.
BOOST CURB APPEAL.
First impressions count. It can be as easy as cleaning your home siding or as complex as installing a new walkway to improve your curb attraction. Effectiveness does not require expensive costs.
Installing a brand-new front door can instantly transform the look of your home. The Cost vs. Value Report ranks a new front door as one of the most cost-effective home improvements.
Trim shrubs and mulch around bushes and trees to complete the look. A flowerbed of geraniums or geranium pots will add a splash of color.
Remove dirt from your siding by scrubbing it. Retouch worn areas.
As with most of the items on this checklist, do not go overboard. It’s nice to have a beautiful backyard, but that won’t increase your asking price. All you need is a well-kept yard and some strategically placed shrubbery or vegetation to increase the wow factor.
IMPROVE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
Home inspectors will notice if you have drafty windows and doors or if there is no solid insulation in your home. All of these factors lead to increased energy consumption, which is costly for the homeowner. Start with simple updates like adding more insulation to your attic. Seal all cracks around windows, doors, electrical sockets, and light switches to reduce energy loss.
Single-pane, drafty windows can turn away potential buyers. Installing Energy Star-rated windows will help you save on heating and cooling expenses. Upgrades to Energy Star-rated windows also qualify you for a tax credit.
Replacing them may not add much to the price, as buyers expect that windows are in good condition when they purchase. Not replacing them can decrease the cost.
PROJECTS THAT CAN IMPACT VALUE IN A NEGATIVE MANNER
Some home improvement projects may actually have a negative impact on the resale price of your house. According to the general rule, the more customized a project is for your personal needs and tastes, the less likely the value of the home will increase. You may love your recording studio at home, but a young family may not. Redesigning the room may turn them away from your home.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t complete any of the tasks on the list. You can’t expect potential buyers to pay more for your $10,000 kitchen stove or marble flooring in the bathroom.
SWIMMING POLLS
Although an in-ground pool may seem like a luxury, it can negatively affect the value of your home. Pools can be a safety hazard for families with young children. Some buyers don’t want to pay the extra energy and insurance costs that come with a pool. Consider whether the pool is usable throughout the year. A pool could be an attractive selling point if you live in Florida or southern California. A pool in Seattle, though? But not so much.
Upgrades to a luxurious lifestyle
You may love the marble floor in your bathroom, but a buyer may not want to pay more. If you don’t live in a high-end house, the highest-quality upgrades may not have the same value when it comes to resale. Spend your money on quality upgrades, such as flooring, appliances, and furniture, that will appeal to many people.
Keep your home’s upgrades at the same level as your neighbors. You don’t need your house to be the most expensive in the neighborhood.