If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you’ve got plenty of company.
Zillow is predicting strong growth in home sales, as increased availability of the COVID-19 vaccine has people feeling optimistic. With demand increasing, more sellers are taking the plunge and putting that “For Sale” sign out in the yard.
As competition increases, how can you make sure your home stands out from the crowd? Here’s a summary of home improvement projects that can increase home value and generate interest among would-be buyers.
Kitchen Improvements
Real estate agents note that a complete kitchen renovation or even smaller upgrades will appeal to buyers in the current market.
With families spending more time cooking and sharing meals together, a kitchen enlargement helps everyone feel less cramped. Here are some other great ways to get your kitchen ready to impress:
- Updated cabinets
- New quartz countertops
- Stylish lighting fixtures to illuminate work and dining areas
- Removing outdated wallpaper
- Adding a fresh coat of paint to cabinets, walls and trim
- Energy-efficient, stainless steel appliances
Bathroom Improvements
Bathroom projects with a good return on investment include universal design modifications and midrange bathroom remodels, according to Remodeling Magazine’s most recent Cost vs. Value Report.
An extra bathroom is a great option for adding convenience and functionality to your home. If time and space are limited, there are many other elements that perk up an outdated space:
- Popular tile varieties like subway
- Double sinks
- Large tubs
- Updated fixtures
- New vanities
In addition, neutral tile colors like white or light gray will help your bathroom appeal to the widest range of prospective buyers.
Outdoor Improvements
With people getting tired of being cooped up, homebuyers are placing a premium on outdoor living spaces.
A new deck, porch or patio provides a comfortable place for entertaining and boosts aesthetic appeal. Installing a fence around the perimeter adds a sense of privacy and security. Other great amenities include updated lighting, ceiling fans in covered areas and a fire pit or fireplace.
And while we’re on the subject of outdoor areas, don’t forget about enhancing curb appeal. Manufactured stone veneer, or vinyl or fiber-cement siding offer a good return when it’s time to sell. Replacing your entry door, garage door and windows are also good investments.
Maximizing Usable Space
Other home improvements can reflect the ways in which people’s lifestyles are evolving. These might include adding more square footage or using existing space more effectively.
Depending on the size and layout of your lot, a home extension gives you a wide range of options. An extra bedroom-bathroom suite, for example, offers more privacy and convenience for homebuyers with larger families.
An unfinished basement can also be transformed into a bedroom suite, home office or playroom. Removing a wall between the foyer and dining room creates a more impressive, spacious entry without changing the overall square footage.
Other Nice Extras
If you’re looking for a few more ways to give your home an edge in a competitive market, here are a few more details homebuyers will love.
- New flooring is an ideal choice for almost any room that could use a facelift. Great options include classic natural wood or durable, scratch-resistant luxury vinyl.
- Energy efficiency is another must with many homebuyers. Energy efficient windows and appliances, LED lighting and solar panels are good options here.
- Installing a new furnace, water heater and roofing will also help future buyers save on both utilities and repairs.
- Finally, don’t forget about those seemingly small repairs that are easy to ignore but could be a red flag for buyers. These include things like replacing cracked windows, patching holes in the wall and fixing doors that don’t open or shut properly.
If you need to remodel your home before putting it up for sale, contact Mid-City Lumber today. We offer a wide assortment of quality materials and tools to get the job done right. Our friendly building experts can help you make the right choices to make your project a success.