Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or are just interested in sprucing things up, there are several ways to add value to your space — no matter your budget or the time you have to invest.
Take a look at some key home improvement tips below!
When in doubt, put the kitchen first
Home experts agree: money spent remodeling or updating a kitchen is rarely wasted. According to Consumer Reports, a “modern / updated kitchen” topped millennials’ list of ideal home features.
If your budget allows, replacing appliances (homebuyers gravitate toward stainless steel), countertops, and flooring can bring value to your home. Even small tweaks, like adding a new backsplash or light fixtures, can update a kitchen.
Pay attention to your curb appeal
Whether you plan on selling your home next month or in the distant future, there are steps you can take today to improve your landscaping. Curb appeal matters — even if you aren’t putting your house on the market, coming home to a fresh green space can be a welcome reprieve from outside stress!
Rejuvenate a tired looking yard by planting a shade tree (which can also cut down on cooling costs), or spruce up your gardens by planting cheerful flowers (bonus points for low-maintenance plants).
For those with a bigger home renovation budget, hire a lawn service or landscaper to really transform an unruly yard.
Create more space — or at least the illusion
Did you know that you can quite easily make your home feel bigger than it actually is? Adding visual space to your home can make it more appealing to prospective home buyers, thereby increasing its value — and giving your family more breathing room in the meantime.
Tweaks like replacing heavy curtains with shutters, painting a dark room a lighter shade, or adding mirrors can make a small space feel larger.
And if you do have a more substantial home improvement budget, creating actual additional space can make your property’s value skyrocket. Finishing a basement or an attic adds an attractive usable room to a home.
A little paint can go a long way
Looking for a cost-effective, easy way to refresh your home and make it more appealing to future buyers? Look no further than a few coats of paint. Painting a home’s interior is as transformative as it is simple, as anybody who has brightened a dreary interior with clean white or gray can attest.
If you’re choosing paint for a home that will soon be on the market, we recommend selecting a neutral crowd-pleaser as opposed to a loud, specific color that may not find many fans.
Go green with energy savings
In today’s market, many homebuyers gravitate toward energy efficient homes. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, “energy efficient” was second only to “safe community” on a list of factors that would influence a home purchase decision.
Oftentimes, energy companies will perform a free audit of their customer’s homes, recommending ways to make the home more energy efficient. Taking them up on this offer and implementing a few of their suggestions will not only save you money on energy costs now, but can also increase the value of your home and entice more buyers.
Quick energy saving tips:
- Install a fan. More than a decorative piece, fans can reduce the need for air conditioning in warmer months.
- Replace your old water heater with a modern, tankless version.
- Swap out old light bulbs for LED lighting, if you haven’t already.
- Have budget to spare? Replace dated windows with high efficiency options or consider looking into solar power.
Call in the pros for sound advice
Home inspector
A home inspector can point out and recommend solutions for non-cosmetic issues that may hurt your home’s value, such as water leaks, loose roof shingles, or deteriorating crawl space insulation.
Addressing these issues makes your home safer for current and future occupants, saving you time and money in the long run.
Interior designer
A little professional design help can go a long way! Invite an interior designer to your home (most designers will charge an hourly rate less than $100) and get tips for needed improvements ranging from painting a room to replacing carpet or updating light fixtures.
Make sure your home is fully protected
One of the best ways to retain your home’s value is to make sure your insurance coverage will take care of it if something goes wrong. That way you aren’t left on the financial hook to repair all the hard work you just put in!
At Lindow Insurance, we’re here for you every step of the way. We’ll answer questions about what your homeowners insurance covers, help you evaluate the risks you need to be prepared for, and independently shop around to find the perfect policy for your unique situation.
Take a look at what it’s like to work with us — and reach out today to get started!
