Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home in the short term, making home improvements will affect the future resale value.
If you are considering doing some renovations or remodeling your home, here are some of the remodels that pay off:
Kitchens
Kitchens usually see the most wear and tear of any room in your house. And because kitchens tend to follow color and style trends, they can seem the most dated sooner. Most buyers expect a modern kitchen with nice cabinets and a cook-top stove when looking for a home.
The most popular improvements include adding dual sinks and cooking stations, and cosmetic improvements such as under-cabinet lighting, marble or granite countertops, and ceramic tile backsplashes. To add space, consider a walk-in pantry or breakfast nook.
Bathrooms
A home with only one bath will be a hard sell. Adding a bath or remodeling current bathrooms is always a win-win situation. If you are remodeling, adding his-and-her dressing rooms and double sinks would be very appealing to future buyers. If money is tight, even something as minor and inexpensive as replacing fixtures helps.
Master Suites
Large master suites have become more the rule than the exception in most real estate markets. If you are converting a bedroom into a master suite, try to locate the closet as a buffer between the bedroom and bath, and enhance the suite effect with recessed lighting, sconces and built-in adjustable reading lights.
Decks
Adding a deck, patio or even a screened porch or Florida room will only add value to your home. Any expanded living space adds value.
Garage
If your home does not have a garage, this addition is worth the cost. Or if you currently have a one-car garage or carport, expanding it into a two-car garage will add value and appeal down he road.
Landscaping
Landscaping plays a crucial part in setting that first impression for a buyer and adds to the curb appeal of your home. Start by trimming trees and shrubs back. Then look at freshening your bark chips or landscape rock and pulling all weeds. If adding plants or shrubs, consider adding those with some added color to help make things really pop.