When you decide it is time to make some improvements around your home, there are some projects that should be considered more valuable than others. These projects are the ones that will actually raise the value of your home. Whether you are planning to sell in the next year or ten years from now, these projects should be considered first if value is a concern of yours.
The curb appeal of your home will make a substantial difference in the value of your home. If the paint is peeling or the siding is beginning to crack or fade, it might be time for you to repaint or replace the siding. If your home looks run down from the outside, potential buyers will not think that you have done what needs to be done to maintain a home properly. This will decrease the chances that they will even look at the inside of the house or lessen the amount that they would be willing to pay.
While working on the external appearance of the home, consider window and door replacement. Windows and doors that are marketed these days are specifically designed to be more energy efficient than they were in the past. The replacement of these things is not only cosmetic, but also efficient.
Landscaping is another thing to consider for the outside of the home. Yards that are neatly landscaped are more valuable than those with a plain lawn. Add some shrubs, trees and flowers will make a dramatic improvement in the look of the house as well as add value. Consider some lighting for the outside of your home as well. With all of the solar power options available, it will take minutes for you to install lighting to highlight the front of your home.
The first things to look at inside the home are the kitchen and the bathrooms. Renovating these rooms completely can be quite costly, but if you do little things to make them look better, it can be much more affordable and still increase the value. Start with the fixtures in the rooms. New faucets in the kitchen and bathroom might seem small to you, but pack a big punch in the appeal of the spaces. Also consider the hardware on the cabinets and drawers as well as the appliances in the kitchen. You will be surprised at the improvements in very little time.
If you have a basement or attic that has not been transformed into a living area, consider this project. Adding additional living areas to the house can be quite appealing to the potential buyer. It adds additional square feet of living area which increases the overall value of the home. It might be a big job, but well worth the time and money spent doing it.
Once you complete the projects above, you might not feel the need to even sell your home. Small projects can have a big impact around the home and will add enough value to your home to almost pay for themselves in the future.