If your current home isn’t your forever home, you’ve probably already thought of several ways to increase the market value of your property before you move. However, adding value to your property through home improvements can take significant time and effort, and the choices are seemingly endless. We love helping homeowners make the most out of their homes, whether they plan on selling or staying put. To take some of the stress out of the renovation process, check out 7 of our favorite home upgrades that give you the most return on investment when you plan on moving.
Eco-friendly upgrades
Modern homeowners are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment, so there are several ways to make your current home more eco-friendly before selling. The long-term investment of solar panels will cost you more initially, but you’ll reap significant savings on your energy bills over 20 to 30 years. Homes with pre-installed solar panels also tend to sell for much more than their traditionally powered counterparts. If you don’t want this kind of commitment, opt for other energy-efficient upgrades. Double-paned windows or triple-paned windows with reflective coatings are a great place to start. You can also try energy-efficient doors or insulation for your wall cavities, attic space, and piping.
Interior remodels
Add wow factor and appeal to your home’s interior by incorporating trendy interior design features and contemporary upgrades to living spaces. At the top of the interior remodeling list you’ll find open-plan living spaces, which are more easily achieved than you think, as long as you aren’t dealing with load-bearing walls. Knocking down a few walls will instantly increase your property’s market value and improve the family-friendly flow inside your home. Other important interior features for buyers include kitchens and bathrooms with new fixtures and fittings, updated decor, and top-of-the line appliances.
Additions and spare room remodels
One of the easiest ways to add value to your property is by increasing the amount of bedrooms on your listing. Remodeling an existing space is far cheaper than building an addition for your home, so consider revamping your attic, garage, basement, and any other unused rooms in your home first. If your property’s living space is currently maxed out but you want to add more, consider adding a summer house or pool house to increase the square footage in your home. Just be aware that additions can be expensive, so thinking outside the box with your current living space should be your first course of action.
Outdoor refurbishments
For many potential buyers, a substandard backyard is a deal breaker during the selling process. To make sure your home doesn’t lose out on this crucial feature, curate your yard and maintain it to a high standard. If your thumbs aren’t particularly green, stick to basic landscaping that can be easily maintained, and contact a professional for larger jobs like tree surgery or outdoor remodeling. Give buyers an idea of the kind of life they could have with clever exterior designs such as a comfortable outdoor entertainment area or barbecue station.
Structural repairs
During the selling process, all trustworthy real estate agents will require you to undertake a home inspection for your property. If you foresee any issues with the fabric of your home, try to nip them in the bud by getting them taken care of as soon as they crop up. Before you list your home, take the time to thoroughly check your home, and contact a professional to assess and repair any damages to your property’s roofing, foundations, and flooring. By sorting out structural problems before selling, you can drastically increase your home’s market value and turn your property from a fixer upper into a show home.
Building services upgrades
While structural problems can adversely affect the value of your property, issues with outdated building services can damage your ROI just as much during the selling process. Although it’s a good idea to regularly check and service the HVAC, electricals, and plumbing in any home, older properties often have serious building services issues that need to be addressed before selling. For example, it will cost you more now to install a new, energy-efficient HVAC unit now, but it will increase the value of your property if and when you decide to move on. Similarly, new wiring and outlets for electricals will make your home safer as well as more valuable.
Curb appeal makeover
Whether we like to believe it or not, we all judge books by their covers. The same is certainly true for homes: properties with pleasant façades tend to sell for higher than their less than attractive neighbors. Give your front yard a landscaping overhaul with noise-reducing shrubs and trees. Spruce up your siding with a powerwash, repaint shutters or panels if necessary, and pay particular attention to your porch and entryway. At the very least, make sure the entrance to your home is well signposted, welcoming, and clean. Potential buyers will surely remember your home for all the right reasons.
