Performing some DIY projects on your home can certainly increase its value, but these projects are not all created equal. The trick is to do only those things that will actually increase your home’s valuation without turning into a mere money and labor sink. According to DIY Network, the DIY projects that add value are kitchen and bath updates, siding replacement, interior painting, and landscaping improvements. The DIY projects that will afford much less ROI include converting a bedroom into an office or a garage into a family room, screening in an outdoor area, and doing a full kitchen remodel. We offer, then, these 6 quick ways to increase your home’s valuation through DIY projects in Garner.
1.Walls and Molding
A fairly easy and inexpensive way to increase your home’s valuation is to freshen up the interior walls. This doesn’t necessarily mean repainting every room. You just need to paint scratched, dingy walls in neutral tones to make it more appealing to buyers.
Another fairly easy and effective DIY project is installing crown molding to add character. And it’s easier than ever now because you can buy pre-painted molding at most home-improvement stores. All it takes is a little work, miter saw and coping saw, and hammer and finish nails.
2.Electrical
An easy cosmetic upgrade that will increase your home’s valuation is installing new switch plates, outlet covers, and some light fixtures. The materials are inexpensive, and you just need a screwdriver. Still, this easy DIY project can improve the looks of your home’s interior dramatically.
You can also install ceiling fans. Buyers like ceiling fans both for the looks and for the increased energy efficiency they afford. Just make sure the color and style of the ceiling fans complement your home’s color scheme and style.
3.Windows and Floors
Windows and window treatments are important as well. To easily increase your home’s valuation, then, replace those old plastic blinds and paper shades with plantation shutters, wooden blinds, and/or drapes. And, again, be sure to use neutral colors and tones.
If yours is an older home, then you may have attractive wood floors underneath all that worn, dirty carpet. And buyers love wood floors. All you have to do then is pull up the carpet and refinish the floors. It’s way cheaper than installing new flooring.
4.Bathrooms
Buyers love bathrooms. Anything you can do to improve the appearance of the bathrooms will increase your home’s valuation in Garner. Bathrooms are usually relatively small areas, so it’s not too big a job to install new tiles (or at least replace the grout) on the floors and around tubs and showers. And if any of the fixtures like toilets and sinks are terribly outdated or in bad shape, replace those as well. Bathroom improvements are known for a good ROI at sale time.
5.Kitchen
The most important area in your home from a buyer’s perspective is the kitchen. And the good news is that smaller DIY projects in the kitchen will increase your home’s valuation ROI-wise more than a major overhaul.
Consider refinishing cabinets, installing new countertops and then replacing only the hardware and fixtures. By simply replacing cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, you can give your kitchen a noticeable facelift. And it’s easy and inexpensive.
6.Exterior
And don’t forget the exterior of your home. That’s the first thing potential buyers will see when they pull up, thus creating that all-important first impression. A few of the things you can do on the outside to increase your home’s valuation include:
- Installing a new front entry door – In fact, a new front door will yield an impressive ROI and add character.
- Cleaning gutters – Buyers will actually look at gutters. And this project costs you nothing but time and a little effort.
- Powerwashing siding – Much cheaper than installing new siding, power washing will make your home’s exterior look nearly new again.
- Repainting soffit and fascia – If your home has siding or is brick, then there’s really not a lot of painting to do. Just repaint these trim areas for a fresh, clean look.
In addition to these things, you should spend some effort on the landscaping to increase curb appeal. Sometimes all it takes is some mowing, raking, and trimming. But you should also consider planting some greenery near the entry and along walks, as well as colorful perennial and annual flowers in the beds. At a minimum, be sure to lay down new, clean mulch in all the beds.
So the trick is figuring just which DIY projects will yield the greatest ROI and actually significantly increase your home’s valuation in Garner. When you’re ready to sell, your agent can help you select the projects that will increase the sale price without costing too much.