3 Home Improvements That Add Value
Buying a home is one of the largest investments you will make in your life. Of course, like any other large purchase, you should protect your investment. Routine maintenance is imperative – clean your gutters, have your HVAC serviced annually, and protect against bugs and other pests with professional services. Better Homes & Gardens has a complete home maintenance checklist for all seasons, it’s worth the read! This is the foundation of homeownership.
Real estate, unlike vehicles, will increase in value over time. But, you can help increase the value of your home even faster with some of these affordable home improvements. Below, we have listed three home improvement projects that can increase the value of your home, as well as make it more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for you and your guests.
Remodeling the Kitchen
You will get the biggest return on your investment with a kitchen remodel. A few simple changes can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen making it more attractive.
Update cabinetry
You don’t necessarily need to replace your cabinets – if your existing cabinets are in good shape, giving them a facelift will have a huge impact. Choose a paint color that coordinates with the rest of your home and is a relatively neutral color. Update your hardware for a fresh new look. You can replace your drawer and cabinet pulls or simply repaint them.
Countertops
Granite is the most popular countertop material and potentially one of the more affordable natural stones available for this type of project. Depending on the amount of counter space you have, this could be the most expensive upgrade in your kitchen. However, you will see a return on your investment when you go to sell your home! Who doesn’t love a nice shiny countertop?
Backsplash
While a kitchen backsplash may not add significant monetary value to your home, it will add to the overall finished look of your kitchen. When choosing the type of tile or stone, consider a more timeless look, rather than what might be trendy. Of course, if you do not plan on selling your home for a while then choose something you love…you can always change it before you list. So, love it while you live there!
Remodeling Bathrooms
Another big selling point in homes are the bathrooms. Let’s be real, a pink tile shower wall from the 70’s doesn’t exactly scream “Home Sweet Home.” There are a few simple things you can do to make your bathrooms more custom and current.
Update Cabinetry
As we mentioned earlier regarding kitchen cabinets, you don’t have to replace your cabinets – painting or refinishing them along with some fresh new hardware can breathe new life into this space. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, choose a light and airy color that makes your space feel more open.
Fixtures & Lighting
Builder-grade faucets and lighting aren’t bad…but, they’re not the best. While these upgrades can be a little pricey depending on your design style, they really pack a punch when it comes to showcasing your bathroom. Light fixtures can be the focal point of your room and you can do it yourself! Be on the lookout for online sales on lighting and faucets and check the clearance items at your local home improvement store. Plus, you can learn how to safely change light fixtures by watching DIY videos on YouTube.*
*CAMPUS always recommends having a professional install anything that involves electricity or plumbing, of course.
Mirror
Oh yes, the “builder mirror”. The wall-to-wall, frameless, glued to the wall, lacking any style mirror we all know and have no idea what to do with. At the end of the day, your bathroom mirrors will not make or break the sale of your home in the future. However, a more custom look shows a potential buyer that the home has really been cared for and you have paid attention to those details that make a house a home. You can opt to replace the mirror entirely, or add a beautiful frame to the existing mirror for a custom and cozy feel.
Curb Appeal
Certainly, you have heard the phrase “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Unfortunately, that’s a mantra that just doesn’t work for houses. The exterior of your home is everyone’s first impression of how well you maintain the inside of your home.
Pressure Washing the Exterior
Your house, sidewalks, and driveway should be pressure washed annually at the very least. Regular maintenance will keep the paint and other façade in good shape, making them last even longer in between fresh coats. Your driveway and sidewalks may be dirtier than you realize! Take a look at older pictures of your home to see if you notice a difference – you may be surprised.
Landscaping
Investing in beautiful landscaping will showcase your home for any potential buyer. Some inexpensive details to consider when upgrading your landscaping:
- Edging – a commonly overlooked detail that instantly makes your lawn more manicured and professional-looking.
- Mulching – fresh mulch is an inexpensive way to really showcase the contrast between your flower beds and the rest of your lawn. Added bonus, cedar and cypress mulch can deter bugs such as termites, roaches, beetles and certain ants. Shoo bugs!
- Design – create a plan for a balanced variety of plants. Seek out the advice of a professional at your local nursery to learn more about native plants, what looks good together, and what can tolerate your specific climate year round.
Outdoor Living Space
An outdoor living space should be inviting, comfortable, and pleasing to the eye. If you have enough space on your front porch, a porch swing might be a great option – it says, “Come sit. Stay awhile!”
Your backyard deserves some attention too. Many families look for a backyard that is comfortable for adults as well as safe for children. A new deck or patio extends the living space of your home giving you the opportunity to entertain family and friends with more space for more seating.
CAMPUS Can Help!
We offer a variety of options to help you pay for home improvement projects. Speak to one of our representatives about a low-rate home equity loan, or refinancing your mortgage and cashing out the equity available. Visit our Mortgage Center to view rates, learn more about the loan process, and apply online.
Other Resources
Mortgage and Home Equity Options
Apply for Mortgage or Home Equity Loan
By CAMPUS USA at 28 Aug 2020, 14:49 PM