If you’re trying to sell a home, you don’t have to accept your home as it is before you sell it. Much like with vehicles, the work you put into a home creates additional value and raises its price, and there are many smart ways to get the most impact for a limited investment. There are a spectrum of upgrades available ranging from minor fixes and patches to full-on renovation of the entire house. You don’t need to invest a lot to get a good return, however. Here is a list of one or two-day remodeling projects that can still add a sizeable boost in property value before you sell your home.
(1) Faux Wood Beams in the Master Bedroom
Faux wood beams are all the rage right now. They provide a natural, looming beauty to whatever room they are placed in. So, where better to have them than the master bedroom? Upgrades to the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms rank as the most profitable, so by installing some gorgeous wood beams, you can help give it that air of elegance and superiority that a master bedroom is supposed to have. They also look great in the kitchen as well. Check out this great faux beam installation tutorial from Jenna Sue Design blog here.
via Jenna Sue Design
(2) Outdoor Upgrades
Adding a deck to your backyard can increase the resale value of your home a great deal, attracting a wider group of prospective home buyers. Remember to properly calculate deck size to maximize your outdoor space and use hidden deck fasteners to get that clean, perfect deck look that will attract home buyers.
Furthermore, Adding areas of shade and cover to your deck or other backyard gathering areas offer relief from changing weather conditions and the glare from the sun. Gazebos, modern pergolas, awnings, umbrellas, and canopies add style and character to your outdoor areas and can increase your home’s attractiveness to potential buyers. Installing a patio ceiling creates an additional living space that will appeal to homebuyers and add value to your home.
via DIY Home Center
(3) Garage Remodeling
Garages serve a variety of purposes nowadays, and upgrading yours will have an impact on property value. You might consider some shiny, indoor stained concrete floors, perhaps. Concrete is another trending material right now and by going with the stained variety, you’ll be ensuring long-lasting protection as well as a sheen that will leave an impression on anybody who stops by to visit. A properly polished and colored concrete garage floor is known to draw bigger numbers on the market, and is very likely to draw a good return on your investment.
(4) Butcher Block Countertops
Wood is really popular right now, so it’s no surprise that butcher block kitchen countertops made their way on this list. The remodel is a small one, usually not taking more than two days. Adding butcher block to your kitchen gives it a more down-home feel, and as long as the wood is properly stained and finished, these countertops will stay looking great for a long time. Butcher block is the perfect way to spice up a boring kitchen.
(5) Update Your Light Fixtures
Updating your lighting to something that looks a bit more luxurious will elevate the look of the entire space and will give your home the appearance of greater value when it comes to selling your home. Consider upgrading the lighting in the living room and kitchen for greatest impact.
via Bein Design
Small Projects Can Add Big Value
Just because you aren’t doing any large-scale renovations on a home, doesn’t mean you can’t significantly raise its property value. By doing any of the remodels on this list, or combining them, you can achieve a significant boost in property value, despite not investing a huge chunk of money. Try one or more of these projects and see for yourself how easy it is to get more than you ever imagined for your current home.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Construction Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.