By Brittany Cotton
Suppose you are planning to remodel your home in the near future. In that case, it is important to consider what upgrades will increase the value of your home and offer a positive return on investment. Several areas of a home can be improved to add value. Here are 6 common home upgrades that are worth the investment for both you and potential buyers.
1. Refinish a Basement
If you are fortunate enough to have a dry unfinished basement with an 8-foot ceiling, converting that space into an additional livable floor area is an excellent home improvement. This area can be used as a child’s playroom, a home office, or a fitness room. Home offices are especially beneficial in our current climate of working remotely. If the basement has large windows or opens to the outside, this space can be an extra bedroom. If that is the case, consider adding a small bathroom to the space.
2. Renovate the Kitchen
Kitchen remodels are trending right now with all the advances in appliances, fixtures, and finishes. Upgrading the cabinets and replacing the countertops for a more sleek and modern appearance is appealing and practical. Swapping out appliances and plumbing fixtures for state-of-the-art smart appliances and faucets is what potential home buyers are looking for.
3. Update Bathrooms
Outdated bathrooms can always benefit from a fresh clean look. Consider replacing vanities, finishes, and fixtures. The newer vanities are well-constructed to prevent damage from humidity. Finishes like porcelain tile and mildew-resistant paint will provide easy-to-clean surfaces and a sanitary experience. Select a professional plumber who has access to the most current fixtures and faucets available. You might want to remove that old tub and transform the space with an accessible shower so you or the next homeowner can safely age in place. This is a definite plus for attracting a more diverse community of prospective buyers.
4. Install a Water Filtration System
A whole-house water filtration system is one of the best investments when it comes to home improvements. It doesn’t cost very much at the outset. Yet, it will bring a good return on investment while improving the overall health of you and your family. You also won’t be spending money on water bottles anymore or adding waste to landfills. If you have hard water, have your plumber install a water softener for better-tasting water and cleaner dishes and clothing.
5. Go Tankless
You rely on hot water for bathing, cleaning, and doing laundry. Outdated hot water tanks take up space and generally don’t last beyond 10 years. Sometimes an existing water heater is too small for your needs and you run out of hot water. That can be very frustrating. They also pose a potential flooding threat if they leak or break. A tankless water heater will ensure you consistently have hot running water. These units are cost-effective and energy efficient.
6. Add Curb Appeal
If you intend to attract future buyers, maintaining the exterior of your home is key. Things you can do to improve the value include:
- Repainting the house
- Replacing older windows and doors with energy-efficient ones
- Installing LED security and landscape lighting
- Planting and maintaining gardens and lawns
- Putting in a landscaping sprinkler system that keeps the plantings lush
Remember that the first impression of your home is the exterior and the grounds. Putting a little cash toward that will go a long way with your neighbors and future buyers.
Brittany Cotton is a writer who focuses on health, wellness, and a variety of other topics. In her free time, you can find her reading, trying new recipes, or playing with her dog.