Which renovations will add the most value to your home? That’s one of the most common questions I get asked as a real estate agent.
There’s no one-size fits-all answer, as buyer trends and demands will change from one neighborhood to the next.
If you’re considering the sale of your current home, then you’ll get the best return on an upgrade by staying within the architectural style of your home. Your goal should be to spend as little money as possible to achieve the best price when you decide to put it on the market.
As your local real estate agent, I welcome the opportunity to work with you to assess the value of your home and how you might be able to increase it with some moderate improvements.
To get you thinking about what is possible, here is an overview on the most popular approaches.
- Kitchen capers – About 10% of your property’s value is determined by the quality of your kitchen. So, it’s not surprising that this is the most popular focus for remodeling. There are a few tricks to contain your costs, such as replacing doors for cabinets and drawers. New appliances are another winner. Don’t move water and gas lines as this will drive the expense up.
- Bathroom basics – This is another favorite, as the quality of the bathroom is a big influencing factor for buyers. Again, try to avoid changing the plumbing infrastructure. It’s also best to avoid pulling up the floor tiles and re-sealing, as these are costly choices. New shower screens and updating the tub, are robust strategies. Vanities are cheap and easy to install. Make sure you have lots of storage and a good quality mirror.
- Light it up – During an open inspection, we will always put all the lights on to increase the feeling of light in the home. New light fittings featuring LEDs and other soft lighting from lamps will radically enhance the look and feel of the interior.
- New decking – The impression of ample living space is enhanced with outdoor decking. It’s a super-cheap and easy way to add to your floor space and is popular with buyers, especially if it offers shade.
- First impression – Repaint the front of your home. Give your front door a striking primary color to enhance its street appeal. Tidy up the front yard and add plants where appropriate. Put kids’ bikes and toys down the side of the house. The first impression is all-important. Some buyers will see a house and keep driving if they don’t like the look of it.
- Minimize furniture – It’s a great idea to create space and light in your home by taking out large or clunky pieces of furniture. Buyers are seeking space and light in their next home, and you need to maximize these elements to keep them interested.