Our guest author today is Ethan Griffin...
Everyone enjoys participating in a renovation project from time to time. If you are thinking about what your next one could be, make sure not to make the decision too hastily. It is now more critical than ever to know which upgrades will and will not increase the value of your property. After spending so much time in them, our homes have become the center of massive changes and re-evaluation. For example, home offices and outdoor spaces have become highly wanted features. Whichever home improvement you go for, you should consider hiring an agent. This is done to ensure that the agent values your home correctly.
Having More Usable Square Footage Can Increase the Value of Your Property
Increasing the amount of usable space in an existing home makes financial sense. This is especially true in areas where most available properties have finite land and space. An example of this type of area is a city with many townhouses instead of large lots with acreage.
The value and price of all homes largely depend on the livable square feet they contain. This means that the more livable square feet there are, the better. Adding a bathroom, a lounge, or any other needed space to a home can greatly increase its function and add value.
However, your only option isn't just building an addition. Adding some walls can also convert part of an oversized kitchen into a small pantry. If you do want to build an addition, however, the national average cost to build an addition is somewhere around fifty thousand USD. Of course, the actual cost varies greatly depending on the type of room you would like to add. For example, building a small laundry room can cost you as little as around eight thousand USD. But, building an entire master suite with a bathroom can go up to a hundred thousand USD.
Upgrade Your Curb Appeal
Even simple things such as power washing your driveway or hiring someone to wash your windows and mow the lawn can significantly impact your home's curb appeal. Improving your home's curb appeal can greatly increase the value of your property. After all, it is the first thing your future buyer will see about your home.
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| As long as you don’t go overboard, working on your home's curb appeal can greatly increase the value of your property. |
Hiring a good landscaper can be of great help. However, even if you don't have that kind of money, you can work on it yourself. Adding plants or repainting your home's outside walls are just some great ideas. You could also refresh your walkway or mulch the lawn. It's important to know where to stop though. Too many features can put buyers off since it can look like a hassle for upkeep.
Replace the old front door
Another great idea for improving curb appeal is refreshing old front doors. A fundamental steel front door costs about a hundred bucks. However, if you add another one to two hundred to that, you can get a door with so much more character which is sure to improve your home's curb appeal. If you are not in a financial place where you can afford a brand new door, adding a fresh coat of paint or lacquer may be all you need.
Improve Outdoor Living With a Deck or Patio
If the pandemic has taught us anything, having a nice usable outdoor living area is very important. When it comes down to it, a deck or patio is the most popular choice for making such an area for yourself. Depending on the way it is made, it can be a place to dine with family, have a beverage after a hard day at work, entertain friends, or work outdoors for a few hours.
On average, having a deck in your backyard adds over seven thousand dollars in resale value. Building a deck will usually cost between five and ten thousand dollars, depending on the size and any additional features you might want. So, you can almost be sure that you'll at least break even if you do not see a positive ROI on this project.
Refresh the Look of Your Kitchen
Most of your future buyers will focus on the kitchen as the central feature of your property. This means that if yours is outdated or looks subpar, it will negatively affect the property's resale value in the future. Another essential thing to consider is whether you have maximized the utility of the space in your kitchen. Not being able to use your kitchen fully because of poor layout can be a big problem for your home's value.
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| Find a good balance when redesigning your kitchen. It shouldn’t look flashy. |
Work on Your Flooring
If you decide on this home improvement, we have two main tips:
Install Small Features
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| From cameras to smart locks, people will value any form of added security. |