It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but if you’re planning on selling your home in the future, making some investments in it in the meantime can pay off when it comes time to sell. It can be an especially good idea to make improvements when the real estate market is slow. You’ll likely be staying put anyway, and you can increase your home’s value for you while you’re there. Those improvements you enjoy will likely be valuable to others once you’re comfortable entering the market.
There are many places online where you can find some home design inspiration, and while it’s true that “improvements” tend to be subjective, there are some major areas that are likely to see benefits from a touchup or remodel.
The Bathroom
Who doesn’t love a fancy, new looking bathroom? There are plenty of ideas you could pursue here from renovations and remodels to a full bathroom addition if your home only has one. The latter is significantly more expensive, naturally, but it can be a great addition if your family increases in size, and it will open your home up to more buyers. Empty rooms or underutilized spaces are great locations for an extra bathroom.
If you’re looking for a smaller project, you can work wonders with just some tile replacements and a new coat of paint. Even something as simple as replacing light fixtures can give your bathroom a new look.
Deck Addition
Outdoor living spaces are becoming more desirable, and adding a deck can be a great choice for yourself and future buyers. A deck serves many functions at once. It gives you more living space, and it also allows for more options. Outdoor cooking is one of the most obvious, but a deck can also become an entertainment area equipped with just about anything.
A deck also gives your home a new look, and it instantly boosts your curb appeal. It shouldn’t be hard to get a return on investment from adding a deck, and you can cut the costs significantly if you handle the addition yourself.
Energy Efficiency
Homebuyers these days are extremely conscious of energy efficiency, and there are several steps you can take to boost the efficiency of your home. Naturally, you can install energy-efficient appliances throughout the house. You can also add energy-efficient windows to save on heating and cooling costs. Adding extra insulation can save significant costs as well, especially if you live in an older house. Older homes typically allow more air in through the doors, attic spaces, and any other openings to the outside.
You may also secure great savings on your power by switching to more efficient energy sources. For example, solar panels in arizona can save you thousands over the years. You can conveniently search your location online and the number of panels you would need in addition to their cost to create a plan for your specific needs.
Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home, and many buyers will make this their first stop when they’re evaluating a home. Everyone loves an upgraded kitchen, and they don’t want to have to spend much to get it. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make noticeable improvements, and it shouldn’t be hard to get a return.
Simply repainting your kitchen with a modern color scheme can be a huge improvement, and it’s relatively cheap. Upgrading countertops or appliances can also make your kitchen more impressive without running up the price tag for deluxe upgrades. These shouldn’t be necessary anyway, as many buyers don’t have the need for a deluxe kitchen, and they’re unlikely to pay for it.
