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10 Home Improvement Projects that Boost Value

By
Real Estate Agent with Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, TREC #0492321

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

BathroomYou 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

 Attic Improvement

 

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

 Outside 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 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

 Painting Kitchen CabinetsDon'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

 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

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

 Wood Flooring

 

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

 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

 Entrance to Home

 

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.

 

Comments (14)

David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

Hey Jerry no doubt he knows what he is talking about, great post to highlight!

Feb 19, 2015 12:35 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Yes, David. He makes good sense for a nice return on investment for home improvements.

Feb 19, 2015 12:39 PM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

I love the front of this home! I have always loved the "eyebrow" look.. these are great pictures and bring up some very good points.

Feb 20, 2015 09:36 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Jerry,

Another wonderful post - these tips will have many homeowners making home improvement plans!

Feb 20, 2015 12:59 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Yes, Sussie. These are some nice views on homes that made some improvements.

Feb 20, 2015 10:04 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Thanks, Lisa.

Hopefully, many will benefit form these nice tips on home improvements.

Feb 20, 2015 10:06 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Jerry, excellent post for homeowners to make decisions on what home improvements to do!   

Feb 21, 2015 10:41 AM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

Jerry--Excellent tips for someone wondering if an update is worth the investment.

Feb 21, 2015 11:28 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

These are great tips for homeowners who want to have some projects for the spring!

Feb 21, 2015 12:04 PM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Great insights to home improvements that add value to the house and enhance your enjoyment!!!

Feb 21, 2015 09:04 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Yes, Joan. this list will give homeowners some nice ideas on what to spend their money on for those home improvements when they are looking to get top dollar on the sale of their homes.

Feb 21, 2015 11:19 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Thanks, Teri. I believe homeowners can benefit from some of these tips for helping to sell their homes.

Feb 21, 2015 11:20 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Yes, Joan these would be a nice project for the Spring. We need more homes on the market, and adding some of these features and updating will help to sell homes for top dollar.

Feb 21, 2015 11:21 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Ram, Thanks for stopping by. Welcome to Active Rain! Adding value to homes should always be on the homeowner's mind.

Feb 21, 2015 11:23 PM