While home renovations are likely to add value to your home, when you don’t have a lot of time or money to do a remodel or take on a big project, there are plenty of simple home projects that can do the trick. Then the next time you research to answer that all-important question, “What is my home worth?” you’re likely to be much happier with the answer.
Upgrade Your Bathroom
A recent study found that master bathrooms are one of the most expensive rooms in a house to renovate, behind only kitchens. But, you don’t have to do a total renovation to make a difference.
If you have blah, outdated fixtures, it can really take away from the look and feel of your bathroom. Give it a quick refresh by upgrading fixtures like a towel rod, faucet, knobs, and pulls. Change up accessories, perhaps a new shower curtain, pretty set up towels, soap dish, and the like. Installing a spa-style chrome shower adds a luxurious touch for a cheap price, usually under $10.
Add Crown Molding
Crown molding can add character to any room, and it’s surprisingly easy to install. You can buy it from a hardware or home improvement store and cut it to the size that fits or have the store cut it for you. Then all you have to do is attach it to the top of the walls using a nail gun. Some strips come already painted, making it even easier.
While you need the right tools, this is an inexpensive project to take on yourself while enhancing your home’s interior, therefore, boosting value.
Change the Window Treatments
If your house had cheap-looking paper shades, vertical plastic blinds, or horizontal aluminum blinds when you moved in, that could have a negative impact on home value. Consider changing them out, installing wooden blinds, plantation shutters, or drapes instead.
If you plan to sell, be sure to choose neutral options rather than something bold that might showcase your personality but not a potential buyer’s.
Get Rid of Old Carpet and Restore Hardwood Floors
If you have an older home with carpet, it probably has hardwood floors hidden underneath. Ever noticed your floor squeak? That’s a sign of wood flooring. If you’re not sure, you can pull up a little of the carpet in a hidden corner to check. Any luck? It’s much cheaper to restore them to their original splendor than to install brand new hardwood floors from scratch.
Refinish or Paint Kitchen Cabinets
You can totally transform the look of a kitchen by painting or staining the cabinets. It is time-consuming but worth it. It’s best accomplished by removing your cabinets from the wall first. You’ll need to remove all the hardware and then sand away the existing finish before applying paint or stain.
Install Ceiling Fans
The more energy-efficient your home is, the greater the value as today’s buyers are looking for more environmentally homes and lower utility bills. That makes ceiling fans a great addition as they can reduce the cost of air conditioning by providing a nice breeze. They also lower heating costs by circulating warm air away from the ceiling.
A basic fan is only about $50, and you can get a more attractive one for under $200. However, if there isn’t wiring from overhead lighting where you’d like to install one or more, you might need to hire an electrician, which will add to the cost.
