Cost Effective Home Improvement Projects

4 Basic Improvements to Add Value and Increase Desirability

For those considering selling in the near future it might be worth considering a few home improvements to increase the desirability, aesthetic and ultimately value of your home. Home improvement is often expensive, however, there are cost effective options for any budget.

Start with the Front Door – The entranceway is the focal point for anyone approaching your home and, as we all know, first impressions are important. You can pick up a high end steel door ($2000 avg. – National Association of the Remodeling Industry “2015 Remodeling Impact Report”) or a fiberglass one. This will not only improve energy efficiency but also your curbside appeal. If you’re reluctant to shell out thousands for a high end door some new hardware and a paint job can go a long way. Installing a doorbell ($50 – $150) and improving outdoor lighting are both easy and cost effective improvements as well.

Basic Maintenance – Not the most glamorous category in the world of home improvement projects, however, making sure the basics are taken care of is absolutely essential. A potential buyer won’t take a second look at a bathroom remodel if you have leaky roof or old rusty iron plumbing. These sorts of updates often cost a lot less than homeowners expect them to so it’s important to check the basics before pursuing other improvement projects.

Minor Bathroom Remodel – No need to go crazy. Minor bathroom improvements offer a significant return on investment. Updating lighting fixtures, putting up a new mirror, caulking, repainting, etc. are all simple and affordable ways to boost the appeal of your bathroom. Bathroom improvements of this nature can return more than 100% on your initial investment (“Top Home Updates that Pay-Off”, HGTV.com).

Renovate the Attic – This one can be a little bit more of an undertaking, however, renovating the attic can be a great way to instantly add square footage and value. A master suite is the best option if you have the space for it. If not, an office or lounge area are both good options as well. For those looking to keep effort and expenditure to a minimum simply insulating your attic is one of the best things you can do. According to the “2016 Cost vs. Value” report by remodeling.net, for homeowners in New England, insulating your attic offers the best ROI of any project. Returns averaged 143.8%, more than 20% over the national average!