If you’re thinking of renovating your home, you might be wondering what upgrades and renovations are really worth it. Some just don’t add anything to the resale value of your home. Real estate experts across the country are in agreement on some points though.
Here are five renovations that they agree will rocket your home value.
Kitchen
Source: magnoliahomes.net
The kitchen is the nerve center of the home. Contemporary appliances and stone or granite countertops are relatively easy changes. The same goes for a new faucet and knobs for the sink and new hardware for cabinets. They make the kitchen brighter and more pleasant.
Bathrooms
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New toilets and vanities aren’t particularly expensive or difficult to install. New faucets and knobs are also inexpensive and easy. Bathtub replacement can cost thousands. Think about re-glazing your tub. At a fraction of the cost, you get a shiny surface, with a deep gloss that looks and feels like porcelain.
Paint
Source: apartmenttherapy.com
Painting the interior or exterior of your home enhances value, particularly if you do it immediately before placing it on the market. A few companies like San Francisco’s Armstrong Installation Service certify each step of the painting process so the added value of the home is prolonged significantly. According to Consumer Reports, even just painting a few rooms can raise your home’s value $1,000 to $3,000.
Deck
Source: lizmarieblog.com
For $1,500 and up, you can add a deck to your home. As opposed to curb appeal, making your back yard more appealing enhances value by giving your home outdoor living appeal with a nearly seamless transition from inside to outside. The sky is the limit on decks, depending on size, seating, stairways, planters and the like.
Landscaping
Source: surroundslandscaping.com
The first thing people see when they pull up to your house is your yard and the front of your home. Properties with attractive trees and hedges are more valuable than those on a bare lot. Don’t be afraid of trees taking two generations to grow. A Colorado blue spruce will grow a foot or two a year. Flowers add value too. You don’t need to buy and replant flowers every year either. Just go with perennials.
Keep in mind that the real estate market is ever changing and growing. Any improvements on your home that you make now will enhance its value both now and later. The extent of improvements and how much you spend is up to your budget!
This guest post is written by Anica Oaks. A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related.
