Will home improvements and renovations increase property value?

The answer can be a bit tricky because it depends on the type of improvement or renovation you are planning for your home. Actually extensive and major improvements, which can range from total kitchen and bathroom renovations, room additions, decks, porches, etc. it won’t be worth it unless you plan to stay in the house for a while.

If you invest tons of money in your house to buy a new kitchen with new, built-in appliances and you are planning to move in two years, you may not be in the house long enough for it to appreciate in value and you can recoup your investment. So, before you even make plans for major upgrades and renovations, decide how long you’ll stay in your current home so you don’t end up losing money.

Having said that, over a longer period of time, kitchen improvements tend to pay off largely because the kitchen is the most important room in the house. The kitchen is where the family congregates and where most of the family interaction takes place. Therefore, a spacious, attractive, and well-lit kitchen with well-functioning appliances can be a great selling point for your home and can add value. And don’t forget that the money you spend now won’t be worth the same 5 years from now when adjusted for inflation, cost of living, etc.

You don’t have to think big when thinking about a home improvement if you’re planning to sell. You can start by making small, simple changes, like improving the front view of your home. Enhancing the look of your home when someone first arrives or curb appeal is a great way to create a lasting first impression. If your front yard is overgrown, bushes are dying, and flowers are nowhere to be found, a potential buyer may walk away without even looking at your home.

Now you need to think about how your house will look like to a person who enters for the first time. If your house is full of clutter, the carpet is stained and the floors have been collecting dust, then you need to fix it. Take an objective look at the inside of your home and write down the things you need to get rid of immediately.

Paint the house and use neutral tones inside to create the feeling of more space. Steam the carpet and sand the cabinets and stain them if they are wood. They might even need a bit of paint to make them shine and be sure to replace the handles.

Make your bathroom sparkle and shine, put up a new shower curtain, clean the toilet, shower and sink and remove all stains, soap scum and mildew. You want a bathroom you can be proud of when you show it off. And get rid of bad odors any way you can because nothing is more disgusting than a smelly house. Add rugs, towels, clean sheets, duvets, pillows, cushions, and a few other knick-knacks that will give your home a better appearance. You’d be surprised at the wonders a good makeover can do for a home.