Article written by Tim Smith, Guest Blogger
When it comes to updating or upgrading your living space, consider the projects that give you the biggest return on your investment. There's a fine line between projects that boost your home's value and sinking money into ones that won’t be of interest to buyers down the road. In an effort to distinguish between the two, here are 10 projects that will improve your living space and boost your home's value.
1. Add a Bathroom
You can recoup between 80 percent and 130 percent of the total expense of adding a bathroom. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a half-bath can add 10.5 percent to your home's value while a full bath adds up to 20 percent. Get creative and add a bathroom in what would've been unused space. In the home pictured here, a full bathroom featuring a luxurious double shower was installed in the renovated attic.
2. Finish the Basement or Attic
Unfinished basements and attics are untapped potential. The attic pictured here has been finished and made a bright, open lounge and study. This project can give a home extra square footage and living space with between 50 and 83 percent return on investment.
3. Build a Deck
Most people want outdoor living space. According to estimates by HGTV, homeowners can recoup between 65 and 90 percent of their investment by adding outdoor living space like a sun deck or patio.
4. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy Star estimates that you could save $500 per year or more by installing energy-efficient windows, which will also return up to 90 percent of your investment. Available in a variety of looks, you can match new windows to the style of your home for authenticity.
5. Paint
Don't underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Though you can tell by the cabinet fixtures that the kitchen pictured here is somewhat dated, white paint made the cabinets looked fresh and clean while giving the kitchen a much more contemporary look.
6. Reevaluate the Closets
Some homes, especially old ones, have inadequate closet space or maybe no closets at all. They don't all have to be walk-in closets, but adding closet space for each bedroom can be a major selling point and relatively inexpensive.
7. Open Living Space
If your home has walls separating your living areas into smaller spaces, consider opening that space up. It'll boost value and make your home exponentially more appealing when your home flows like the one pictured here.
8. Invest in Floors
Buyers love hardwood floors. They can even be the focal point of a room as in the chic kitchen pictured here. They also eliminate having to replace carpets when they get worn, which boosts appeal and value.
9. Add Natural Lighting
Though easily overlooked, ample natural light is a sure selling point. Sky lights and energy-efficient, easily-installed solar tubes, illuminating the shower in the image here, illuminate a space with natural light while also cutting energy costs.
10. Dress Up the Entrance
Many buyers rule out a property before they ever set foot inside. Making the entrance more attractive, perhaps with a new front door and outdoor lighting, can really increase your home's curb appeal.
All photos are via Houzz. For more design information, please visit Modernize.com.
If you want to know "How Much Your Home Is Worth", and get it on the market in the Greater San Antonio and surrounding areas, then, contact Jerry today at 210-789-4216. If you're looking to purchase a home, start your search on Homes For Sale in San Antonio, and contact Jerry for your personal showing on any properties.
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