Even if you’re not planning to move house anytime soon and are still looking at living there another five to ten years,
you still want to keep an eye on what home improvements offer you the best return on investment.
While your family’s needs and lifestyle should still take precedence, picking upgrades that future buyers will love is a
smart way to get the most out of a future sale. Here are five of the best house repairs and augmentations for boosting
home value.
1. Window Replacement
If you have a bit more money, window replacements are a great investment in your home. First off, better-insulated
windows will help you cut down on your energy bills.
When you do sell your home, buyers will pay more for windows which will help them achieve energy savings, too. And
windows are a great way to add curb appeal or freshen up an old-fashioned home.
While you may need to bring in a professional, the cost to replace windows is likely less than you think. And don’t
forget about tax benefits for switching to more energy-efficient replacements.
2. Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen remodel is a great way to make your life easier, and it’s popular with home buyers, too. New kitchens can
provide as much as a 60-80% return on investment.
If you don’t have a ton of money, you can start small by DIY-ing a new faucet and cabinet hardware. Repaint the front of
your cabinets or install more modern and efficient light fixtures.
Energy efficiency is a trend that’s not going away. If you have a higher budget, upgrade your fridge and dishwasher to
more efficient models. Just be careful not to go overboard; you won’t get a good return on investment if you make your
kitchen way fancier than the average for your area.
3. Landscaping
Curb appeal is a significant factor in house prices and first impressions matter. Having a well-landscaped home can help
ensure you get as close to your asking price as possible.
You can do a lot of DIY if your budget isn’t high:
• Clean up trash in the garden.
• Trim lawns.
• Plant bright flowers in pots or planters.
If you have more money, think of repairing or building a patio or deck.
There is one element you want to stay away from unless you really want it, though: a pool. The return on investment
isn’t outstanding, and many homebuyers don’t want to sign up for the extra energy, maintenance, and insurance costs.
4. Bathroom Remodel
Homebuyers want bathrooms that feel clean and modern. In fact, for homes in the US, there’s an average 70% ROI on
midrange bathroom repairs made by sellers.
That means it’s well worth your while to switch out bathroom fixtures, repaint cabinets, and make other minor
changes. And it may be worth it to replace your floor, counter, or tub.
Remodels over the midrange level quite literally run into diminishing returns. Make sure you love any significant
changes and that they’re broadly in step with homes in your area.
5. Attic or Basement Remodel
Reclaiming a bit of living space in your attic or basement can make your life easier and set your house apart from
similar ones in the area.
Hooking your attic up to central heating and air conditioning and installing a closet can transform your space into a
guest bedroom or art studio. Finishing part of your basement can make a lovely family room or a ‘man cave’.
Final Thoughts
No matter what repairs you make to your home, make sure it’s something that you like and will use. Who knows, in a
few years, you may decide not to sell your home after all.