It is possible to increase the value of your property by performing whole-house renovations; however, there are other ways to update your home without going into debt or depleting your finances.
Do-it-yourself home upgrades such as painting, regrouting tiling, and power washing the exterior of your home won't cost a lot of money, but they can add a significant amount to the value of your property.
If you are ready to sell your property, you can get more money for it by putting in some "sweat equity," adopting a "do-it-yourself" mentality, and spending a few bucks.
Even if you aren't quite ready to sell your house, you can still benefit from having a more aesthetically pleasing place to call home in the meanwhile.
The following are some ideas for low-cost but high-value improvements that can be made to your home.
Minor Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is often referred to as the "heart" of the home; hence, investments in this space typically yield positive returns.
When opposed to an expensive kitchen makeover, which has a lesser return on investment, a small kitchen remodel has an average cost of more than $23,000 and helps homeowners recoup approximately 78 percent of their investment when the home is sold.
It will save you a significant amount of money and is the greatest option if the aesthetic of your home might use some updating.
For instance, if you want to modernise the appearance of your kitchen, applying a new coat of paint might go a very far way.
To reduce the amount of pollution caused by the paint, low-VOC paint should be considered.
Other modifications could include putting in recessed lighting to illuminate the countertops and updating the fronts of the cabinets to give them a more modern appearance.
Easily giving a space a more contemporary feel can be accomplished by making modest, cost-effective changes, such as installing matching cabinet knobs, drawer handles, and faucets.
Nevertheless, they have the potential to have a substantial impact when it comes time to sell.
Check this list of Melbourne builder services to help you make an informed decision for your treatment.
Bathroom Upgrades
During the resale process, a standard bathroom can bring back up to 64 percent of its original cost.
Altering the look of your bathroom can be as simple as rearranging the fixtures, just like it is possible to do in the kitchen.
In most cases, the problem can be remedied with very straightforward measures, including the installation of new vanity lights, the removal of outmoded wall coverings, and the installation of new shower doors.
Replace your outdated toilet with a newer model that has a lower flow rate and consumes less water with each flush to make your home more energy-efficient.
However, if your house just has one bathroom, it might be more cost-effective to spend the money on expanding the bathroom by adding either a full bathroom or a half bathroom rather than remodelling the existing one.
Your home's worth may increase as a result of the addition of a new bathroom, in addition to the fact that it will make the interior look better.
It is possible that converting any small or unused space, such as a walk-in closet, an area under the staircase, or an old laundry room, will result in lower costs; nevertheless, this is still mostly dependent on the furnishings and ornaments that you will include into the new room.
However, a half bathroom is essential for homes that do not have a bathroom on the main level, particularly during this time of year when we want to prevent the spread of germs throughout our home.
Remodel An Existing Space/Add Square Footage
It is a fantastic method to increase the value of your property as well as add square footage to it if you are able to remodel underused sections such as your attic or basement and put them to good use.
You have the option of finishing a basement and transforming it into an entertainment bar, a game room, or a second living room; converting the space in the attic into a bedroom or a playroom for children; or turning a walk-in closet into a home office, which is ideal for many working professionals in today's society.
Therefore, even if you intend to continue living in the house for a few more years, your family will still be able to take advantage of the additional room and enjoy its benefits.
And when the time comes for you to put your home up for sale, the fact that you have a space that is adaptable and can be used for a variety of purposes will be extremely appealing to potential buyers.
Window Replacement
Single-pane windows that are old and draughty are now a huge turnoff for many potential buyers, especially if they are thinking about the energy efficiency of the home.
According to a report from Remodelling magazine, replacing double-hung windows with insulated, low-E (low-emissivity), vinyl windows can recover approximately 73 percent of the expenditures associated with the project.
This must be one of the reasons why this is the case.
Windows that have low-emissivity coatings help maintain a constant temperature within the house by reflecting the heat that are already there.
In a similar vein, installing modern windows in a house not only helps with energy efficiency but also boosts the aesthetic value of the property.
Deck, Patio, Or Porch Addition
The most recent study conducted by Realtor.com® and Toluna Insights asked homeowners what they would like to change about their property in order to make it more habitable when they are hunkered down inside.
Nine percent of respondents indicated that they would like to add a yard or patio. As we go on living our lives according to the current standard, having a large amount of yard space has turned into the ideal.
One strategy for improving the quality of your outdoor living space and adding value to your property is to construct a deck.
Despite the fact that its price might range anywhere from $14,000 to $19,000 on average across the nation, it can return as much as 72 percent of its original value when it is sold.
However, this time it depends on the design as well as the materials that are utilised.
Suppose a simple makeover is all that's required. In that case, you might want to think about sprucing up your deck or patio by installing a few small features, such as ornamental planters, lighting, and other elements that will make it more appealing and also boost the appeal of your property from the street.
Entry Door Replacement
Every year, the best return on investment has been seen when a home's old front door is replaced with a brand new steel entry door.
It should come as no surprise because a house with outdated doors that let in plenty of heat and cold air can be a major deterrent to prospective buyers due to the possibility that it will be more expensive to live in and maintain.
According to the findings of the study, replacing a standard steel entry door would set you back more than $1,800 but will bring you over 69 percent of your investment back when you sell your home.
Metal's energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and ability to ward off cold will win over an increasing number of purchasers. It is critical to make the best choice possible while constructing a duplex.
At MJS Construction Group, we have a wide variety of the most best home design constructions for you to look at.
Garage Door Replacement
A new garage door, on the other hand, is one investment that nearly pays for itself, since you may recuperate approximately 95 percent of your spending when you go to resell the house.
An upgrade to your garage door can also help make a good impression on guests and potential purchasers, increase your home's security, and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your property.
Considering a new project? Then MJS Construction Group builders Melbourne is the answer.
Roof Replacement
The replacement of a roof is not nearly as impressive an improvement as, say, the remodelling of a kitchen, and many people consider it to be more of a maintenance effort than anything else.
However, this is one renovation that can help increase the value of your property, and when it comes time to sell, you can often recoup approximately 66 percent of the money you spent on it.
Buyers also value a new roof since they are aware that it will spare them the headache and additional expenses associated with installing a new roof on their own.
If your roof is already leaking and is getting close to the end of its lifespan, it is extremely important to update it as soon as possible because this could cause your home's value to decrease.
Adding Stone Veneer
Your house will look more elegant, and the value of your property will go up, if you choose to clad its exterior in produced stone veneer.
This upgrade has an average cost of $9,357, but the 2020 Cost vs. Value Report estimates that it can recoup as much as 96 percent of its initial investment when it is sold.
It is also a versatile project that you can add to any section of your home, whether it be on the front porch, around the fireplace, or as a feature wall in the kitchen or bathroom.
You have a lot of options to choose from.
Essential Updates Like Paint, Minor Fixes, And Fixture Replacements
When it comes to increasing the value of your property, you should never discount the importance of making necessary renovations.
You can help keep your home in tip-top shape by performing small and inexpensive projects such as touching up any paint that is flaking or chipping, removing dirt and mould, painting the front door, replacing old doorknobs and handles, and even updating your mailbox.
These projects will show potential buyers that you have a safe and well-maintained home in your possession.
Your dream home can become a reality when you work with MJS Construction Group, since we provide the finest selection of dual occupancy options.
Seven Simple Interior Updates
Freshen up the walls
A little bit of elbow grease and a few cans of paint can make a significant difference in the appearance of your walls, particularly if they have scuff marks and unclean paint, an outmoded colour, or fading wallpaper.
If you want to get the most money out of the sale of your home, choose a colour scheme that is as neutral as possible.
This will help unify the entire property, provide the impression of more space, and appeal to a wide range of prospective purchasers.
Install crown moulding
The installation of crown moulding, which may give your rooms more personality, is a surprisingly straightforward project.
You can get the moulding at a store that specialises in home improvements, have it cut to the size that is appropriate for the space you are working with (or have the store do it for you), and then nail it to the top of the wall.
It's possible that these decorative strips will arrive already painted.
The process of installing crown moulding requires some knowledge of woodworking as well as the appropriate tools; however, doing it yourself will save you a lot of money.
Update fixtures
The switchplates, outlet covers, curtain rods, lamp fixtures, and doorknobs in a home are sometimes boring or ignored, but with just a few bucks, you can bring a huge amount of pizazz to the space.
Switch plates and outlet covers made of attractive metal can cost as little as $5 each but give the impression that they are considerably more expensive.
Light fixtures and ornate curtain rods can be a little more expensive. Still, you can occasionally make an inexpensive one look lovely by spray painting it with an expensive-looking colour.
Again, if you intend to sell the products you have, you should select colours and finishes for them that will appeal to the widest possible demographic.
Install ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are an enticing addition to any home since they may save money on power bills, which is something that everyone likes to do.
Ceiling fans not only cut down on the costs of air conditioning, but they can also cut down on the costs of heating by removing warm air from the ceiling and circulating it elsewhere in the room.
A standard fan will run you approximately $50, and you shouldn't have to spend more than a couple hundred dollars to acquire a good one. If you do not already have wiring from overhead lighting, you could need to engage a professional, which will likely result in a large increase in the cost of this project.
Improve window treatments
Your home's worth will not increase due to the horizontal aluminium blinds, paper shades, or inexpensive vertical plastic blinds that may have come with your house when you purchased it.
You might want to think about getting plantation shutters, wooden blinds, or curtains in their place.
Again, if you are selling your home, choosing options that are neutral can assist you in obtaining a better price for your property.
Reveal and restore hardwood floors
There is a good chance that there are hardwood floors hiding underneath the carpet in older homes, in particular.
It's possible that you have wood floors if they squeak when you walk on them. If you are unsure, lift the carpet in an inconspicuous part of the room and inspect the below.
If you do have wood floors, there is a strong chance that you will need to refinish them in order to restore them to the splendour that they had when they were first installed.
However, this process will be considerably more cost-effective than installing new flooring from the ground up.
Clean fireplace brick
If you have a fireplace made of brick and you burn wood in it, there is a good probability that some of the brick has been tainted with creosote and soot.
Because a stunning fireplace can be a major selling factor for a property, you should do everything in your power to ensure that yours looks as appealing as possible.
Start by removing some of the soot with a moist rag, and then proceed to clean the fireplace with a product that is designed to remove creosote.
You may need to scrub the brick with a bristled brush for a while, and you may need to apply the solution more than once, but in the end, it will look great.
Invisible Home Improvements
Home maintenance work, such as replacing your heating and cooling unit, water heater, or even your septic system, can cost a significant amount of money.
If you want to keep your house in good condition, you need budget for these expenses.
Sadly, even when these amenities are brand-new, the majority of purchasers are not willing to pay more for them because of their premium status.
Buyers anticipate that all functional elements, such as these, will operate as intended, and they do not believe that they should be responsible for paying for any wear and tear that occurred in the home during the time that you owned it.
On the other hand, if any of these unseen components of your home are not operating as they should, it will have a significant negative impact on the value of your property.
In spite of the fact that you have plans to sell your property in the near future, there is no way to circumvent these issues because they will surely be discovered during the home inspection.
Go ahead and take care of them, but keep in mind that you won't be adding to the worth of your home by doing so.
One update, however, that the vast majority of homeowners would consider to be a maintenance project is one that falls into a grey area of house renovation and that is the replacement of the roof.
According to Remodeling.com, even if installing a brand-new roof isn't as much of a focal point as, say, completely redoing your kitchen, it can still help increase the value of your property.
A homeowner in any part of the United States can anticipate to recoup about 68 percent of the cost of a midrange roof replacement project, which comes to $20,939 on average.
Projects That Can Negatively Affect Resale Value
Nearly every project has the potential to have a negative impact on the property's resale value.
When it comes to resale value, a basic rule of thumb is that the more personal your decisions are — that is, when they are created to suit your particular way of life or taste — the less likely it is that they will have a favourable effect.
This does not mean that you shouldn't participate in the project in any way.
It simply implies that you should not expect it to increase the value of your home and that you should be prepared for the possibility that selling your home may be more difficult as a result of this.
For instance, a soundproof music studio could be a dream come true for you, but it is not going to be feasible for a young family who needs an additional bedroom for their new baby. If you're looking for a high-quality, affordable builder in Melbourne, you're in the right place! Check MJS Construction Group!
These buyers will not pay the premium that it cost you to develop the studio, and it is possible that it will even deter them from purchasing the property.
The following are some general signs that may indicate a project has a negative resale value:
Luxury upgrades.
Even while the utmost cheapest improvements in a home are something no one likes to see, high-quality upgrades typically do not have the same return on investment as mid-range ones, unless you are living in a very high-end home.
Even though marble floors in the bathroom or bespoke cabinets in the kitchen could be great additions to a home, you shouldn't expect that potential buyers would pay a correspondingly higher price for these luxuries.
Rooms that don't fit with the floor plan
Converting the back patio into a family room could seem like the ideal method to increase the amount of space in your home; however, if the window in the dining room now views into the family room, it is unlikely that potential buyers will be enthusiastic about the renovation.
Garage conversions
Converting garages into habitable space can provide homeowners with much-needed square footage, but prospective buyers like the presence of garages.
Therefore, changing this space won't typically result in a gain in value.
A swimming pool.
When it comes to selling your home, having a pool might feel like the height of decadence to you, but potential buyers might view it as more of an obstacle.
Parents who have young children can view it as a threat to their children's safety.
Take into consideration whether or not it can be used for the majority of the year.
While a pool may be a major selling factor in certain sections of Florida and California, it may be a considerable liability in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Other Factors That Affect Resale Value
Even if you work on the proper kinds of projects, there is no assurance that your return on investment will be particularly high.
Think about some more broad considerations first before making a decision about whether or not an upgrade will bring value.
Your changes should conform to the neighbourhood
If you reside in an area that is predominantly comprised of bungalows with two bedrooms each, expanding your home to include a second story in order to provide a few additional bedrooms is not likely to result in a lucrative financial return.
Prospective purchasers looking for homes of that size will not be looking in your neighbourhood.
On the other hand, if you see that some of your neighbours are undergoing comparable renovations (perhaps as a result of the fact that these reasonably priced homes are situated on huge lots and are located in an excellent school district), you could do well to follow suit.
It is likely that improvements made to a younger home will not have the same impact on an older home.
Cabinets and floor tile in the original kitchen of a property built in the 1950s that are outdated or no longer in vogue may cause prospective purchasers to think, "I guess we'll start with a kitchen redesign!"
The same does not always hold true for a home that is only a few years old, which means that it is less likely that you will be able to dramatically raise the value of a newer home by remodelling it.
Your upgrades should be in sync with the rest of the house.
It is possible to make a mistake by concentrating excessively on a single space, such as creating the ideal master bedroom suite. In light of the fact that the rest of your house hasn't been renovated since the 1980s, the master suite makes the rest of the house appear even more old.
Stay within the price range for similar homes
When it comes to practicality, you shouldn't anticipate recovering as much money from modifications made to a home with a lower price point as you would for enhancements made to a home with a higher price point.
A kitchen remodel with top-of-the-line appliances that costs $30,000 and is performed on a house that costs $150,000 will not generate nearly the same return as the identical remodel performed on a house that costs $500,000.
Renovating your kitchen and bathroom are, and will continue to be, the best investments you can make in your house to raise its appraised value and increase its potential selling price.
Because this is where individuals spend the most of their time in their houses, specialists believe that it is possible to nearly always detect whether or not money was spent effectively here.
Also, whether your objective is to take greater pleasure in your home or to maximise your return on investment when it comes time to sell, keep in mind that you should never go too far, and that you should never make one room fancier than the rest of the house or the neighbourhood as a whole.
There is a wide variety of work that may be done to raise the value of a home, and you have many alternatives available to you.
Keep in mind that investing in home improvements is not as profitable as it was in 2004–2005, when the housing market was at its pinnacle.
If you plan to remodel your home, prioritise the completion of modest work that will make your property more appealing to purchasers who are concerned about cost.
Concentrate on making your home more energy efficient and making small improvements that will give it more personality and comfort. The term "ultra-luxury" can no longer be used.
When it came time to sell your home, did any of the improvements or renovations you had done pay off? What kinds of initiatives related to home renovation are you planning to do this year?
Conclusion
If you want to boost your home's worth, a good strategy is to renovate the entire thing. It's possible to modernise one's dwelling without incurring excessive debt or exhausting one's savings.
Do-it-yourself improvements to your home, such as painting, regrouting tiles, and power washing, can increase its value significantly.
The average bathroom can recoup up to 64% of its investment when sold. Rearranging the fixtures in your bathroom may completely transform the space.
Small, low-cost repairs, like touching up chipped paint, can go a long way towards keeping your property in pristine condition.
There is a huge change that can be made in how your walls look with just a little bit of work and some paint. Crown moulding is quite easy to instal and can give your rooms a more polished look.
Ceiling fans are appealing because of the potential cost savings they offer on monthly energy bills.
Attractive metal switch plates and outlet covers can be purchased for as little as $5 each, despite their high-end appearance.
Selecting neutral features can help you get a higher selling price when you put your home up for sale.
If you burn wood in a brick fireplace, some of the bricks in the chimney may be contaminated with creosote and soot.
Replacement of an HVAC system, water heater, or septic system is just one example of a costly home maintenance project.
Most buyers aren't willing to pay a premium for these features because of their rarity, even when they're fresh new.
Except in highly expensive homes, high-quality additions rarely provide the same return on investment as mid-range ones.
A music studio with a soundproof wall may be your dream, but it's not realistic to expect a young family to be able to afford it.
Work on the right kinds of projects, and there's still no guarantee your ROI will be through the roof.
In contrast to a $500,000 home, a $150,000 home will not see nearly as much of a return on an investment of $30,000 spent on a kitchen remodel with high-end appliances.
When it comes to increasing the value of your home, the kitchen and bathroom are, and will always be, the greatest rooms to renovate.
No longer is "ultra-luxury" an appropriate descriptor. Invest your time and attention into making your home more energy efficient and adding personal touches that will make you feel at ease.
Content Summary
- The following are some ideas for low-cost but high-value improvements that can be made to your home.
- Altering the look of your bathroom can be as simple as rearranging the fixtures, just like it is possible to do in the kitchen.
- However, if your house has one bathroom, it might be more cost-effective to spend the money on expanding the bathroom by adding either a full bathroom or a half bathroom rather than remodelling the existing one.
- Your home's worth may increase as a result of the addition of a new bathroom, in addition to the fact that it will make the interior look better.
- Nine percent of respondents indicated that they would like to add a yard or patio.
- One strategy for improving the quality of your outdoor living space and adding value to your property is to construct a deck.
- Every year, the best return on investment has been seen when a home's old front door is replaced with a brand new steel entry door.
- Buyers also value a new roof since they are aware that it will spare them the headache and additional expenses associated with installing a new roof on their own.
- Your house will look more elegant, and the value of your property will go up, if you choose to clad its exterior in produced stone veneer.
- If you want to get the most money out of the sale of your home, choose a colour scheme that is as neutral as possible.
- The installation of crown moulding, which may give your rooms more personality, is a surprisingly straightforward project.
- Ceiling fans are an enticing addition to any home since they may save money on power bills, which is something that everyone likes to do.
- If you have a fireplace made of brick and you burn wood in it, there is a good probability that some of the brick has been tainted with creosote and soot.
- If you want to keep your house in good condition, you need budget for these expenses.
- On the other hand, if any of these unseen components of your home are not operating as they should, it will have a significant negative impact on the value of your property.
- One update, however, that the vast majority of homeowners would consider to be a maintenance project is one that falls into a grey area of house renovation and that is the replacement of the roof.
- Your upgrades should be in sync with the rest of the house.
- Renovating your kitchen and bathroom are, and will continue to be, the best investments you can make in your house to raise its appraised value and increase its potential selling price.
FAQs About Home Improvements
Here are the home remodelling projects that deliver the highest returns:
- Garage door replacement. Average cost: $3,907.
- Manufactured stone veneer. Average cost: $10,386.
- Minor kitchen remodel. Average cost: $26,214.
- Fibre-cement siding. Average cost: $19,626.
- Vinyl windows. Average cost: $19,385.
Making your house more efficient, adding square footage, upgrading the kitchen or bath and installing smart-home technology can help increase its value.
Short sales and especially foreclosures on your street decrease the value of your home. Even if they are not direct comparables, as in the same square footage and the number of bedrooms and baths, they are in your immediate neighbourhood, so they can make the entire area depreciate.
Adding ceiling fans to rooms like bedrooms, the living room, or the family room will add value to your home immediately.
A brilliant way to increase the value of your home is to add lighting. A well-lit room feels more cheerful and makes spaces feel larger and cleaner. Bright rooms also show you have nothing to hide, so prospective buyers will feel at ease when touring your home.