5 Proven Ways to Improve the Value of your Home
Most home improvement projects add value to your home in one way or another. But certain projects retain their value over the life of owning your home. These improvements are a virtually proven way to add value to a home through updates.
Energy Efficiency is a Must
Decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels is a long-term goal for society. Homeowners can do their part by investing in solar panels, wind, or geothermal energy. Energy-efficient appliances can also help you save money in the long run. Potential home buyers look at all the ways a home can save energy when considering their purchase.
It’s not just appliances you can update, either. Energy efficiency windows can save up to $500 a year in heating and cooling costs. That’s a significant saving over the course of just five years. Energy-efficient insulation can easily quadruple those savings. Extra insulation in the attic can save hundreds in colder parts of the country.
A Kitchen Remodel Will Go a Long Way
Many people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, which is why kitchen remodels pay off. The key to making a kitchen remodel pay-off is not going overboard on personalization. A kitchen should never feel fancier than the rest of the house. A deluxe restaurant-style kitchen just isn’t on the radar of most buyers. Keep that in mind when it comes time to plan your kitchen upgrade. One of the biggest upgrades you can make is also the cheapest — painting. A new coat of paint can go a long way to making a room feel different.
Add a Home Lift
Multi-story homes now have the option to add a home lift to the house to increase its value. Private home lifts make it easy to access the rest of the house for those with mobility impairments. Most accidents in the house are caused on the stairs, so installing a home lift helps avoid becoming part of that statistic. With the growing trend of older adults wanting to age in place, retirement age could be a prime opportunity when to consider a lift.
Take Advantage of Versatile Rooms
Consider changing the current space in your home to accommodate new users. You can convert attic space into a bedroom. Some homeowners convert their garages to small apartments. Any room improvement project should keep a few important reminders at the forefront. First is that versatile rooms offer greater appeal to buyers. Rooms that allow a buyer to paint with their imagination sell houses. Basements with finished space that can be turned into anything is a blank slate. Many people use spaces like these for aging relatives or even a tenant.
Don’t Forget About the Basic Updates
Beyond updating your kitchen and bathroom, there are some essential updates you can do to increase curb appeal. Keep the exterior coat of paint fresh and make sure the roof is in great shape. Replace any rotting wooden pieces and make sure there are no mold issues in the basement. Staying on top of the maintenance of your home is a great way to improve its value down the line. Keeping a home in tip-top shape isn’t easy, but it’s the best way to ensure top sell value.