How to improve the value of your Home

Home Improvements that Boost the Value of your Home

 

Most homeowners expect 100% return on every dollar they spend on home improvements. Perhaps, this is the overall expectation but the truth is the yield varies from region-to-region. Having said that, it is quite an important first step – before any improvements on the home take place – that homeowners consult with their real estate professional to help them figure out how much value will the improvements add to the overall net worth of their homes once it is placed in the market. While most home improvements will add value, each market is unique and may vary.

 

Kitchen Renovations

Many potential buyers visit the kitchen first of a home they are looking to buy. This is because most families spend time at home in the kitchen cooking, entertaining or interacting with other family members. So what type of renovations should the old kitchen undergo? Fresh coat of paint on walls and cabinets are minimum requirements that surely will add value. Other improvements – depending on the budget and expected return include replacing old kitchen cabinets with solid wood. Another is installing new floors. These are simple yet effective enhancements that help boost the overall value of the home.

 

Bathroom Renovations

 Whether you are going for the complete renovation of the bathroom or not, it is important that at the very least, it should look immaculate and fresh during the showing. Pay close attention to mold and mildew build up or any dirt buildup especially on shower doors. If it is necessary to replace the tile and hardware, and accessories, by all means, do so. Whatever improvements you bring to the bathroom will surely yield 75 to 80 percent of the cost coming back to you.

If you are going to remodel the entire bathroom, it is important to consult with a contractor before the any work begins to have a detailed plan and determine the extent of the project. Contractors can also advise you about code compliance laws and types of permits necessary.

Types of work that require permits include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and new structure building. In addition to a contractor, you might also need to hire a licensed or accredited designer depending on the extent of the project.

Working closely with professionals can cut down on the guesswork and ultimately will help you save money and add value to your home.

 

Wall Paneling

 Wall paneling is another improvement that adds freshness to the overall look and feel of the home and inevitably raises its value. There are two ways of going about wall paneling: You can do it yourself or hire a professional person to do it for you. If you are on a budget, doing it yourself is the way to go.

Here are some paneling tips that will help you do the project correctly:

1.)  Allow the panels to adjust 2 to 3 days before the installation. Panels are usually made of wood and have a tendency to either expand or shrink depending on the weather.

2.)  Install the first panel straight and the rest will just follow. To do this, first align the panel on a corner and with a small nail center it at the top. Using a level will help you achieve this goal. If the panels do not fit correctly against the adjoining wall, use a compass to scribe the panel edge next to the wall. Copy the slant of the wall onto the panel; remove the panel and trim to fit.

3.)  Pay attention to the color of the wall that you installing the panel because it is inevitable that some panels will have visible space between them. This means that the spaces in between will reveal the color of the wall behind it. When this happens, a can of spray paint that is the same color of the panel will hide the strip of wall showing between the panels.

4.)  Mount panels that are slightly warped and ¼ inch or less thick by using a panel adhesive and paneling nails. Return badly warped panels.

5.)  Cover with wallboard mounting walls with studs or thrusts before mounting the panels. This is to protect the wall from fire and required by code standards. This will also prohibit walls from becoming stiff and protect them from bowing or warping.

6.)  Hide nails by hammering them on a natural blemish or darker line of the grain pattern.

 

Energy Efficient Improvements

Another way to add appeal, attract buyers, and boost the value of your home is to remodel materials that are energy efficient. There is a replete of green products available in the market. This could be anything from insulating doors and windows to a roof with a radiant barrier, high-performance insulation, and potentially alternative energy systems. Installing solar panels or small residential wind turbines are just among the leading products that most homebuyers are looking for before buying a home.

Another way to bring attraction and value to your home is to embellish with accessories. There are many, many accessories available. Water features or water fountains are very popular that can dramatically change the ambience of your home or garden.

Types of Home Improvements that Bring Minimal or Zero Value to the Home

Not all improvements to your home will help its market value. For instance, materials that do not match with the overall theme of the home decrease its appeal and ultimately its value. Try to select materials for counter tops, cabinets, and fixtures that help enhance the overall quality of the home.

As much as possible maintain the original lay out of the house instead of adding rooms that will only diminish the general flow of the original plan.

Contrary to popular notion, swimming pools are not an attraction to many homebuyers because it is quite expensive to maintain as well as in many places, its used a few months during the year. Granted that pools could be an attraction in Arizona or a selling point in states like Florida but most probably will not be in places like South Dakota.

It is also important to get a good understanding of what works in your area as far as home improvements that bring appeal and value to your home. Finally, plan your remodeling and improvements months in advance. To help you avoid costly mistakes, it is wise to bring in the help of a contractor.