Home selling is more than just placing a “For Sale” sign on your front lawn or clicking a few photos for an online listing. It is a process that requires careful planning, preparation, and, often, some investment. One of the best ways to increase the value of your home and attract potential buyers is by making strategic renovations.
You may wonder, “I’m already selling my property. Why should I invest more money into it?” It’s a valid concern, but most buyers are too picky to settle for an “upper-fixer.” And if you don’t meet buyers’ expectations, you may find yourself making deep price cuts or struggling to sell your home sitting on the market for months.
However, don’t start tearing down walls or renovating the entire house because not all renovations yield the best return on investment.
If you need some genius inspiration, consider these seven renovations to fetch best offers.
1.Roof Replacement
Forget those fancy frills like marble countertops or gold-plated faucets. What gets a buyer’s attention is a sturdy, weather-resistant roof. After all, who wants to spend thousands of dollars on a house only to realize that the crown of their investment is leaking? Or worse, falling apart?
So, a freshly installed roof can be a great selling point. But, since it’s a no-DIY job, hire a professional roofing contractor to do the work, like Dr. Roof Inc. It is a leading roofing company offering quality installations, flexible financing options, and protective warranties.
2.Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Cabinets may be the last thing on your mind when selling your home. However, buyers want a kitchen ready for their cooking needs. Outdated cabinets give the impression of an old house with little storage space, making cabinet refacing such a clever investment. It covers cosmetic wear and tear while giving your kitchen a fresh look without shelling out big bucks for total cabinet replacements.
You can use the existing cabinet frame and follow the steps below:
Prep them by giving a light sanding or using a de-glosser. Then, cut those veneer or laminate sheets to perfectly fit each surface. Apply adhesive glue, carefully set the veneer on top, and seal those edges firmly with a hot iron. Voila! Your cabinets will be looking fly in no time.
3.Exterior Painting
Picture this: Prospective buyers stepping out of their cars, their faces lighting up with anticipation. And then, their eyes land on your “artistic” exterior, and all they see is awry colors, chipped paint, and an unkempt exterior. How uninviting!
Therefore, it’s safe to say that exterior paint may be the icing on the deal-closing cake. Choose colors that improve curb appeal and appeal to as many buyers as possible.
You may want to:
- Clean the exterior
- Set up a staging area where buyers can sit and admire your home’s exterior
- Update the house number
- Repair any damaged areas
4.Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Up next is the battle of the bulge – your energy bill.
Did you know 25-30% of energy loss in homes is due to inefficient windows? That’s a lot of money you could save on your monthly energy bill.
The solution is simple – install energy-efficient windows. With their superpower of insulation, these windows keep the cold air out during winter and the warm air out during summer. It’s like having your weather regulator sans the fancy gadgetry. Plus, the reduced energy usage helps save the environment.
Energy-efficient windows are available in double-pane, triple-pane, and low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. So, research before investing.
5.Refresh the Flooring
While you don’t necessarily have to scrape off your old flooring and install new ones to improve your home’s appeal, a deep clean or restoration might do the trick.
For hardwood floors:
A good polish or refinish can make them look as dazzling as the day they were installed.
For carpets:
Clean them thoroughly and consider getting rid of old, stained, or damaged carpets.
For tiles:
Scrub any grime, replace broken or cracked tiles, and re-grout if necessary.
Remember, your floors are the foundation of your home’s charm. Treat them well, and they’ll be the belle of the “homecoming” ball when the buyers walk in.
6.Attend to the Garden
The garden is the living and breathing curb appeal that can make or break a sale. If your garden is looking a little worse for wear, here are some tips to spruce it up:
- Plant beautiful flowers or add some colorful potted plants.
- Add outdoor lighting.
You can also use low-maintenance landscaping ideas to keep your garden looking fresh. Who knows, buyers might just fall in love with your beautiful garden and make an offer on the spot.
7.Plumbing Updates
So, your home shines from the interior, and the exterior gives a home-sweet home vibe. But what about those hidden pipes and fixtures?
No one wants to buy a house and get a mini indoor pool, courtesy of a leak, as a surprise bonus. Ensure your system is up-to-date and leak-free. Check every faucet, showerhead, and toilet. Look for any signs of water damage around the pipes or fixtures. If you spot any red flags, you better get a professional plumber to fix them before potential buyers knock.
Alternatively, consider updating old fixtures with newer models and replacing the HVAC system if it’s over ten years old. Doing all these upgrades now is much better than having a disaster on your hands during an open house.
Conclusion:
Selling a home is no walk in the park. It’s more like a marathon with hurdles, each room bringing a unique kind of chaos. But with sound renovations, you can flip that “For Sale” sign to “Sold” quicker than you think.
So, plan for the roof replacement project first. Install a durable, long-lasting roof. Then, refresh the exterior paint with colors screaming “welcome home” to potential buyers. Kitchen and flooring are two major selling points that buyers closely scrutinize, so give them your best shot. And don’t forget to pay attention to the garden! A beautiful, well-maintained outdoor space can be the cherry on top for buyers to rush in with an offer.