How to Choose the Best Renovations for Resale
When you think of remodeling your home, it’s hard to narrow down which renovations and updates will bring the highest resale value. These are the top four rooms you should focus on for renovation, whether you plan to live in your home for a few years or forever.
Refresh the Master Bedroom
Many homes today feature a large master suite, so potential buyers will definitely be keeping an eye out for this. Start by replacing all the old lighting fixtures in the room with something new and modern.
Then, tear out any existing carpet and refinish your old floors–hardwood is always hot. Install new windows if yours are over five years old. This will help bring in more attractive natural light and will cut future heating and cooling costs, both of which are very appealing.
You should also plan to update your window treatments, bedding, and furniture. If there’s extra space, use it to create a reading nook with a comfortable chair, ottoman, and side table. Potential buyers will love to envision all the relaxing time they can spend in this room. Other trending amenities include walk-in closets, his-and-her bathrooms, and smart-home functionality.
Improve the Bathroom
A bathroom remodel will always be one of the top investments you can make in your home. No matter your budget, whether big or small, bathroom improvements can increase the resale value of your home overall.
Start at the bottom by replacing old floors with new tiles in ceramic or stone. Be sure to purchase some extra in case you break any during installation or in the future. If your vanity is in good condition, freshen it up by sanding and repainting it a neutral color. If not, install a new pedestal sink–this will make the room look larger.
Replace any old light fixtures to brighten up the space and create an illusion of more space. Changing out the old hardware and faucet is also a cost-effective way to update the room. If your budget allows, replace the tub and toilet.
Renovate the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of any home, so you’ll want to make this room a top priority when remodeling. Plan the changes and updates according to your budget and know that even small tweaks can make a big difference. Start by updating all of the hardware and applying a fresh coat of paint.
Opt for long, sleek hardware and neutral colors like creams, whites, and grays to create a modern feel. You could also paint your existing kitchen cabinets if it’s not in your budget to replace them with shaker-style wood panels.
Next, make sure the lighting in the room is bright so that your renovations look their best. Add new countertops, an updated tile backsplash, and install new environmentally-friendly appliances. If your budget allows, keep in mind that redoing the floor plan to ensure maximum space is utilized will help make your kitchen more enticing for potential buyers.
Kitchens feel bigger when there are few obstacles to navigate, so remove over-counter cabinets and make your countertops practical by creating an eating bar. An eat-in kitchen is even better if you can make the space. Be sure to keep decorations to a minimum when showing off your home so viewers can imagine themselves cooking, eating, and enjoying this room for themselves.
The Living Room
The living room is one of the most economical rooms you can update in your house, as it typically is one of the lowest in costs. There is no plumbing, countertops, or cabinets to think about when working within the space, which is big money-saver. Enhance the appearance of the room by creating a main focal point in the room such as a fireplace, large window, a feature wall, an original piece of artwork, or a bookshelf.
Aesthetics are everything in this space since it’s where a family would spend lots of time relaxing in and entertaining. Repaint the room in a neutral color that will allow you to decorate with more bold accents and furniture. You’ll need at least one comfortable couch and a couple of armchairs, as well as a center table, side tables, and decorative touches such as colorful coffee table books.
Consider the flooring as well and decide the purpose of the room before installing something new. Hardwood floor is more durable against wear-and-tear, however, carpet may be more comfortable for children playing. This will play a critical role in tying the entire space together in an eye-pleasing way. And as a final touch, replace your old window treatments. Create an illusion of great height by positioning them higher than the window on the wall.
DIY? Only at Your Own Risk
If you plan to renovate on your own, intentions aren’t everything. Though DIY is possible, consider the amount of time it will take to get the process right. If you’re renovating to resell or renovating to improve your own home, you want those improvements to last. Hire a reputable contractor, especially for projects that include plumbing, wiring, or infrastructural changes.
– Written by, Sam Casteris is an aspiring writer who
loves writing about all things real estate and travel.
You can check out her work on Contently.
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