If you think taking on a massive renovation project is the only way to add value to your home, you might be pleasantly surprised to know that there are many low-cost, DIY home improvement projects you can make to your home to increase its worth exponentially. Whether you are preparing to put your home on the market soon, or you are thinking about the value of your home well into the future, sometimes small changes can have a big impact on your bottom line.
8 Easy DIY Home Improvement Projects That Will Increase the Value of Your Home
1. Give It a Fresh Coat
A few cans of neutral-colored paint and a long weekend may be all you need to give your home the clean and modern look buyers are seeking. As one of the most cost-effective DIY home improvement you can make, painting the interior of your house can also be one of the most dramatic.
2. Address Your Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything when it comes to selling your home, and the exterior of your house is the very first thing potential buyers will see. Cleaning up the landscaping, painting or refinishing the front door, even putting down a fresh welcome mat are easy fixes that can go a long way towards boosting your home’s appeal. If repainting the exterior isn’t in your DIY wheelhouse (or your budget), a good power washing can be the next best thing.
3. Lighten Up
You don’t have to take on a difficult electrical project to help potential buyers see the light–removing outdated or unappealing light fixtures in favor of more modern ones can make a world of difference. Bonus move: removing old curtains and window treatments and clearing off skylights won’t cost a thing, and will let the natural light shine in.
4. Add Storage Space
Ample closet space tops most homebuyers’ wish lists—it seems no one has enough room to stash their stuff! Boost your home’s perceived value (and get yourself organized in the process) by clearing out the closets around your house. Improve on their storage capacity by installing shelving systems for the custom look and feel that buyers crave.
5. Install Crown Molding and Wood Trim
Add character and luxurious detail by taking on this easier-than-you’d expect DIY home improvement. Purchasing wood trim at your local home improvement store (they’ll even cut it for you) and attaching it to the wall with a nail gun makes for a relatively affordable project that yields an impressive return on investment.
6. Refresh the Bathroom
If overhauling a dated bathroom is not in the budget, there are smaller-scale improvements you can make on your own to increase its appeal. Replace outdated and mismatched fixtures and knobs or pulls for newer, sleeker ones to create a more uniform look. Bathroom looking a little rough around the edges? Deep cleaning or re-doing the grout can drastically improve the aesthetics of your space.
7. Breath New Life Into Older Kitchen Cabinets
You can update the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank by painting or re-staining your existing cabinetry. Be sure to give them a thorough cleaning first, and be mindful of choosing a neutral color that is most likely to appeal to the widest audience. Install new hardware to complete the transformation.
8. Set the Stage for Selling
A well-staged home can dramatically increase the offer a potential buyer may make on it—being able to envision themselves or their family in your space allows the buyer to become emotionally connected to it. Taking a weekend to clear out clutter, remove personal items like photographs and mementos and arranging (and sometimes removing) furniture to create an optimal space can be the most effective DIY home improvement project of all.
Increase the value of your home without breaking the bank.
Whether you are looking to maximize the value of your home for an upcoming sale or for yourself and your family to enjoy well into the future, there are many easy and cost-effective DIY home improvements you can make all on your own.
