Want a Knockout Home?
Invest in cost-effective home improvements that pack a punch
Even if you’re not currently looking to sell, it’s worth considering a few home improvements. Strategic and low-cost upgrades can make your home more enjoyable for you in the near term. And, in the long term, easy home improvements add exponential value to help you maximize your return when you do sell.
The trick is to focus on making changes that give you the most impact for the least expense. Here are home improvements that will help increase your home’s value without breaking the bank.
1. Give It A Fresh Coat
The biggest bang for your buck is painting the interior of your home. It gives the entire house a fresh, clean look. Take it to the street and consider painting the exterior. Painting your home’s facade gives it instant and lasting curb appeal. If you’re an avid DIY-er, painting is also easy to do yourself.
2. Elevate Your Kitchen
When it comes to big impact for your kitchen, refresh don’t remodel. Modernize it, and make cosmetic and stylish upgrades like painting cabinets, replacing flooring, updating appliances, installing new countertops and backsplash tile, or adding a new sink and faucet. These upgrades will make your kitchen five-star cuisine-worthy on a two-star take-out budget.
3. Brighten Up the Bathroom
Making basic upgrades to your bathroom can add value to your home with very little expense. Replace your vanity to add style and storage; there are functional and affordable options of all types. Upgrade your lighting fixtures or splurge a little on a sleek new mirror. Even re-tiling or replacing the flooring can be a cost-effective upgrade with big impact. And, for the quickest refresh of all, refinish the bathtub or shower for instant shine; Miracle Method refinishing, for example, is significantly cheaper than replacing your existing tub and tile.
4. Treat Your Windows Right
Update your outlook with new window fixtures. Adding blinds can add functionality and style to your windows. For a bigger spend, but with bigger impact, replace the windows to improve their look and overall energy-efficiency.
5. Add Sparkle to Your Deck
If you have a deck, simply power washing and sealing it can enhance your outdoor living space, and help it last longer. For even more impact, stain or paint the deck for a clean, fresh finish that lasts.
6. Focus on Floors
Your floors take a beating and deserve a little TLC. If you’ve got carpeting, treat it to a professional cleaning, or consider replacing it with new carpet. To add more value to your home, upgrade to hardwood floors. If you’re already a hardwood kinda house, give them a sanding and finish and they’ll look, and feel, like new.
7. Get a Green Thumb
If you’ve got outdoor space, get your hands dirty. Adding new plantings with colors that pop and different textures can transform your yard. Even just weeding regularly is a no-cost way to keep your garden looking good. Consider planting perennials and drought-tolerant options for easy maintenance.
Lacking in the green thumb department? Consider hiring a landscape service for a one-time upgrade or ongoing maintenance.
8. Contain Yourself
Adding custom closets or storage is a cost-effective upgrade with the added perk of making your life a little easier. A lot of San Francisco’s charming older homes (ah, those gorgeous Victorians!) simply aren’t designed for modern living. Adding the convenience of custom storage for clothing or linens is a bonus for you and for your future home sale.
