The Top Home Improvement Projects for Resale Value – From the Inside Out
If you’re thinking about selling you house soon, you’re probably wondering about your home’s value and what you can potentially list it for. The good news is that this value isn’t set in stone. Making home improvements that are in high demand is the best way to boost your home’s resale value and get the selling price you want. Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces are some of the updates most buyers are looking for now.
Kitchens
Remodeling an outdated kitchen is almost always worth the investment. Today’s buyers are looking for the best of both design and function. If you plan on selling anytime soon, the general rule is to keep the style in line with what’s in demand while keeping it fairly neutral. Some trends come and go, but you can’t go wrong with timeless style like white or neutral cabinets and polished-silver hardware. Switching to stone slab countertops is another trend that is here to stay and is an upgrade that is well worth the investment. According to Home Advisor, in Los Angeles, CA the average price to install stone slab countertops is between $2,200 – $4,722 and takes an average of 3 – 4 days.
Buyers are also looking for modern kitchens that are as high on function as they are on style. Better Homes & Gardens recommends a design that features open space, LED lighting, deep cabinet drawers for plenty of storage, and big single-bowl sinks. These features are in line with the overall desire many people have for open spaces that allow for informal and relaxed living. LED lighting is another hit as more people are looking for the environmental and cost saving benefits of eco-friendly design.
Bathrooms
Bathroom remodels are right up there with kitchens as the two most sought after upgrades. The great thing about bathroom projects is that even a minor remodel can boost your home’s value significantly. According to Bob Vila, minor bathroom renovations are among the best ways to improve your home’s value in 2018. Just like with kitchens, what buyers are looking for in bathrooms is style that feels modern combined with high functionality. By installing something simple like a rain shower head, you can create a home spa experience without spending much. Replacing an outdated shower or bathtub with a deep jacuzzi tub is another way to maximize style and function. Making smart choices like a deeper tub that saves space, leaving room for a larger shower, is in line with what today’s buyers are looking for.
Exterior and Curb Appeal
The exterior of your house is where first impressions are made, so it’s no surprise that exterior renovations and landscaping are some of the best projects for resale value. According to CNBC, garage door replacement, wood deck additions, and stone veneer installations are some of the projects that have seen the greatest increase in resale value added compared to previous years. While installation of a pool is a risky investment for resale, other outdoor living spaces are increasingly desirable, so any deck or patio addition is a great idea. When adding an outdoor living space, make sure the design fits with the home’s overall style. To really up the wow factor of an outdoor space, add lighting and other popular features like fire pits and fences.
As much as you want to increase value with home improvements, you also don’t want to over-renovate to the point where you can’t recoup the costs. When you’re planning any of these projects on a larger scale, do a little research on home values in your neighborhood to be sure that you can realistically expect buyers to pay for the increase in value.
Deciding which home improvements to do will depend a lot on what matters most to you, because of course you want to live comfortably in your home until you’re ready to sell. But if you plan on selling soon, making these projects a priority is the best way to ensure your home improvement dollars will pay off. Buyers are looking for these updates, so make sure your house is the one that can deliver.
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