When selling your home, nothing increases the potential value you can get from a sale more than strategically updating and improving your property. Recent studies show that spending approximately 5% of the home’s current market value on modern upgrades can make a major difference when listing your home for sale.
What are these modern upgrades? What do you need to do to maximize the return on your investment? In this article, we’ll discuss seven home improvement ideas that you can use to increase the marketability and value of your home before putting it up for sale. With today’s low market interest rates and increasing demand for quality & sustainable housing, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these home improvement projects.
What are the Best Home Improvement or Renovations to enhance your property’s marketability?
Landscaping Projects
Creating a lush landscape, adding plants and trees.
Elevate your property’s aesthetics with a thriving landscape with vibrant plants and trees. Let nature paint your yard with splashes of color and breathe life into your space while providing a sense of seclusion or a raw partition from neighbors. You can create a dynamic garden with a well-thought-out layout, whether an encircling array of blooming shrubs or trim trees flaunting seasonal blossoms. Embrace native species for an enduring and thriving botanical sanctuary.
Installing decorative stone walkways or seating areas for entertaining outdoor spaces
Installing decorative stone walkways or seating areas is a wonderful way to create inviting, entertaining outdoor spaces. These features can provide an attractive focal point in the yard and serve as tangible boundaries between different areas of the property. Stone can be used in many creative ways – it could be used to build steps, line pathways, or garden beds, or even create intimate seating areas with just enough space for two people.
Adding lighting features for outdoor visibility and safety
Adding lighting features to your outdoor space is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. For visibility, lighting can brighten dark corners of the yard or highlight focal points like trees and gardens, making them more visible at night. Install lights along pathways to provide visibility when getting around the garden after dark. For safety, install motion-sensor lights that activate only when movement is detected to detect intruders or animals. These types of lights are also helpful for improving security around the home/garden perimeter. Additionally, strategically placed lighting can make an otherwise shady area more comfortable to sit and relax outdoors after dark.
Electrical Fixtures Upgrades
Replacing outdated light switches, outlets, wiring, and circuit breaker panels
Replacing outdated light switches, outlets, wiring, and circuit breaker panels is crucial for any home that wants to enjoy the security of updated electrical systems. Such updates are generally inexpensive compared to the amount of money and hassle required to repair an overload or short circuit caused by older electrical components. Newer, up-to-code wiring also can improve energy efficiency; with better insulation around cables and current pathways, these improvements can help reduce monthly electric bills by keeping energy from leaking out. Additionally, new light switches can provide more control over lighting levels in specific rooms than outdated models, which may only offer one setting for brightness.
Installing smart features such as wireless thermostats, automated window shades, security systems, and cameras
It provides a level of convenience and control that was only recently attainable. With various settings for each device, the user can personalize
their home environment to their exact specifications. Smart thermostats make it easy to maintain precise temperature levels without needing to adjust the settings manually; this is especially useful when you’re away from home. Automated window shades help keep rooms cool in the summer and warm in winter while providing style and privacy. Security systems and cameras can offer peace of mind when leaving your home unattended for short or long periods, providing alerts whenever motion is detected, or any irregularities occur. Ultimately, you must invest in smart technology to optimize your home environment for optimal comfort and safety.
Adding dimmers or outlet capability for lighting to enhance ambient settings
Adding dimmers or outlet capability for lighting to enhance ambient settings is a great way to create the perfect mood in any room. Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness and intensity of any light source, from gentle illumination for an evening family movie night to full-brightness lighting for a more energized atmosphere during a party. For those seeking even more flexibility, installing outlets with multiple light sources can quickly switch up any room’s look. Ambient lighting is especially useful with dimmers or outlets, as it provides additional control over the atmosphere – with specific colors and patterns, you can easily evoke different moods. Adding these features takes little time or money and can be extremely rewarding.
Plumbing Fixture Upgrades
Replacing outdated plumbing pipes and faucets with more efficient models
Replacing outdated plumbing fixtures and pipes with more efficient models is a great way to improve the comfort and convenience of your home. Newer pipes are designed to last longer, as they’re made with material more resistant to wear and tear. Updated faucets provide more precise control over water pressure, temperature, and usage time, helping you save money on your monthly utility bills. Additionally, modern faucets have safety features such as anti-scald technology – this helps to prevent burns due to sudden changes in temperature caused by fluctuating water pressure. Replacing old pipes and fixtures can make life easier and increase the resale value of any property. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why outdated upgrading plumbing an excellent investment for any homeowner is. 
Adding motion sensors to faucets to save water
Adding motion sensors to faucets is a great way to save water and money. Motion sensors detect movement near the sink, automatically turning the tap on and off when needed. It not only helps conserve water, as there’s no need to leave it running for extended periods, but it also saves energy for heating hot water. Installing motion sensor faucets can also reduce the spread of germs by decreasing the amount of contact with dirty surfaces. Plus, they provide a hands-free experience, allowing for greater convenience in busy environments like restaurants, offices, or public restrooms. Adding motion sensor technology to your existing plumbing fixtures is an easy and affordable way to make your home or business more efficient.
Upgrading living spaces and Interior Design
Updating interior paint color schemes throughout the house
Updating interior paint color schemes throughout the house is a great way to add personality and warmth to your home. Introducing new colors creates depth in each room, giving them a new look and feel. Whether you opt for bright colors that make a bold statement or more subtle shades that bring out the natural light, updating interior paint colors can make all the difference. Bright colors add vibrancy and energy to any space, while softer shades create a sense of calmness and relaxation. Accent walls also add dimension and character, making building a unique look for every room easier. With so many options available when choosing your color scheme, updating the paint inside your home can be fun and rewarding.
Adding decorative mirrors or wall art pieces to living rooms/bedrooms
Adding decorative mirrors or wall art pieces to living rooms and bedrooms is an easy way to spruce up the space instantly. Mirrors can make small rooms appear larger, and help reflect natural light, while artwork adds a personal touch and helps make the room look more inviting. For example, hanging a large mirror in the living room can provide interesting reflections of nearby furniture and decorations, creating an eye-catching display. On the other hand, adding artwork on the walls can give any room a unique vibe, allowing you to express your style and personality. Combining decorative mirrors and wall art pieces is an easy way to transform the look of any living area or bedroom. This affordable and simple upgrade will brighten up any interior.
Installing new ceiling fixtures or upgraded kitchen cabinets/counters
Installing new ceiling fixtures or upgrading kitchen cabinets and counters is a great way to add value and style to any home. New energy-efficient ceiling fixtures can help brighten the space while improving its aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, upgraded kitchen cabinets and counters will increase storage capacity and provide a modern look that can enhance the room’s overall ambiance. Creating a unique statement that reflects your sense of style is possible with the right combination of materials, colors, and finishes. The best part is that these upgrades don’t have to be expensive—plenty of affordable options are available today.
Replacing heating/cooling systems with more energy-efficient models
Replacing heating and cooling systems with more energy-efficient models can help save money on electricity bills while also improving the overall comfort of your home. Newer heating and cooling systems are much more efficient than older models, using less energy to keep your home at a consistent temperature. Additionally, they can provide better air quality by filtering out airborne pollutants and allergens. Updated cooling systems are also quieter, so you won’t have to put up with any loud noises or vibrations from the unit. Investing in new heating and cooling systems will make for a much more comfortable and efficient living experience—and could lead to big savings in the long run.
Adding insulation in attics or crawlspaces
Adding insulation in attics or crawlspaces is a great way to strengthen the energy efficiency of any home. Insulation helps keep conditioned air inside the house, so your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard to maintain temperatures. Additionally, well-insulated attics and crawlspaces can block out damaging ultraviolet light, reducing the potential for damage from weather elements. Plus, it’s possible to make a big difference in your monthly utility bills with the right insulation. Whether you choose foam board insulation or blown-in fiberglass, adding insulation is an easy project that will pay off over time.
Structural Component Upgrades
Assessing the overall structure of the foundation for signs of cracking/settling
Assessing the overall structure of a foundation for signs of cracking and settling is an important part of keeping your home safe. Cracks, shifts, and other problems in the foundation can lead to big problems down the line. It’s important to look for signs such as uneven floors, cracks in walls or flooring, and gaps between doors and windows. It’s a good idea to check out any basement or crawlspace areas since these are especially prone to be affected by shifting foundations. Regular assessments should be conducted to ensure your home remains safe and sound.
Inspecting gable ends for rotting wood or other damage from exposure to elements.
Inspecting gable ends for signs of damage is an important step in maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Gable ends are usually more exposed to the elements, so that they can be vulnerable to rotting wood or other deterioration from exposure. Regularly inspecting your gable ends for any signs of damage is essential to identify and address problems before they worsen. Additionally, paying attention to any water stains or discoloration near the roof is important since this could indicate moisture issues that must be addressed. Keeping a close eye on your gable ends is key for preserving the long-term safety of your home.
Repairing rotted wood in windowsills, door frames, floorboards, etc.
Repairing rotted wood in windowsills, door frames, floorboards, and other home areas is necessary for keeping your home safe. Rotting wood can cause structural weakness and even lead to water damage if left unchecked. As soon as you detect any signs of rot, such as soft spots or discoloration in the wood, it would help if you fix it or replace the affected area entirely. Doing this can help prevent more extensive damage within your home and ensure your living space remains safe and secure for years.
Improving air circulations by replacing old ventilation systems with modern solutions
Replacing old ventilation systems with modern solutions is a great way to improve air circulation within your home. Not only can updated ventilation systems help reduce excess moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew, but they can also ensure that fresh air is properly circulated throughout your living space. In addition, modern ventilation systems are designed to be more energy efficient than their older counterparts, so replacing old ones with new ones is an effective way to save money in the long run. Investing in modern ventilation systems is an excellent step towards creating a healthier, more comfortable home atmosphere.
All in all, home improvement projects can be a great way to add value to your property. Whether investing in a new paint job, repairing rotted wood, or replacing outdated ventilation systems with modern solutions, taking on such projects can help increase the appeal and marketability of your home. Not only will these improvements make it easier for potential buyers to see the value in your property, but they can also completely transform its look and feel, making it a more attractive place to live and show off.
