There are few things more empowering than putting your own personal touch on your home, whether it’s updating the wall color or renovating an entire bathroom. Not to mention, the changes you make to your home have the potential to increase its value significantly.
But which projects give you the most bang for your buck? We’re sharing a handful of simple projects that can significantly increase the value of your home, from switching out hardware to refinishing your floors. Some require a little more time and energy — and sometimes more money — to complete, but the pay-off will be proportional to the effort you put in!
Whether or not you’re planning on selling your home any time soon, build some sweat equity by tackling one or two of these manageable projects.
Make Minor Updates to the Kitchen
When potential buyers view a home, one of the first things they look at is the kitchen. This central and important room can tell a lot about the home, as it can either appear run-down or outdated, or elevate the entire space with a modern, upscale feel. That’s why it’s one of the first spaces to consider when making updates to your home — but you don’t have to do a major renovation! A few simple updates to your kitchen will make a huge difference. Consider painting the cabinets, installing new faucets or light fixtures, updating the backsplash, or replacing the hardware on the cabinets and drawers. These small cosmetic changes can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen — and pay off in the long run! In fact, according to the Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel has the potential to recoup about 71 percent of your investment.
Upgrade the Appliances
Similarly, buyers pay attention to appliances. A new refrigerator, dishwasher, oven or microwave can make your kitchen look brand new! So if you’ve noticed your appliances could use an upgrade, future buyers might think so too. Not to mention, you get to take advantage of the new appliances while you live in the house! You don’t have to replace everything with the latest and greatest — even swapping out the fridge with a new one will make a big difference.
Pro Tip: Wait to take advantage of holiday sales, like Memorial Day, Labor Day or the Fourth of July, when appliances are majorly discounted.
Make Changes to the Bathroom(s)
Because it is a small, contained space, a bathroom can easily be updated with a few swaps and a weekend or two of hard work. You don’t even have to rip anything major out to see a huge difference in your bathroom! Simply give it a fresh coat of paint, install new light fixtures, replace the mirror, update the towel holders, replace the faucet and knobs, or paint the floor tile. And if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious (and if you have the budget), you can swap out the vanity, redo the tiling, or replace an outdated toilet or bathtub.
Finish the Attic or Basement
The pandemic shifted a lot of things — including the way in which we view “home.” More than ever before, our homes became our place of safety and refuge, not to mention our place of work, our home gym, our entertainment center, and our art studio. And some of those things are here to stay, especially with the massive uptick in remote work! Many have longed for more square footage in order to have space for their hobbies or work — or simply a place to relax or host guests. If you have an unfinished attic or basement, you might consider finishing these spaces to add extra square footage to your home. The possibilities are endless with all this extra room — and the added value is significant.
Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything! Make sure your house is putting its best foot forward, for both guests and passersby, by making a few changes to the front of your home. Boost curb appeal by swapping out house numbers, updating your mailbox, adding uplighting, painting your front door, or installing a flower box. And all year long, make sure you are keeping the bushes trimmed, mowing the grass, power-washing surfaces, and tending to the flowers. It’s much easier to keep your exterior looking good if you stay proactive with regular maintenance!
Refinish Your Hardwood Floors
Replacing hardwood floors is a massive undertaking. But if your floors are looking a little worn down or weathered, you can simply refinish them to make them look brand new again! Plus, if you choose a different stain than you currently have, they will actually look completely different. Hardwood floors are a prized feature, so you’ll want to keep them looking as fresh and clean as you can!
Give the Interior a Fresh Coat of Paint
It’s mind-blowing what a fresh coat of paint can do. Whether or not you’re selling your home, you can transform the entire interior of your home by painting it a different color. Consider a neutral hue to appeal to the widest range of people — or opt for more bold colors in a few smaller spaces, like a half bath or a bedroom. Use this opportunity to patch up any nail holes or other imperfections with some spackling!
Update Fixtures
Elevate your home by upgrading a few fixtures, like door handles, drawer pulls, or even faucets and light switch covers. And if you’re on a tight budget, you could simply spruce them up with a coat of spray paint! There are a variety of different spray paint finishes, from matte to “hammered” that will completely transform the texture of your fixtures — and make them look brand new.
Install Crown Molding
Crown molding has the ability to make a space look refined, elegant and more…finished. If you don’t have it already, consider adding crown molding to your interior to create a more high-end feel in your home. Depending on the style of your home, there are several different types to choose from, including an ornate look for a more traditional home or a sleek, clean-cut crown molding perfect for modern homes.
Upgrade Lighting
Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting! Increase your home’s value by swapping out some outdated light fixtures, especially the prominent ones in your kitchen, dining room or entryway. You might also consider adding some lighting under your cabinets to create a warm glow and elevate the look of your kitchen. And believe it or not, it’s relatively easy to install dimmer switches throughout your home — just start with your most-used rooms and go from there!
Good Luck!
If you’re ready to list your newly updated home in Northern Colorado, contact us to be connected to one of our agents.
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