We’ve all seen some pretty shoddy renovation work that left us wondering what the homeowner was thinking. From cutting costs that result in misaligned drawers to poor design strategy that might get you on a Buzzfeed list of bad Zillow listings, anyone that’s perused the market has come across these questionable renovation choices. While these choices may be perfect for the homeowner, trouble may arise when it is time to sell. For this reason it is important to know what kinds of renovations can increase the value of your home and prevent making mistakes in the process with this handy list.
If you want to start somewhere, start here: the area of your home where people want to feel calm and relaxed. A poorly constructed sink or water stains on the wall can be a dealbreaker for many people. This doesn’t necessarily mean the entire bathroom needs to be redone but if there is anything that needs sprucing up, such as replacing a mirror, the lights, or installing a new vanity, it should be a no-brainer.
The last thing people want to have to do when purchasing a home is having to spend more money replacing old appliances that are falling apart due to old age. Starting with functionality is the best step as the kitchen is quite similar to a bathroom, being the part of the house where people require it to serve a utilitarian purpose. This doesn’t mean it can’t also look appealing with a fresh backsplash and a modern stove.
Oftentimes, a backyard can be easily neglected if it’s not a place one typically spends a lot of time. However, if you have the outdoor space, don’t let it get overgrown with weeds. Depending on your budget, consider installing a deck or some sort of patio to create a whole new space that elevates your home. This also includes fixing any broken fencing and doing some basic gardening work. Even if a nice backyard is not on a potential buyer’s list of desires, it is something they will appreciate and, in turn, up the value of your home.
Last but not least, don’t overlook the little things. This includes replacing any broken blinds, making sure the cable outlets are not painted over, and ensuring all the locks are functioning. What may not be important to you, may be important to any potential buyers.
To conclude, this list is simply a guide and it is always crucial to work within your budget and make sure proper planning is conducted before starting any big projects. If needed, always consult a professional who will be able to assist with not just the designing and execution, but planning and budgeting as well. In the end, this is your home and its functionality should be just as prioritized as its value.