When thinking about home renovation projects, do you often ask yourself how you can choose improvement jobs that will enhance the value of my property? If so, you’re like many other homeowners who are happy to spend money, time, and effort on a makeover but don’t want to end up in a financial hole after completion. That’s why it’s critical to choose carefully among the dozens of things that can make a house look better.
Fortunately, history can serve as a guide. Traditionally, five projects have proven to be among the best value boosters for owners. Of course, every situation is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. If you aim to add monetary value to your home, consider redoing the kitchen cabinets, performing a curb appeal facelift, replacing an old garage door, adding or renovating a deck, or working on the roof. Step one is arranging to cover the associated expenses, which is a logical place to begin on any renovation job.
Arrange for Financing
Even small improvement jobs can get costly once you get past the initial planning stage. Inflation has hit the home renovation market recently, which means you’ll be spending more on just about everything. The smart way to cover all the expenses in advance is to work with a private lender to take out a personal loan. Not only will you get the chance for more competitive rates and better terms, but private lenders typically have higher borrowing limits. That one fact can make a big difference for people who want to do several projects at once or in succession.
Cabinets
Real estate agents often note that homebuyers spend the most time in kitchens and usually pay special attention to cabinetry. Replacing your worn-out cabinets is a DIY job, but the cost of new materials can be high. However, this relatively straightforward, short-term chore can instantly up your home’s value and help it sell faster once it’s on the market.
Curb Appeal Face Lift
If you want to boost the curb appeal factor, paint your home’s exterior, spruce up the landscaping, repair cracked walkways and driveways, and repair gutters. If you are thinking of selling your house, or if you’ve ever shopped for houses, you already understand the inherent value of a first impression. Improving curb appeal is an efficient way to increase resale value and reduce time on the market.
Garage Door
A garage door replacement might be out of your DIY skill zone, but it’s still a great way to add to your home’s overall visual and functional appeal. Be sure to choose carefully and speak with a local pro to learn about costs, the kinds of doors suitable for your current frame, and how to connect automatic openers.
Decks and Roofs
Deck projects are often DIY-friendly and can instantly add attractiveness to any house. If adding a brand-new deck is out of your skill range, hire a reputable local contractor to do the work. Roofs are a special case because they can increase resale values by a significant amount. At a minimum, have your roof inspected. Pay for repairs if needed, or get the entire roof replaced if needed.
