It’s never too late to take advantage of a growing housing market.
No matter where in the country you live, your house is probably increasing in value. House prices grew 17.1% year-over-year in December of last year, following a growth of 18% the previous quarter. This is good news for homeowners everywhere, but you can always do more.
In this post, we’re going to discuss the best ways to increase the value of your home even more. From energy savings to DIY remodel projects, keep reading and you’ll realize that increasing your home’s worth doesn’t have to be hard.
Start With Curb Appeal
If you’re looking to sell your home, one of the best things you can do is work on the overall curb appeal. Better landscape design will bring more interested buyers in and help you sell the home faster and for more money.
It doesn’t have to be difficult, either. Planting a garden, treating your lawn, and fixing cracked walkways will go a long way in boosting curb appeal.
Remodel the Kitchen
There are a couple of key areas in any house that you can improve and significantly boost its value. One of them is the kitchen. Having a functional and attractive kitchen with new countertops, really nice appliances, and good lighting is something every home buyer wants.
The only thing to consider is that doing your kitchen can cost a lot of money. If you’re planning to sell soon, then you should look at doing a smaller renovation that gives your kitchen the boost it needs.
Remodel the Bathroom
The other room(s) that can really boost a home’s value is the bathroom. If your bathrooms need updating – a new tub, sink, faucet, etc – it’s one of the first things home buyers will notice. The ROI on a bathroom remodel, along with the kitchen, is the highest for any home reno project.
Unlike the kitchen, remodeling a bathroom doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. The average cost of a bathroom remodel is about $18,000, as opposed to a kitchen, which can cost upwards of $30,000 if you give it a complete overhaul.
Invest in Energy
Other important features that can increase your home’s value have to do with green energy. For instance, installing solar panels on your home can increase the value in a big way. These may seem like an expensive investment, but the more you learn about the process, the more you realize how cost-effective they can be.
Look at other ways to give your home an eco-boost as well. Find a glass company to install more energy-efficient windows in an older home, think about insulation, and install low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets. All of these things will save you money now and boost the home’s value should you decide to sell.
Your Home Is an Investment
When you start thinking of your home as an investment, you’ll realize that putting money into these improvements is an easy decision. Now that you know how to increase your home’s value, you can start planning these home improvement projects. Some projects like installing screened porches require a certain budget and a help from professionals. You don’t have to do it all at once, but over time you can turn a perfectly valuable home into your nest egg.
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