With warmer temperatures in the air, spring is the perfect time to get ahead on home improvement projects – especially if you want to add value to your property. Below, we’ve detailed a few ways to give your home a fresh update and boost its value inside and out.
Before starting any home improvement project, you should begin by creating an organized plan and budget. Depending on what you’re trying to accomplish this spring, it’s important to consider the finances needed to complete projects of varying sizes and difficulty. Using built-up savings or a credit card are great ways to gather the necessary capital to complete basic to moderate projects. For larger projects, you can budget wisely while reinvesting in your home by using a home equity loan. Not only will you receive your money in a lump sum, but you can also spend it on whatever you want. The best part? When the funds go toward home improvements, interest rates can be deducted from the loan.
Refine Your Curb Appeal
Your curb appeal is one of the most important factors in adding value to your home. By making a great first impression, your home’s appearance can be improved in a variety of ways. Here are some ways to breathe life back into your home’s curb appeal:
Revive Your Landscaping
To create a welcoming environment, add colorful flowers, replace your mulch, trim bushes, and plant grass. If you have some wiggle room in your budget, consider repaving your driveway.
Rejuvenate Your Siding
If the exterior of your home has seen better days, consider a good spring cleaning. Power-wash your siding and retouch aged areas to polish the appearance of your home. As an extra finishing touch, you can repaint or replace your shutters and window frames.
Refresh Your Yard with a Deck or Patio
Your curb appeal doesn’t stop at the front of your house. Adding a deck or patio gives potential buyers an area to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It also increases the square footage of your outdoor living space — and your home’s value. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, a new patio can return as much as 95% of purchase costs and a new deck can recover as much as 89%.
Replace Your Doors
For a more inexpensive option, consider replacing or updating your front door. According to the 2022 National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, replacing your front door with a new, steel door can recover around 63% of purchase cost upon resale and a new fiberglass door can bring back around 60%.
Don’t forget your garage door (if you have one), too. Giving your garage door some attention will not only add value to the look of your home – it can also add a level of security. The same report found that replacing your garage door can provide up to 100% of the purchase price upon resale.
For more ideas, check out our blog on outdoor projects that add value to your home
Remodel Specific Rooms
We get it: remodeling every room in your home may be a little much. Don’t worry – there are a few rooms that will boost your home’s value with a little TLC.
Renovate To Increase Square Footage
By remodeling your attic or basement, square footage increases. This allows you to list more rooms when selling your home without paying for an addition. Remember to keep potential buyers in mind when making these updates. Renovations that are too custom, like installing a home gym in your basement, may turn buyers off. It’s best to finish the room as a neutral living space, such as an extra TV room or bedroom.
Revamp Your Bathroom
Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to brighten up your space and bring the feeling of spring into your home. Be careful: it’s best to stick to simple updates like a fresh coat of paint or new hardware and decor. While new tiling in your favorite color scheme may sound like a great idea, the job (and money) may be wasted on a buyer with a different taste.
Redesign Your Kitchen
Your kitchen is a highly value-driven room in your home. Luckily, you don’t need to break the bank to give your cooking and dining areas an update. Give your walls or cabinets a fresh coat of paint and add new fixtures (such as a faucet). If you want to bring your kitchen to the next level, add a backsplash for a bit of color and personality.
Recharge Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the most valuable additions to your home. Not to mention, it’s also good for the environment. The more energy you use, the more money you spend. To add energy-efficient value to your home, try the following:
Replace Your Appliances
If you can’t pull off a full kitchen renovation, consider replacing your appliances. Not only do new appliances inherently add to your home’s value, they are also a great opportunity to incorporate green energy.
Replace Your Windows
Potential buyers are already considering the condition of the windows on your home. To save on long-term heating and cooling costs, consider installing ENERGY STAR windows. While they may not boost your asking price, homeowners with ENERGY STAR windows may qualify for a tax credit.
Repair Drafty Areas
If you are on a budget, you can still add energy-efficient value to your home. Seal off drafts around windowpanes, heating vents, doorways, doorknobs, and light switches. For a bigger project, add or replace insulation in your attic, basement, and other drafty areas.
Ramp Up Your Home’s Value This Spring
Whether you are looking to sell or want to give your home a little extra attention, adding value isn’t out of reach. From small adjustments, like planting flowers, to full basement remodels your value-adding options are endless.
For more information about KC’s Improvement & Construction, explore our FAQs or reach out.
