Home Improvements That Increase Value
Even if you plan to remain in your home for years to come, it is always wise to consider the potential of increased value when determining which home improvements to invest in. You never know when circumstances may change and you will need to sell your home. You may also need to take out a second mortgage to cover things like college tuition or medical bills, so a higher home value will help you get the funds that you need from your home's equity. Consider some ideas here of things that increase the value as well as the functionality of your house.
Front doors are often overlooked as things to update or replace, yet they are the first thing that a person sees when they approach your home. An outdated door style or one that has a worn appearance can signal neglect, giving an impression that your home is old. This is something that can be easily changed, with a minimum investment of time and money. You can even just put a fresh coat on paint on the existing wood door if you don't want to replace the entire thing. However, installing a new steel door in place of an old wooden one can instantly give the appearance of a modern, cutting edge home. It will also be a good investment for energy savings and safety.
Everyone loves homes with a deck. Not only will installing a wood deck increase value immediately, it will also give you some extra living space that your family will enjoy from day-one. Though many decking materials are available these days, there is nothing quite like the warmth and functionality of real wood. Choose lumber that has been treated in order to avoid insect damage, as well as to make your deck resistant to water and other effects of weather. Seal the deck and add slip-resistant products.
Take a look at any attic space you may have and determine whether you could easily turn it into additional living space. It could end up being a cozy loft bedroom or a private place to work on your craft projects. Consider putting in shelves, hardwood flooring with throw rugs, and lighting fixtures. Regardless of what you use the space for yourself, it will be added to square footage when it comes time to value your home in the future.
Older windows can have a classic look and will blend with the architectural features of your home - but they also are energy hogs. Wooden window frames are known for being drafty, thus increasing your energy bills and creating a cold feeling to your home in the winter months. Replace old wooden window frames with newer energy-efficient ones. Do some research to find styles that mimic the look of the original windows that you are replacing. Do not assume that they do not exist just because you don't see them in your local home improvement store. Search online and order ahead of time. You will often save on sales taxes when ordering online, thus making up for shipping costs.
These are some ways to instantly increase the value of your house with minimal investment. Keeping your house updated and refreshed throughout the years will serve you well in multiple ways.
