7 Top Value Increasing Renovation Projects for Your Home
Posted: February 24, 2022 by Bryan Selser
Renovating usually has the main goal of adding value or utility to a property, but many are confused about how they can add these to their current property. It can be hard to tell what actually offers an increase in property value, and what just feels like it would. These renovation projects are tried and true and offer the largest bang for your buck compared to more wasteful ones.
1. Creating Well-Draining and Attractive Landscaping
The exterior of your property is the first impression buyers have when they visit it: so you must ensure it's land they'll want to visit. This offers the largest return on investment because most of the work on your yard has to be physical labor, allowing you to avoid putting money into it. For this, look into driveway drainage ideas to prevent a flooded lawn, add beautiful plant life, and ensure your property is well taken care of. This means cutting and edging grass so that it doesn't overgrow the driveway or sidewalks and weeding so that it looks fresh and clean.
2. Updating Your Older Siding to Something Better
Siding is one of the areas that will age a house regardless of how much work you put into the property. So consider looking into vinyl siding alternatives and seeking out something that will last longer, look better, and handle any storms or weather that could come your way.
Some of the best siding for this is steel siding, which can be painted to match any aesthetic, but also lasts fifty years and looks amazing while it does it. In addition, updating the siding will increase buyer interest, and the property's value since buyers don't want to have to invest in new siding immediately after buying a property.
3. Boosting Bathrooms to Another Level
Bathrooms have been overlooked time and time again: but these are some of the best places to invest to get a return on your property. Although you should follow the rule of avoiding investing more than 10% of the value of your home in any one room, your bathroom is an area where you should put some money in. This can be done by increasing comfort and adding things like heated floors, a rain shower that allows the water to pour from above, and a large tub with modern tiles that look fantastic in any bathroom.
4. Don't Fear Updating Your Basement.
Many fear updating their basements because of the amount of work it calls for. Still, basements offer multiple extra bedrooms, entertainment spaces, and even areas for home offices that you may not have had otherwise. Since property costs are so high, buyers are looking to get the most out of every inch of a property. So consider where the plumbing is in a property when you add bathrooms, kitchenettes, or even bars into your basement, and create a layout that makes sense.
5. Replacing or Updating Your Garage Door
Garage doors offer the largest return on investment of any home update, at an almost one-for-one scale. Because of this, updating or replacing your garage door should be a major consideration, especially if it's older. You don't have to replace the entire thing; many are investing in garage door window inserts that add a fresh face to their garage door without making them replace the whole thing. This is still a great investment, but less work and money upfront.
6. Adding Windows and Updating Your Current Windows
Windows are vital because although we don't notice them if they're clean and new: buyers will see old and gross windows that leak air. To avoid losing buyers to this, you can add more windows and consider options like single vs. double-hung windows when replacing your current windows.
Try to bring in as much natural light as possible, and pay attention to the placement of windows. Areas like kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms can benefit the most from additional windows. However, be aware that if your property only has one room that functions as a TV room that there has to be a good area to place the television without risking glare.
7. Creating Entertainment Spaces Outside
More people are spending more time outside, which means that they're seeking out properties that can accommodate this lifestyle change. To make your home more interesting for those interested in this, consider adding a deck, patio, or garden area where there's clear space to sit and enjoy being outside. This may inspire more buyers to picture their life in this home, leading to an offer.
Renovation Has One Main Goal
Whether this is your first renovation or you're looking to make sure you're making the right choice on previous renovations, these are the best ways to add value without having to invest too much of your own money and time. The market is currently wildly hungry for homes for sale; with smart choices, you can increase your property's value even further.
Andrea Erickson is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. She is a blogger and content writer for the real estate industry. Andrea is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.