Best Home Improvements to Make Before Selling
If you want to sell your home, you’re going to want to do some updates to help it sell faster. This means you may have to be willing to spend quite a bit of money on home improvements. In 2018, homeowners spent an estimated $394 billion on home improvement expenses. You can save money and maximize the value of your home by placing your focus on a few key areas. Here are the best home improvement projects to make before selling.
Spruce Up Your Landscaping
Sprucing up your landscaping is one of the best home improvement projects you can do to sell your home quickly. Your landscaping is one of the first things people see when they come to look at your home. Look at your home from the perspective of the buyer from the view of the street. Take note of any flaws that stick out and take steps to correct them. Clean up any debris, mow your lawn, and trim trees and shrubs.
Plant colorful flowers and mulch your flower beds. Consider installing custom architectural metalwork to further enhance your curb appeal. You may also want to power wash the exterior of your home as well as the driveway, patio, decks, and sidewalks. Wipe down outdoor furniture. Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris.
Upgrading your landscaping can also make it more attractive to buyers. You can enhance it with stone walls, fountains, sculptures, or other similar items. Add amenities for entertaining such as a patio, pool, or fire pit. You may also want to consider planting an outdoor garden. Think about ways potential buyers may want to use the space and then groom your landscaping to fit accordingly.
Keep Pests at Bay
The last thing you want is for critters or insects to make an appearance when you’re trying to show your home to potential buyers. Hiring a residential pest control service should be near the top of your list of best home improvement projects. There are other things you can do as well to keep pests at bay. Inspect your landscaping for areas where water may pool and collect. If you notice standing water, you may want to aerate your lawn to improve soil drainage.
Seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and along the bottom exterior of your home. Repair any torn window screens. Make sure the lids to your garbage cans are tightly sealed. Deep clean your kitchen to remove any food debris that may be inviting to pests. Get rid of any boxes or other clutter where uninvited guests can hide.
Repair Water Damage
Another one of the best home improvement projects you should consider is repairing water damage. Water damage can significantly decrease the value of your home. A flood damage restoration service can help minimize any devaluation. You should have professionals make the repairs as water damage can pose serious health risks. You can search online for a licensed quality contractor in your area to perform the work.
Inspect your home for water damage. Common signs include water rings on ceilings and walls, rotted wood, cracks, and mold growth. If the water damage happened recently, you want to act quickly to clean it up. Soak up excess moisture with towels or a wet/dry vac and dry out the area using dehumidifiers. Remove damaged items such as carpet and insulation and disinfect the area before repairs are made.
Replace Garage Accessories
One of the best home improvement projects you don’t want to overlook when trying to sell your home is replacing or updating your garage accessories. A new garage door that complements your home can help it sell faster and at a much better price. If your garage door is still in good condition, you can freshen it up with a new coat of paint. Garage door screens can help keep pests out of your home. Upgrade the lighting to help your garage look larger.
Additional accessories you may want to consider include a garage door monitor, exterior keypad, and a battery backup system. These items can be very attractive to potential buyers. Add storage shelving systems to help maximize space in your garage. You may also want to clean and resurface your garage floor before showing it off to buyers. Install insulation and weather stripping in the garage to maximize energy efficiency.
Install Quality Fencing
When it comes to enhancing curb appeal, one of the best home improvement projects you can do is install quality fencing. Fencing offers security and privacy, which are both highly attractive to buyers. Installing a wood fence will help sell your home the fastest and at the best price. Wrought iron or metal fencing can offer durability and appeal. Vinyl fencing is a less expensive option while still boosting property value.
You want to choose fencing that complements the house. If you don’t know how to build or install a fence, you may want to hire a local fence installation service. They can tear down your existing fence and haul it away for you. If your fence is in decent shape, you may want to make a few minor repairs or apply a fresh coat of paint. Homeowners who live in a neighborhood regulated by a homeowners association should consult with them first before making any installations or repairs.
Fix Driveway Issues
One of the first things that a potential buyer may notice about your home is the condition of your driveway. It may take longer to sell your home if you have a damaged driveway. Small cracks can be repaired by patching. For larger repairs, you may want to hire concrete repair services. They can assess the damage and recommend the best solution to fit your needs. Make sure to get multiple bids from contractors in order to make the best decision.
Replacing your driveway completely can help you sell your home faster, but it’s more expensive. You may want to replace your driveway if it’s more than 20 years old or has multiple potholes or drainage issues. Otherwise, you may be able to get away with a simple resurfacing. A concrete driveway professional can help you determine your best option. After the repairs are done, make sure a sealant is applied to help protect your new or repaired driveway.
Have HVAC Issues Checked
Checking your heating and cooling system is one of the best home improvement projects to complete before trying to sell your home. An old or neglected system can significantly delay your home from being sold. Contact one of the local HVAC services in your area to come to your home and perform an inspection. A technician will evaluate the HVAC components, clean the system, and change the filters. Have any needed repairs done before listing your house on the market.
Another one of the best home improvement projects you may want your HVAC technician to do is a new water heater installation. This is a project you shouldn’t do yourself unless you’re experienced because it can be dangerous. A new water heater can increase your home’s property value. A tankless water heater uses significantly less water and can increase your home’s energy efficiency. The HVAC technician can recommend water heaters that are ideal for your home.
Maintain Your Amenities
Many buyers are attracted to specific amenities that can make their living experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Some popular amenities that buyers look for include smart home technology, energy efficient appliances, and space for entertaining. Solar panels and walk in showers can greatly increase your property value. Under-cabinet lighting and a kitchen island can make a kitchen more inviting, and heated floors can be enticing.
Many buyers also look for a built-in laundry room and multi-functional spaces. A finished basement can be appealing as a family recreational room or multi-media room. If you have a pool, you may want to consider pool resurfacing to refresh its look. Add decor to beautify the area such as outdoor furniture, a fire pit, or an outdoor garden. Keep your amenities well maintained while your home is on the market.
Remodel Your Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling is another one of the best home improvement projects you should strongly consider. The amount of work you will do depends on your overall budget and the season. There are a few things you can do that aren’t too expensive. You can apply a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper and upgrade the flooring. Replace any worn or outdated fixtures and hardware on your kitchen cabinets.
Replacing the countertops can be a bit more expensive, depending on what materials you choose. If you do replace them, make sure to choose a durable and scratch-resistant material like granite. When replacing the countertops, replace the cabinets as well. You may also want to consider upgrading to energy efficient appliances if your budget allows. Consider adding or replacing your lighting to make your kitchen look more appealing.
Repair the Roof
When considering the best home improvement projects, don’t forget to overlook the condition of your roof. Your roof is integral for protecting against the elements. Roof leaks can cause extensive water damage and other costly repairs. You should have your roof inspected twice a year. Before listing your home, have a licensed roofing professional inspect your roof.
Have the roofer replace or repair any missing or damaged tiles. Replacing your roof typically isn’t necessary unless there are major repairs that need to be done. Make sure to get multiple bids from roofing contractors for any repair or replacement work. You may not want to make the repairs yourself as this can void the warranty on your roofing materials. Be sure to keep all receipts and paperwork to show to potential buyers when the work is finished.
Add or Restore a Bathroom
Adding a new bathroom or restoring an existing one is definitely one of the best home improvement projects that can add value to your home. You can spruce up an existing bathroom with some fresh paint, new lighting fixtures, and a replacement exhaust fan. Updating the bathroom tile to something that is more modern can also be beneficial. Consider installing an energy efficient toilet and showerhead. Upgrade the faucet and install new hardware on bathroom cabinets.
If you can afford the renovation, adding a bathroom near a bedroom can be highly attractive to new buyers. Another option is to upgrade a half bath into a full bath. You may need to hire a contractor as well as an electrician and plumber. Make sure to obtain any necessary permits. As with any other construction work, you should get multiple bids before signing any contracts.
Fix Damaged Flooring
When it comes to the best home improvement projects, fixing your flooring can be a great investment. Scratched up floors can be a huge turn off for potential buyers. There are tons of flooring options to choose from that are ideal for any budget. If you have carpets that are in good shape, you may want to consider giving them a deep clean before any real estate showings. If the carpeting is frayed or damaged beyond repair, you should replace it.
Many buyers don’t like the idea of carpeting, especially if they have allergies. You can replace the carpeting with hardwood flooring to attract these types of buyers. If you already have hardwood flooring, you can buff it yourself or hire a professional. Apply wood glue in the same color to seal any cracks. Once your floors are buffed, make sure to wax them to provide long lasting protection.
By tackling the best home improvement projects to sell your home, you can increase your home’s value and have it taken off the market faster. Before you get started, determine your overall budget and prioritize the work that needs to be done. Focus on the tasks that provide the most value and be willing to let go of the rest. Finishing these projects creates fewer potential problems with buyers and you can move on to enjoy your new home. Get started on your home improvement projects to get your home ready today!