Simple Home Improvement Ideas That Add Real Value

Home improvement doesn’t have to mean a full renovation or a huge budget. A little bit of planning will go a long way and can be the most beneficial in the eyes of the public. The key is, understanding what the changes are that really impact buyers and homeowners and not looking for the next big thing that’s going to pass in a few years.

In the sense of property value, home improvement means any development, repair or improvement that enhances functionality, looks, or property value. This may be anything from a new paint job to a kitchen renovation. The best enhancements are functionality rather than purely cosmetic. They solve an actual problem or enhance the efficiency of energy use or improve the usability of the space. A big budget is not always required to add value to your home. The most common of the best updates are also the most straightforward ones.

Start With the Front Door and Curb Appeal

A home’s first impression begins at the curb, and it’s important. People make a decision about your business before they enter.

Some alterations to this can alter the way the entire property is viewed:

• Repainting or replacing the front door.
• Mulching with fresh mulch or mowing back of overgrown bushes
• Rinse away dirt from the driveway and siding with a power washing machine
• Replacing outdoor light fixtures and house numbers
• Getting rid of an old welcome mat and bringing in potted plants

All of these can be done without a contractor. Most of them can be completed within a weekend and so are typically going to be priced below a couple hundred dollars. However, real estate agents always cite curb appeal as one of the quickest methods of increasing the perceived value of a home.

Refresh the Kitchen Without a Full Remodel

The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home and it is typically the room that people look at most carefully when purchasing a home. A full remodel can run the gamut of tens of thousands of dollars, but sometimes this isn’t the only price you need to pay.

Rather, these are the smaller changes:

• Repainting the cabinets rather than replacing them.
• Replacing old equipment with new handles and knobs.
• Fitting a new back splash
• Replacing light fixtures in the island/sink area.
• Installing a new faucet instead of the old one

These changes can alter the ambiance of the area without making any changes to the structure or plumbing. They’re also much cheaper, and therefore offer a much better value for money.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Many buyers are interested in the energy efficiency of a house because of increasing utility costs and because it is an indicator of a maintained home. Changes in this class are likely to increase the value of the property as well as improve its resale value.

Quite simple opportunities exist such as:

• Installing weather stripping on doors and windows.
• Installing a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat
• Upgrading attic insulation
• Sealing of gaps around pipes and vents
• Replacing the lights in the house with LED lights.

While these improvements aren’t show-stoppers, they do matter. Low cost heating and cooling properties are appealing to almost all buyers, no matter their style.

Upgrade the Bathroom on a Budget

Bathrooms are very important in the home, just like the kitchen, and will have a significant impact on the valuation. Fortunately, bathroom renovations don’t need a gut renovation to make a difference.

Try out these mini-projects:

• Re-caulking the tub and replacing old grout
• Installing a new vanity or simply refinishing the existing one
• Updating the mirror and lighting
• Adding a new showerhead
• Replacing an outdated toilet with a water-efficient model

A clean and updated bathroom is a good sign that the whole house is clean. It’s a small space, and it has a big effect on a buyer’s impression.

Add Functional Storage Space

One of those features that people don’t notice until it is not there is storage. Smart storage solutions can make homes seem larger and more organized, even if the size of the home hasn’t changed.

Useful additions include:

• Closet or living room built-in shelving
• A space for storage beneath stairs in houses with stairs.
• A mudroom bench and cubbies by the entrance area
• There are a number of storage solutions that are available such as garage shelving or overhead storage areas.
• Note: Kitchen cabinets fitted with pull out drawers.

Not all of these projects will photograph as well as a kitchen renovation and as a result are not featured in listing photos. However, buyers are more likely to pick up on the lack of storage after they begin to open cabinets and closets during a walk-through.

Don’t Overlook Basic Maintenance

While it’s easy to think of a visible upgrade, be sure to not neglect maintenance, or it can negatively impact all the other upgrades. The roof is leaking and the foundation has cracks, then the beautifully updated kitchen is not worth much!

Before investing in cosmetic changes, it helps to address:

• Roof repairs or replacement if it’s near the end of its lifespan
• HVAC system servicing or replacement
• Plumbing issues, including slow leaks
• Foundation cracks or drainage problems
• Electrical panel updates if the home is older

These are not projects that will thrill you but will help to preserve your investment. These are problems that will be discovered by the buyer or inspector at some time in the future, so it’s best to address them now.

Final Thought

Enhancing a home doesn’t have to be expensive or all-out renovation. The subtle changes, whether it’s curb appeal or energy efficiency, can go a long way in how a home is perceived and valued. The priority is to concentrate on function first and appearance second, as a combination of the two is the one that will have value.

These are easy and practical home improvement tips that can be a great starting point in both home preparation for selling and also if you want a home that functions better for everyday living. Choose one or two projects that will be within your budget and go from there. These little investments combine to create a house that feels better to reside in, and value when it is time to sell.