Increasing Home Value: The Ultimate Checklist

There are many things about your house that you cannot change, such as the location and age. However, there are numerous things you can do to help your home appraise and sell for top dollar. Here is the ultimate checklist for increasing home value:

Indoor Investments

If you have the time and resources, there are many projects worth tackling inside your home. Small changes can make a very big difference when it comes to increasing home value. See if you can make improvements in these areas:

• Flooring: New carpeting or hardwood flooring can help you sell your home for more. If your carpets do not need to be replaced, then simply make sure it is properly maintained. Have them professionally cleaned on a semi-regular basis. For hardwood and tile floors, repair scratches or refinish wood flooring and replace or regrout tiles as needed.
• Enhance Storage Space: Is it possible to expand an existing closet or create a small, built-in bookshelf between wall studs? Other ideas to increase useable space include putting in extra shelves, hooks, or storage systems.
• Make the Attic Usable: Many homeowners will never fully utilize their attic space, but are likely to pay a little more for the option. After inspecting the flooring and exposed beams, consider creating a small storage area. You should also have your attic tested for air leaks and drafts as well as improve the ventilation system.
• Kitchen Renovations: Kitchens can be a huge selling point, so make sure that yours feels airy and spacious even if it is not very large. Consider replacing old cabinetry and worn countertops. Upgrade the available cabinet space with extra shelves, lazy susans, or pullout storage mechanisms. Finally, update cabinet knobs and replace tarnished or outdated faucets and fixtures.

Outdoor Projects with Curb Appeal Tips

How your house appears from the street has a lot to do with its perceived value. Plus, there are many projects and curb appeal tips that can help with dramatically increasing home value.

• Landscaping: Maintain a trimmed lawn with no overgrown bushes or low-hanging branches. Consider landscaping upgrades like building a retaining wall for your flowerbed, replacing your walkway with pavers or natural stone, and putting in a backyard patio or garden path.
• Visual Appeal: Continue to enhance your property’s aesthetic by adding special touches to the existing architectural style of your home. Repaint the front door and siding if needed, and consider adding shutters or extra trim. Add large urns or planters to the porch, which you could stencil-paint.
• Enhance the Entryway: If your front entrance does not have much definition or character, add a pergola, trellis, or arbor. Replace any outdated or tarnished lights, fixtures, and door locks.

These curb appeal tips will help your home look its best while boosting its market value.