Best Home Improvements To Make

If you are remodeling your home, for yourself, or with the thought of resale in mind, making the right home improvements, can add value to the price of your home.

Approach home remodeling projects on an “as needed’ basis. Some homes won’t require any remodeling, but may need something as simple as a coat of fresh paint either inside and/or outside.

If your home is older, the following are possibly some of the best home improvements you can make, to receive the biggest return on your money.

1) Repair or replace the roof

2) Repair, replace or repaint the siding

Kitchen remodeling often gives you a good return on your money. Stick with a budget. Overruns are easy to encounter.

3) Replace or repaint the kitchen cabinets. Painting is the least expensive option, followed by replacing the doors and drawer fronts. Home improvement stores offer many choices for new cabinets. Obviously, custom cabinetry will be the most expensive option.

4) Replace the kitchen counter top. Laminates are the least expensive. Other alternatives include concrete, granite, butcher block, tile, solid surfacing, glass, plus many other stone products.

5) Replace kitchen appliances. Currently stainless steel is popular, however, using white appliances provides for a clean look. Colors can”date” your kitchen. Choose carefully. Look for appliances with the energy star label.

6) Replace kitchen flooring. Vinyl is the least expensive. Other options include hardwood or tile.

7) Perform either a major or minor remodel to the bathroom(s)

Homes with more than one bathroom are more desirable.

8.) Repaint, all rooms, as needed.

Keep in mind, if a buyer is looking at a new home, it will have a coat of fresh paint. Painting is an inexpensive way to update a room, and give it a clean look. Consider painting rooms that need freshing up, or rooms that are not painted in neutral colors, especially if you are thinking of selling your home.

Be aware, that following the current trends in major remodeling projects, can be risky. Trends can “date” a home. Neutral colors will appeal to most buyers. If you like the trendy colors, keep it to your decorating items…i.e. bedroom comforters, bathroom towels, rugs and/or window treatments, etc. These are items you can easily, and inexpensively change, in the event you decide to sell your home.

Anytime you are doing a remodel or making improvements to your home, take time to do research, and find out what buyers are currently looking for in a home.

Even though you may not be thinking of selling your home anytime soon, try to take on your projects by keeping “resale” in mind. We never know where life will take us, therefore, it is wise to spend those remodeling dollars on timeless projects.

When contemplating a remodeling project, prior to selling your home, consider the current real estate market. Will your remodeling project reap extra dollars for you, or will it only help you to sell your home faster. In a slow real estate market, the competition is great. Be an informed seller. Talk to a real estate agent. You may even consider getting a home inspection, and avoid “surprises”. Do research online.

To read more about home improvements that can add value to your home, HGTV has a great article. Here’s a link to the first part of it: 20 Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Want to know how to “stage” your home for potential buyers? Read my previous article, titled: How To Stage A Home For Sale

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September 26, 2007 | Filed Under Archives, At Home, Home Improvement, Projects, Selling A Home

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10 Responses to “Best Home Improvements To Make”

wayne | laying hardwood floors on March 18th, 2008 5:22 pm

There are many ways inwhich to add value to your house and some don’t cost an arm and a leg. One way is to just change out your old light fixtures and that will give each room a new and improved look.
Jack on August 8th, 2008 7:28 am

I agree with the roof statement. It’s a pretty major job that could have great results for your house’s value.
home construction maryland on August 26th, 2008 6:19 pm

Remodeling is really one hell of work, you will definitely need a reliable contractor for every project…
custom house contractor on August 26th, 2008 6:33 pm

A reliable contractor is really badly needed in every construction projects you for your homes. Better hand over everything to professionals.
interior decorator on August 26th, 2008 7:20 pm

the roof is the key to improve your home…go with that first
marble granite suppliers on August 27th, 2008 8:02 pm

good post! i had problems with my floor design in the past, and to solve it i sought professional help at once. everything turned out fine. thanks to my contractor.
Did You Pick Your Blog Niche Or Did It Pick You | Blogging Without A Blog on October 15th, 2008 10:01 pm

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Barbara Swafford on October 22nd, 2008 2:25 pm

Hi interior decorator: The roof is VERY important. Plus expensive to replace.
Barbara Swafford on October 22nd, 2008 2:26 pm

Hi custom house contractor: Isn’t that the truth. The professionals usually know best. Of course we need to do our homework and ask for referrals, as well.
Barbara Swafford on October 22nd, 2008 2:32 pm

Hi Wayne - Great idea. Light fixtures are fairly inexpensive, too.

Hi Jack - Yes, the roof is very important

Hi Home - Thumbs up to good contractors.

Hi Custom - Another vote for hiring the professionals

Hi Marble - It does pay to hire a professional, doesn’t it?