Home Updates That Are Resale-Friendly
SUBMITTED BY Highline Residential on June 6, 2019
If you are thinking about making some changes around the house, consider renovations that will help increase the resale value of your home. Even if you're not looking to sell right away, certain home improvements can still be worth the effort. Small changes over time are more manageable than doing a complete overhaul right before you put it on the market. Here are a few things you can do to boost the value of your home as well as your enjoyment of it.
1. Replace your carpet with wood floors. According to Realtor.com, "The top request of home buyers and renters when looking for a home is hardwood floors." They are easier to keep clean when kids and pets are in the mix, and make a house feel cozier due to their warm color.
2. Make upgrades in the kitchen. Popular kitchen updates include adding a tile backsplash, farmhouse sink, pendant lighting, and other high-end finishes, such as new cabinet handles. Elevating your countertops by replacing them with either stone or granite is far and away the most effective way to upgrade your kitchen, and because this project typically runs between $1,651- $4,086 in New York City, it can be a surprisingly affordable way to increase your ROI.
3. Repaint. A fresh coat of paint can often give the illusion of a cleaner, more spacious and all around newer home, and sets the stage for decor. Opt for neutral colors that are soft or muted, and stay away from darker bold colors. Consider sticking to basics and white trim. You can even bring new life to cabinets or the exterior of the home as well.
4. Add charm It's the little details that make a house feel like home. Add a little character by getting a unique house number, mailbox, garage or front door that catches the eye. Custom-made blinds or shutters, crown molding, detailed door knobs, and wood beams go a long way to make the interior stand out against the competition.
5. Spruce up your outdoor space. Whether its a garage, shed, patio, or covered porch, extra room outside is always a good selling point. Consider fencing in your yard for pets, and be sure to keep up with landscaping as well. Plant flowers with a pop of color, install window boxes, get some outdoor lighting, and keep a well-manicured lawn.
6. Maximize space. Make the most of every room by adding built-in storage and utilizing hooks or shelves within closets. Additionally, two sinks in a bathroom instead of just one goes a long way in turning even the smallest of bathrooms into a more usable space.
7. Don't forget about the essentials. A newer water heater, air conditioner, furnace, roof, and energy-efficient appliances are always a plus, as they are expensive to replace and thus add immense value to a home.
When doing home renovations, you can either hire a professional or tackle it yourself. If you decide to take on a DIY project, you'll need to come prepared and do plenty of research so you know exactly what you want and how to go about it. For instance, when installing tile, buy an old table at a thrift store, lay down some guides rods (wooden dowels do the trick) and practice laying it before installing it. When painting rooms, start with the smallest area first to see how the paint color looks and to gain some hands-on training before moving on to the kitchen or living room.
Doing the upgrades yourself means you can save money and make changes that you can afford. Just remember to get extra material and leave some room in your budget in case you need it. The key to any resale renovation is for the end result to appeal to a broad range of people, styles and tastes while still making yourself happy.
1. Replace your carpet with wood floors. According to Realtor.com, "The top request of home buyers and renters when looking for a home is hardwood floors." They are easier to keep clean when kids and pets are in the mix, and make a house feel cozier due to their warm color.
2. Make upgrades in the kitchen. Popular kitchen updates include adding a tile backsplash, farmhouse sink, pendant lighting, and other high-end finishes, such as new cabinet handles. Elevating your countertops by replacing them with either stone or granite is far and away the most effective way to upgrade your kitchen, and because this project typically runs between $1,651- $4,086 in New York City, it can be a surprisingly affordable way to increase your ROI.
3. Repaint. A fresh coat of paint can often give the illusion of a cleaner, more spacious and all around newer home, and sets the stage for decor. Opt for neutral colors that are soft or muted, and stay away from darker bold colors. Consider sticking to basics and white trim. You can even bring new life to cabinets or the exterior of the home as well.
4. Add charm It's the little details that make a house feel like home. Add a little character by getting a unique house number, mailbox, garage or front door that catches the eye. Custom-made blinds or shutters, crown molding, detailed door knobs, and wood beams go a long way to make the interior stand out against the competition.
5. Spruce up your outdoor space. Whether its a garage, shed, patio, or covered porch, extra room outside is always a good selling point. Consider fencing in your yard for pets, and be sure to keep up with landscaping as well. Plant flowers with a pop of color, install window boxes, get some outdoor lighting, and keep a well-manicured lawn.
6. Maximize space. Make the most of every room by adding built-in storage and utilizing hooks or shelves within closets. Additionally, two sinks in a bathroom instead of just one goes a long way in turning even the smallest of bathrooms into a more usable space.
7. Don't forget about the essentials. A newer water heater, air conditioner, furnace, roof, and energy-efficient appliances are always a plus, as they are expensive to replace and thus add immense value to a home.
When doing home renovations, you can either hire a professional or tackle it yourself. If you decide to take on a DIY project, you'll need to come prepared and do plenty of research so you know exactly what you want and how to go about it. For instance, when installing tile, buy an old table at a thrift store, lay down some guides rods (wooden dowels do the trick) and practice laying it before installing it. When painting rooms, start with the smallest area first to see how the paint color looks and to gain some hands-on training before moving on to the kitchen or living room.
Doing the upgrades yourself means you can save money and make changes that you can afford. Just remember to get extra material and leave some room in your budget in case you need it. The key to any resale renovation is for the end result to appeal to a broad range of people, styles and tastes while still making yourself happy.