The Smartest Investments to Make in Your Home

Owning a home is many people's goal, but selling it is too. Plenty of home buyers will invest in their first home with no intention of staying there forever. If this sounds like you, then you might be wondering how you can boost the resale value of your house while you live in it. After all, it's always nice to have a little extra money when searching for your next home. There are plenty of investments you can make in a home, but if you know the smart ones to focus on, then you can raise the value of your house and feel good about putting something into it.

Landscaping

Before you worry about things like major electrical work or switching to solar panels and buying a solar battery, start with the little things. One simple way to raise your property value is simply to makeover your front yard! This is the welcome mat to your house and the nicer, fresher and cleaner it looks the more people will be attracted to your property when it comes time to sell. If you have a drab yard, or worse one that's overgrown with weeds and vines, you can consider hiring a professional landscaper to do an evaluation. Companies can send out surveyors to see what your yard needs and where they could add aesthetic aspects to make your home pop. You can choose what colors or features you'd like to see to make it your very own. This can be especially helpful to make your home stand out in neighborhoods where all the houses look the same or similar.

Interior

You don't need a remodel to brighten up your interior spaces. In fact, all you really need is a can of fresh paint. Some spaces in your home might feel small or dark simply because of the color scheme they employ. For example, rooms with wood-paneled walls or dark earth-toned paint will feel small and cramped when you add furniture. But, if you take this same room and paint it a light shade of white or gray, suddenly your furniture will pop and you'll feel like you can breathe again. You can use this same tactic when it comes to designing your lighting. Keep fixtures neutral colors or silver so they can complement any style and color scheme the next owner might have. Another attractive feature is a dimmer switch. Add in a dimmer to lights in common areas so families can enjoy them at any time of the day and set their own ambiance.

Exterior

In addition to your landscaping, you might opt to update the exterior of your home. This can have a significant impact on the value of your house because it makes it look and feel nice and new. Don't underestimate all the good a fresh coat of paint can do! It can turn a dirty old brick house into a fresh masterpiece. Aside from fresh paint, you might also consider changing out the siding of your house, especially if it has issues like rotting or deterioration. You could pour fresh cement on a front walkway if it's experiencing serious cracks or structural issues. You could even build a stoop that goes up to your front porch where you can perch potted plants and flowers. The possibilities are endless once you step out the front door, so let your imagination run wild.

Bathroom Remodel

If you happen to be in the mood for a major remodel, the first place to focus is your bathroom. On average, homeowners see a 102% return on investment when they take the time to update a powder room. Things like new tiles on the floor, a fresh mirror and updated lighting are just a few things you could consider in this project.

One major undertaking of a bathroom remodel is the tub. If your tub is worse for wear, you might opt to cut your losses and install a new one. This can be costly, but if you have the cash to spare, you'll see it again when you sell. If you don't have the money to get a brand new soaker, then you can always refinish your current tub. Just like with staining a table, you can reglaze your bathroom tub for a like-new look at a fraction of the cost.

Additions

After living in a home for a few years, lots of people will opt to add on. This could be a number of things such as an extra family room, a deck or a porch. Additions might seem like a huge undertaking when you're considering them, but they can add considerable value to your home. They not only increase the square footage but also add valuable spaces where the new owners can enjoy family or entertain friends. The cost of each option will vary based on size, materials and purpose, but a few of them you might be able to accomplish yourself with the help of a few skilled friends. You can find plans for a deck or porch add-on fairly easily, and if you know your way around a toolbox, might be able to build it yourself. For larger projects, though, it's wise to hire a contractor and have a professional team take over to ensure everything is done right, safely and will last for years to come.

Windows

Something in your home you probably forget about is the windows. Particularly in old homes, windows might have been standard issue when the house was built but could now be out of date and inefficient. Replacing the windows in your home with modern, energy-efficient options can help you sell your house quickly and reduce your monthly utility bill. Be sure all your windows can open and close, are aesthetically appealing and do some good for the house overall.

Deciding where to invest money in your home can be a tough decision, but these suggestions will get you started on the right track to enjoy an updated house and boost your resale value.