Home improvements that increase value…and those that don’t

Which home improvements increase the value of your property and which don’t? Remodeling has been a favorite hobby of many Americans. This trend has been growing since 2015, and it is not stopping. At the end of 2020, all remodeling expenditures were worth a staggering $333 billion US dollars.

Most Americans used their own savings to curb their property appeal and increase property value. Why? The reasons are numerous: purchase a property with intentions to remodel it and sell it for a profit, increasing the value of old houses, and making your house more energy-efficient. 

Yet, not all remodels are created equally. If you decide to embark on this new adventure, follow the trends and boost your property appeal. Before you start remodeling, there are some things that you should know. Let’s dive into where to look before starting remodeling projects.

Which home improvements add the most value?

First, we would like you to think about what you see first in your head when you imagine your perfect home. Which elements are there? The kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are always the center of attention. Then, of course, you always see a green yard with that picket fence and picturesque garden. So let’s focus on those first and foremost.

With the pandemic, a huge backyard became a necessary luxury. Therefore, these elements will always be important, so pay extra attention to them.

Kitchen: yes, but don’t go over the (counter) top

A modern kitchen will never go out of style. Imagine a place where you can express your creativity in the best way possible. 

A kitchen is where the tasty food is, where the delicious aromas linger from a fresh-baked pie or dinner cooking in the oven, and a place where people will gather the most, which creates lasting memories. The kitchen, however, doesn’t necessarily have to be luxurious and over the top to make a pleasant atmosphere and curb a property appeal. 

Pastel colors are a winning combination for the kitchen – simple, and they can inspire the appetite. Add some fresh herbs to the mix, and people will imagine themselves cooking pasta.

Investing in energy-efficient appliances is the most important but don’t make your kitchen look like something from sci-fi movies. Energy-efficient appliances will help people save money. Luxury appliances on the other hand will not add any value, so don’t spend too much money on them because sooner or later they would become obsolete.

Wood deck and patio

If you want to improve your property appeal and get the most out of your outdoor space, a wood deck and patio is a great choice. Imagine relaxing in the sun, sipping on some delicious iced tea, and daydreaming about your next gathering so more people can enjoy your new outdoor area.

The backyard patio will be your little oasis of peace where you will spend some beautiful moments with your friends and family. Add rattan furniture with some colorful cushions – this is not an expensive upgrade, but it would improve the overall impression.

Landscaping

Keep it simple and try your best not to go over the top. Everyone loves greenery, but avoid making a koi pond, bridges, and pergolas unless you like it – not for the sake of your investment. 

We recommend playing with greenery and natural materials as they will create that homely feeling.

Some people say that they won’t buy a house with a pool included due to them needing a lot of maintenance. Fiberglass pools changed the game in regards to this big time. They are much easier for maintenance compared to other types of pools. And with the pandemic going on, you will surely enjoy having your tropical paradise in the backyard.

Another great addition would be a firepit. A custom fire pit will look trendy in all seasons. For marshmallows in fall, scary stories in the summer, heating you up in the winter, and enjoying stargazing in the spring – it is very practical.

What home improvements do not add value?

There are certain features that won’t change things, no matter how attractive they may seem. You can add them to your property but don’t expect it to increase your property’s value.

Making outdated decor changes

Fashion changes very quickly and everyone has their own sense of taste, so make sure not to create chaos with over-the-top and new fashionable details that will become outdated next season. Keep things simple, leave the empty canvas and let the new owner do that part. 

Solar panels

Solar panels are a great addition to be more environmentally friendly, but they do not seem attractive to buyers. They are a costly addition and they won’t provide a great return on investment. We recommend changing appliances instead. 

Wine cellar

In vino veritas (if you skipped your Latin lesson, it means ‘’In wine, there is the truth’’)… but the only truth is that this luxurious addition will also be extremely unnecessary. You might be a wine enthusiast but your potential seller might not be as enthusiastic. So make your wine cellar only if you love wine but don’t expect that the price will magically rise.

Converting your garage

Maybe converting your garage to a home office or an additional room seems like a good idea but keep in mind that a lot of people find garages as a huge plus.

The garage needs to serve its original purpose because they are practical as storage units and used to simply parking a car there.

In conclusion

Some things never go out of style, so be careful. If you bought a property with the intention to sell it, just keep it simple. Going over the top might lead to some costly mistakes. 

Being green is the best when you are feeling blue and we know that landscaping will always be a part of a successful equation. Make sure to consult our experts and make the most out of your property.