Ready to boost your home’s value? Start with a little prep work. A well-prepared home can make a big difference in the appraisal process. A home appraisal is a professional evaluation of a property’s fair market value. It is an essential step for various real estate transactions like buying, selling, or refinancing.
While an inspection evaluates the physical condition of the home and identifies potential issues or defects that could affect its value, an appraisal assesses factors like size, condition, location, and recent comparable sales.
For years, you may have envisioned a kitchen that inspires culinary creativity or a backyard that beckons for relaxation. Renovation costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to prioritize upgrades that will increase the revalue of your home.
Read on for a list of seven remodeling projects that will not only enhance your enjoyment of your home but also boost its worth once you go to sell.
Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything in real estate. Your home’s exterior and landscaping are the first things potential buyers will see, so curb appeal is crucial. Refreshing your home’s exterior can make a big difference. A fresh coat of paint can provide dramatic results. (Who doesn’t love a white cottage, for example?) Or try smaller refreshments like repainting your front door or shutters, replacing your mailbox, or planting pots with seasonal flowers.
Landscaping can also enhance your home’s curb appeal. Consider adding flower beds with perennials for year-round color, a neat boxwood hedge for structure, or even Southern flowering trees like magnolias, crepe myrtles, or dogwoods for a dramatic statement.
Utilize Your Backyard
Your backyard can be just as important as your front yard, especially because outdoor living happens year-round in the South. Families looking for homes often prioritize more private outdoor spaces for entertaining and relaxing. There are many ways to upgrade your backyard within your budget. You can spruce up your patio to accommodate lounge chairs for curling up with a book or a dining table for hosting friends for dinner. Larger undertakings like building an outdoor kitchen, a firepit area, a pool are luxe amenities you and future owners will enjoy.
Remodel the Kitchen
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. Even small updates can make a big difference, especially since it’s one of the most used rooms, and can have a high return on your investment. Upgrading appliances, countertops, or sink fixtures can be a great investment. Cosmetic changes like repainting cabinets or replacing hardware can also improve the look of the space. .
Spruce Up the Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another important selling point. Perspective buyers may pass on a home with outdated bathrooms. Upgrading the sink, shower fixtures, and countertops can modernize the space. For aesthetic updates, classic elements like white subway tiles are often appealing to a wide range of buyers. Consider sleek surfaces and colors that will create a clean and fresh look.
Update the HVAC
Updating your HVAC system can be a great investment. Buyers often get discouraged when they find out that a home’s heating, air conditioning, or roof are old or in poor condition. Studies show that many buyers are unwilling to overlook these issues, even if the seller offers a home warranty. Your HVAC system is essential for keeping your home comfortable. It’s one of the most important things to maintain, and updating it can almost guarantee a return on investment.
Light It Right
Want to give your home a quick makeover? Lighting is your secret weapon. Choose the right fixtures for your space and watch the transformation happen. An array of styles of interior and exterior lights are available at home improvement stores and online retailers at a variety of price points. From sleek and modern to classic and cozy, there’s a style for everyone. And remember, warm lighting can make any room feel more inviting.
Finish the Basement
Don’t let a leaky basement hold your home back. A professional can fix flooding and moisture problems. When finishing your basement, make sure the upgrades match the rest of your home. Don’t let a basement that looks out of place drag down your property’s value. Transforming a dank space into a home office, gym, playroom, or guest room–and even adding a bathroom–can give your home more livable square footage to be enjoyed.
