Home Improvements that Increase Your Home’s Value

By Dwayne Holt, Mortgage Lending Director

You might be seeing your space in a new light since you’ve been spending more time at home lately. If you have a growing “to-do” list of projects around the house, you might wonder which ones will give you a bigger return on your investment.

Small, medium or large, home improvements positively impact the value of your home. And, since you’ve likely been saving money by staying at home, you can funnel those savings toward projects that give your mood a boost now and pay off later…especially if you plan to put your home on the market.

Inexpensive ways to add value to your home

Small DIY projects can make a big difference, such as:

• Paint your home interior.
  • Lighten, brighten and update your home interior with a modern color palette.
  • Fresh, neutral colors are popular with home buyers.
  • Freshen up trim, cabinets or other accents for a clean look.
• Remove outdated wallpaper.
  • Have you been living with out-of-date decor since you since you moved in? Remove old wallpaper or borders that age your home.
  • Replace or repaint afterwards.
• Update lighting.
  • Make your home shine with updated lighting.
  • Start with a key focal point or two, such as the entryway, dining room or kitchen.
• Update knobs and fixtures.
  • Replace doorknobs or cabinet pulls.
  • Replace switchplates and outlet covers.
  • Replace curtain rods and curtains.
• Add closet storage.
  • Inexpensive shelving or drawers can do a lot to improve the look and storage capacity of your closets.
  • A great first step is to purge anything you don’t need. When you’re done it will feel great to have a place for the things you really love.
• Freshen up the bathroom.
  • A few little tweaks can make even a small or dated powder room look more inviting.
  • You might update the shower curtain, mirror, lighting or faucets.
  • Paint cabinets, add cabinets or replace a pedestal sink with a vanity to keep clutter out of sight.
• Boost curb appeal.
  • Trim or remove overgrown landscaping.
  • Add bushes, flowers, window boxes, potted or hanging plants to add charm to your home’s exterior.
  • Repair, clean and/or repaint railings, porches, steps or walkways to keep your home safe and attractive.
  • Powerwash your home.
  • Install a new front door.

Mid-budget projects that make a big impression

Your home might benefit more from medium-sized projects. These cost a bit more and might require professional help, but they have a bigger impact on your home’s value. Ideas for this category include:

• Replace your garage doors.
  • Zillow estimates a 97.5% return on new garage doors.
• Update your flooring.
  • Add a focal area rug or replace worn carpeting.
  • Check into refinishing hardwood floors.
  • Replace vinyl floors with more modern materials.
• Give your kitchen a facelift.
  • Salvage kitchen cabinets by painting or refacing them.
  • Use modern, floating shelves to add storage.
  • Update countertops.
  • Replace appliances.
• Redecorate living spaces.
  • Buy new furnishings or accents pieces.
  • Refinish or replace a dining table and chairs.
  • Add shelving or artwork to bare areas.
  • Update furnishings and decor in bedrooms.
• Upgrade window treatments.
• Remove “popcorn” ceilings.
• Install crown molding.

Major home renovations for ultimate ROI

If you’re looking to get the ultimate bang for your buck in terms of return on investment (ROI), think big. Before you plan and budget your projects, though, do some research on home values in your area. Avoid “over improving.” For example, it’s easier to recoup the cost of a $15,000 kitchen improvement vs. a $60,000 one. These home improvements will give you the greatest returns:

• Remodel your kitchen.
  • Need more than a coat of paint? Add new cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances.
  • Consider adding an island, pantry or other storage areas.
• Add or remodel a bathroom.
  • One-bathroom homes can be harder to sell. In our region, Zillow estimates about a 60% return on a mid-range bathroom addition, HGTV estimates an 80% to 130% ROI.
  • A minor bathroom remodel might earn you a 100% return according to HGTV.
• Replace your windows.
  • Replacing your windows can make your home more energy efficient, saving you money now.
  • You can recoup up to 90% of your costs when you sell your home according to HGTV.
• Finish or remodel your basement.
  • Enjoy more living space while you’re in your home and recoup much of the costs when you sell your home.
• Update your home’s exterior.
  • Repaint or update your home’s siding.
  • Replace worn or outdated columns.
  • Remodel your porch to improve curb appeal.

Find help funding your projects

Call a Cinfed branch or make an appointment to visit in person. Let us know what kinds of projects you’re planning and we’ll be happy to help you determine if a personal loan or home equity line of credit could help bring your vision to life.