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Whether you’re putting your home on the market or planning to sell down the road, the right home improvements have the power to boost your home’s value. Of course, big home improvement projects add up fast, but you don’t have to spend big bucks or dive into a complete kitchen remodel to improve your home, keep up with your neighbors and maximize the value of your home. Here are five home improvement projects you may want to consider, especially if you’ll be selling your home within the year.
1 – Energy Efficiency Insulation
It doesn’t cost much to update your home to save on energy costs, and it increases your home’s appeal to buyers. For a couple hundred dollars you can put extra insulation in your attic, which will save you money on your utility bills immediately. Other simple projects that boost energy efficiency include sealing cracks, adding a programmable thermostat or replacing the old water heater with a high-efficiency hot water heater.
2 – Add New Lighting Fixtures
Old lighting fixtures around the home can be eyesores, but this is an easy fix. Simply updating the lighting fixtures throughout your home with eye-catching modern ceiling fans, chandeliers, sconces and other fixtures can change the look without spending a lot of money. While you’re at it, upgrade to energy efficient light bulbs, too.
3 – Reinvent a Room
Additional living spaces or flex rooms are really appealing to home buyers. One option is to refinish a basement and turn it into a bonus room, an additional apartment, game room or family room. However, refinishing a basement can run between $15,000 to $30,000. If you don’t want to spend the big bucks on a project that large, another option is to create your own flex room. Take a bedroom, repaint it, change the flooring and leave it as a blank canvas that can be used as an office, exercise room, game room, play room or study room.
4 – Update Fixtures
Beyond your lighting fixtures, a complete update on fixtures throughout the home can make the whole place look more attractive and boost value. Think replacing switch plates, doorknobs, outlet covers and even curtain rods. Instead of going with plastic switch plates and outlets, considering swapping out to metal. If you go with colors, choose options that will appeal to anyone.
5 – Eliminate Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings can date and devalue your house, and they may make potential buyers pass on your home. With the proper equipment, it’s possible to remove popcorn ceilings on your own. However, if you own an older home, have a professional check out the ceiling to ensure it doesn’t contain asbestos. If it does, you’ll need to have it professionally removed.
You don’t have to go full-scale remodel to boost your home’s value. Pick a couple easy, cost-effective home improvement projects and increase your home’s value without expensive remodels or major transformations.