Which Renovations Add Value to a Home

If you’re considering selling your home, but have a bit of time before you are ready to do so, you might want to plan a few renovation projects that will enhance the appeal of your home for future buyers. While you shouldn’t make decisions based solely on what you think a future home buyer would want, it’s important to note which renovations add value to a home. That way you can choose a few that serve dual purpose; making the home a better fit for you now, and finding ways to increase the value of your home when you are ready to sell.

1. Paint Your Front Door

This is perhaps the easiest and least expensive upgrade and it’s one of my personal favorite recommendations. A first impression is important and your front door is literally the first impression. Choose a color that is classically trendy, meaning a trending color that isn’t TOO trendy. Turquoise is not classically trendy, but black or navy blue are. Along with new paint consider upgrading hardware and replacing the metal kick plate as well. Check out this gallery of Good Housekeeping’s front door color suggestions if you feel stuck.

Bonus Tip: Add a new front door rug as well!

2. Improve Your Landscaping

HomeLight’s recent Top Agent Insights report revealed that 94% of agents agree buyers are willing to pay more for houses with great curb appeal. This falls under great first impressions as well and a well kept yard sends the message that the rest of the house is well kept too. A yard that clearly needs work has likely already counted against your home before the buyers een step foot in the property. Hose off the sidewalks and porches, trim up the trees and bushes, add new soil aide and plant some pretty flowers. If you have trees or large bushes that are obstructing sidewalks or just seem overgrown, take them out.

3. Make Minor Updates to the Bathrooms

For an easy update replace dated vanity lights or sink and tub fixtures with more modern options. Head to your local hardware store and pick out new knobs for drawers and cabinets as well. These are super easy and inexpensive ways to update your bathroom without ever pulling out a paintbrush or replacing a tile.

Of course if time and budget allow, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, or a trendy update to the cabinet color goes a long way as well.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

It’s the little things that make a buyer feel at home and knowing they’ve got a modern, programmable thermostat is one of those things no one expects, but everyone appreciates. Like energy efficient appliances, this is something that will continue to gain importance into the future. A programmable thermostat runs $150 to $400 or more, plus installation, but it will save you money while you live there and it will be a bonus selling feature.

5. Create an Open Floor Plan

If you’ve ever watched Fixer Upper with Joanna Gaines, you know one of her key renovation strategies is to take out a wall. The same strategy will work for you too. If your home was built before open floor plans were the standard, then hire a contractor to help you decide which walls can be removed to make the flow of your home more modern. This is definitely not a DIY project for the average homeowner, but it can make a big impact and allow the buyers to envision themselves and their furnishings in the space better.

6. Renovate the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and for most homebuyers it’s one of the most important area of the home. A kitchen remodel is one of those renovations that can vary widely in cost. If you are making changes just to upgrade with the intention of selling, then plan your renovation list carefully and keep your budget within reason. There is definitely room to go overboard on a kitchen remodel, which is fine if you are designing the space for yourself, but won’t necessarily be a good investment if the plan is to move shortly after.

Changing out light fixtures and replacing or painting cabinet doors (while leaving the cabinet boxes in place) makes for an easy upgrade with minimal investment if your kitchen just needs a bit of freshening up. Or opt to replace appliances with newer, high efficiency models, and replace backsplashes and counters if you need a more dramatic upgrade. An outdated or poorly functioning kitchen can be a eal break for a lot of home buyers, so take an honest look at what is working and what isn’t in your kitchen. The good news is that if you plan far enough in advance, you can enjoy the new space for a bit as well.

Now that we’ve covered which renovations add value to a home, pick a few to tackle now before you are 100% ready to sell. It’s no fun to spruce up your home just in time for the new owner to enjoy it. Make a plan as early as you can so that you can enjoy it for a bit before moving on to a new home.

The end goal is to have a buyer walk in to your home and think “This home is perfect and there is no work to do to make it move in ready. It must be worth top dollar”.