Smart Renovation Investments That Won’t Break the Bank
April 28, 2016
Filed under Blog
Whether you’re looking to sell your home, or stay there for a while, chances are something needs updating and improvement. There’s always something to be done! Selling is the best time to invest in those renovation upgrades, because a few dollars here and there can really pay off in a higher sales price. Here are a few ideas for adding value to your house for much less than an expensive bathroom remodel (which won’t pay for itself anyway):
Curb AppealPeople do judge a house by the cover! Other than an updated kitchen, curb appeal is the most important upgrade you can make to your house when selling. A terrific front yard, beautiful new front door, and fresh paint and trim all make your house look like a rock star in the real estate listings and in person. This might be the time to pull out an ugly, struggling lawn and replace it with water-friendly landscaping instead.Make sure the walkway between your beautiful new front door and the sidewalk (if you have one) is in good repair too, and doesn’t look dated and cracked.
Hit the Deck
In the back yard, landscaping is less important, but having updated and clean entertaining space matters. If you have a deck, make sure it’s in good repair, and give it a fresh coat of paint or sealer. If you don’t have a deck, now might be the time to get one built. You can also add a barbecue area or sun shades to make the back yard even more appealing and updated. One thing you don’t want to add is a pool or spa. They are expensive to maintain and use a lot of water, and can actually deter buyers who don’t want the hassle.
That Really Blows
If your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system works fine, it’s easy to forget about it. But if it’s old or has been struggling for a while, it’s a smart investment to update the system and then use it as a selling point. Make sure the unit is the proper size for the square footage of the house and not too small, which is a common problem. Make sure the baffles and ducts are in good repair and not stuck or clogged, such as with a surprise animal nest.
Getting Underfoot
New carpet or wood flooring isn’t cheap, but it is an important investment when getting a house ready to show to potential buyers, especially if you have animals. For carpet, pick something pleasantly neutral but not too light in color if people will be doing a lot of walk-throughs. High-low pile carpet with blobs of different stain-hiding browns was popular in the 1980s… and wow, does it look dated today. 2016’s living room carpets have subtle leaf or scroll patterns and look downright elegant. In wood flooring there are a lot of fun choices, with sustainable bamboo being a top pick, especially for younger buyers.
Off the WallJust like that terrible old carpet, few things make a house look more dated than terrible old wall treatments. 1970s glossy wood paneling or 1980s loud wallpaper make the rest of the house look tired and uncared for. “Cottage cheese” acoustic ceilings are out, too. Old wall coverings (and old paint) can show a lot of wear next to doors and light switches, too. New paint or wall treatments are one of the best (and cheapest) ways to make the inside of your house feel fresh, clean, and updated.
Of course, The Fix-It Professionals can help you with most of your renovation tasks, from flooring to cottage cheese ceiling, inside and out. Selling your house and moving can feel overwhelming, and we want to help! Call us today to schedule an assessment walk-through, and you can hire us on retainer to get the very best price for when the renovation work begins.
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