When most people hear the word renovation, they immediately picture a costly home-improvement project that takes weeks or months to complete. Some home renovations do require a healthy chunk of your cash and time, but there are plenty of other quick renos to do over the weekend that will boost your home’s value without breaking the bank. In most cases a few small, simple, smart changes will improve how your home looks or functions and increase its market value. Remember that there are different financing options available to pay for home renovations requiring the work of a skilled professional — like a home improvement loan or a low-interest credit card — but there are also plenty of DIY projects that are very cost-effective.
Take a look at these five quick home renovations that will boost your home’s value:
#1: Landscaping
The outside of your home is an easy place to start with when you’re trying to increase the value of your home. The front yard is your home’s first impression, and simple fixes can make your home stand out in a good way. First and foremost, make sure you regularly maintain your yard to keep it neat and tidy. Mow the lawn, pull the weeds, plant flowers, and trim your property’s trees and shrubs. If your home has a porch, consider adding a few pieces of outdoor furniture like a bench or decorate your doorway with ornamental planters. This sort of “home renovation” can be done in one Saturday morning and will add to your home’s curb appeal without costing you a ton of money.
#2: Lighting Accents
Lighting really matters to buyers, so softer lighting and updated fixtures will really add to your home’s appeal and ultimately its value. Install dimmer switches or motion detecters, and balance overhead lights with stand-up or table-side lamps. Mood lighting is real — the type of bulb, the fixtures, and the placement of the light sources can all impact the feel of a room. Softer light can warm up a room and make it feel cozier. Avoid fluorescent lighting at all costs unless its in the workshop or garage. Remember that high wattage bulbs make rooms look smaller while low wattage bulbs make a space feel bigger. New lighting accents and fixtures can cost as low as $100 and you can install them yourself. Consider updating your home’s windows to let in more natural light if you have more money to spend. Some window renovations can even get you money back on your taxes.
#3: Painting
This is one of the easiest, quickest, and most cost-effective home renovations out there to increase the value of your home. Fresh paint can make a world of difference and transform a space completely. A homeowner can paint a room for under $200 depending on the size, and you can get it done in just a day or two. Paint over peeling spots, marks, and dings to quickly make the room feel fresh and new. Choose neutral colors if you’re planning on selling, like creams or grays with a bright sheen that will play well with soft light.
#4: Knock Down Some Walls
The majority of home buyers still prefer an open floor plan. Wall removal is a quick and low-cost home renovation that will dramatically change the look and feel of your home. For a few hundred dollars, you can consult with a professional to knock out a non-structural wall and open up the layout. You can redirect the flow of your kitchen and living space, and make your home more valuable in the current market. You can also consider removing the floating island instead of a wall if it’s cramping up the kitchen (as long as you have plenty of other counter space).
#5: Update the Floors
New hardwood or new carpet can really make a home feel modern and fresh. Real estate pros overwhelmingly agree that spending money on the floors is a quick home renovation that will boost your home’s value. Stained, dirty carpets can scare potential buyers away, so rip them out and replace them with brand new, neutral toned carpets instead. Tacky tile and unsafe wood can also deter potential buyers. Go with an engineered hardwood that is cheap and durable for a great looking floor requiring little to no maintenance. Spend between $400-$900 investing in new flooring and you can expect to see almost $2,000 in return value!
Bottom Line
So if you’re on a tight budget or balancing a busy schedule, remember that there are several quick home renovations any home owner can handle. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to increase your home’s value, especially if you’re planning on selling this year. If you are planning on selling your home, contact the Keri Shull Team to get the most experienced realtors in the DMV area on your side, along with our must trusted vendors for home repairs and renovations. We’ll get your home sold for the best possible price or we will buy it from you ourselves!
