Increase the Value of Your Home – Here’s 113 ways!

(as seen on http://www.handyamerican.com/articles-tips-imv-exterior-improvements.asp)

Kitchen Remodeling Tips:

1. Best kitchen bathroom remodeling idea of all – consider basic room functions. Make sure remodeling or renovation project will accommodate one or more of the room’s functions. For instance, the kitchen’s primary functions are food preparation, storage, and clean up.
2. Include a breakfast nook area – one type home renovation making a big comeback! Select a cozy corner breakfast nook – comfortable and inviting. Or a secluded breakfast nook design built off the kitchen; a quiet retreat for thoughtful contemplation. Both types provide an informal dining area and a great family gathering place, sure to impress potential buyers. Design options – whether traditional or modern – are countless!
3. Make sure the classic work triangle is incorporated into the kitchen floor plan – with the kitchen sink, refrigerator, and stove arranged in a triangular pattern. This layout saves unnecessary steps, while ensuring ease of movement and convenience.
4. Add fresh paint– a time-wise project that makes a huge improvement in room appearance and more than pays for itself when it comes time sell your home. Consider washable wall paint in tan, or “time tested” butter colors and mossy greens. Stay away from trendy colors that may shortly become outdated.
5. Replace old kitchen cabinetry doors with new, quality ones – cheaper than full cabinet replacement, while still yielding impressive results that will boost home market value. If your budget allows for custom cabinetry,  however, go for it.
6. Add a second kitchen work station – a hot trend that allows more than one person to work efficiently in the same kitchen at any one time. For instance, a free-standing butcher block as a kitchen work island; to increase work space and ease-of-movement while preparing foods.
7. Install a granite counter top – or one made from other natural stone. Stone counter tops installed using quality workmanship improves kitchen appearance and usability. They can also be a huge selling point. If you can’t afford a real stone kitchen counter top, faux stone counter tops can be equally attractive and nearly as compelling to potential buyers.
8. Incorporate space saving elements into kitchen design – for instance, a built in refrigerator, coffee maker, or other type built in kitchen appliance.
9. Kitchen counter top idea – if kitchen space allows, add a peninsula counter to increase workspace. Select a two-level top design; providing workspace for the cook, as well as an area where family members can enjoy a quick snack.
10. For outdated metal kitchen cabinets – install a new solid wood kitchen cabinet design; a sure fire way to improve kitchen appearance and increase the fair market value of your home. Consider oak or maple options – or less expensive pine. Get the best quality your budget will allow; opt for dovetail joints (which generally last longer than butt joints), and metal draw glides instead of plastic.
11. Replace old flooring with a hardwood floor – or if your budget doesn’t allow for conventional hardwood, consider laminate, or a bamboo hardwood floor. If new kitchen and bathroom flooring is completely out of your price range, restoring a hardwood floor is your next best option.
12. Old appliance replacement with new energy saving kitchen appliance options – a great way to enhance household cost-efficiency and increase a potential buyer’s interest in your home.
13. Add a kitchen pantry – a design that includes pantry organizer shelving and innovative food pantry storage is a great way to effectively utilize available space.
14. Give old kitchen cabinet style a face lift with new kitchen cabinet hardware – updating cabinetry while improving kitchen appearance.
15. If kitchen counter tops are old and you can’t afford new – don’t despair. Give your kitchen a cost-effective face lift; resurface your kitchen counter tops instead of replacing them.
16. Build a mini herb pantry – the perfect addition for a gourmet kitchen design. This can be something as simple as a cubby hole built into the wall between studs. Or a closet area converted into an herb pantry with a glass pantry door; making visible the old world charm of bunches of herbs hanging from hooks.
17. Install a heated ceramic floor – the perfect solution and a great selling point; for tile or stone floors that tend to be cold.
18. Add a bathroom skylight – an impressive element that increases natural lighting, modernizes room design, and is aesthetically pleasing. A vented skylight will increase air circulation.
19. Replace flooring with bathroom flooring tile – peel and stick tile, for instance, is a quick, cost-effective solution.
20. Update existing fixtures – including shower tub, toilet, vanity, medicine cabinet, and lighting.
21. Add a Jacuzzi whirlpool bath or hot tub – attractive bathroom features more apt to appeal to potential buyers. And bring a better return on investment than a “lifestyle project,” such as a separate Jacuzzi or sauna room.
22. Install a heated bathroom floor – high on the list of bathroom extras that impress potential buyers.
23. Get rid of any mold, mildew – replace damaged or broken tiles. If needed, replace old tile grouting, and replace caulking around tubs and showers.
24. DIY master bathroom remodel – incorporating a master bathroom decorating theme with updated features; either luxurious or romantic –both proven show stoppers.
25. If you have the space, add another bathroom – homes with more than one bathroom are always more appealing to potential buyers. Recoup for an averaged sized full bath located near bedrooms, in a house with 1 or 1 ½ baths, can be as high as 169%. Depending upon the area in which you live.
26. Utilize unused space in corners – install corner shelving and cabinetry.
27. Add a vaulted ceiling – increasing the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal; making the bathroom appear more spacious than it really is.
28. Build a new master bathroom – a nice selling point with a high expected investment return, if you live in the right area. The more elaborate the better. For instance, consider a master bathroom floor plan that includes a private dressing area, makeup vanity, and a double shower with dual shower head.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips:

29.  Add a bathroom skylight – an impressive element that increases natural lighting, modernizes room design, and is aesthetically pleasing. A vented skylight will increase air circulation.

30.  Replace flooring with bathroom flooring tile – peel and stick tile, for instance, is a quick, cost-effective solution.

31.  Update existing fixtures – including shower tub, toilet, vanity, medicine cabinet, and lighting.

32.  Add a Jacuzzi whirlpool bath or hot tub – attractive bathroom features more apt to appeal to potential buyers. And bring a better return on investment than a “lifestyle project,” such as a separate Jacuzzi or sauna room.

33.  Install a heated bathroom floor – high on the list of bathroom extras that impress potential buyers.

34.  Get rid of any mold, mildew – replace damaged or broken tiles. If needed, replace old tile grouting, and replace caulking around tubs and showers.

35.  DIY master bathroom remodel – incorporating a master bathroom decorating theme with updated features; either luxurious or romantic –both proven show stoppers.

36.  If you have the space, add another bathroom – homes with more than one bathroom are always more appealing to potential buyers. Recoup for an averaged sized full bath located near bedrooms, in a house with 1 or 1 ½ baths, can be as high as 169%. Depending upon the area in which you live.

37.  Utilize unused space in corners – install corner shelving and cabinetry.

38.  Add a vaulted ceiling – increasing the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal; making the bathroom appear more spacious than it really is.

39.  Build a new master bathroom – a nice selling point with a high expected investment return, if you live in the right area. The more elaborate the better. For instance, consider a master bathroom floor plan that includes a private dressing area, makeup vanity, and a double shower with dual shower head.

Consider the following, for maximum curb appeal:

40.  Roof shingles – If your roof leaks, repair it. If shingles are old and unsightly, replace them. Whatever type roofing you select, make sure style choice and color compliments the house and landscape design.

41.  Clean the roof of debris – use a stiff janitor’s broom to remove leaves, sticks, and other debris. Afterwards, use a garden hose to spray-clean the eves and downspouts. Never use a pressure wash to clean the roof unless you have wood shingles or clay, slate, or concrete; and then, only with caution.

42.  Siding – the biggest curb appeal impact factor is the house exterior. If siding is old, faded, chipped or damaged replace or repair it. New siding not only gives a home a major facelift, but return on investment is generally high. In fact, it is one of the top home renovation projects that show the greatest return at resale.

43.  Replace or repair windows – not only important for home curb appeal, but insulated window choices make your home more energy efficient. An important selling point and one of your best investment return options. Window style and appearance is important, and can drastically enhance house exterior and increase your home’s real estate market value.

44.  Paint house exterior – one of the most dramatic and cost-effective

ways to improve overall house appearance is to paint the exterior. Another home renovation project with high investment return that will increase the current market value of your home; up to 200% plus resale recovery. If you can’t afford to paint the whole house then paint the trim, downspouts, and gutters. Get color combination ideas from home decorating magazines, or new house construction and exterior remodeling in and around your neighborhood.

45.  Clean windows – as simple as it sounds, keeping windows clean and sparkling is something many homeowners overlook when preparing to sell their home. Dirty windows make a house look unkempt and bleak – inside and out. Reducing the chances of a positive reaction from prospective buyers.

46.  Accessorize the front of your home – even simple items found at a garage or rummage sale can turn drab to charming and add character to your home. For instance, a cast-iron dinner bell or whimsical weathervane.

47.  Get a new front door, or give the existing one a facelift – important, because it is the first aspect of your home people see up close. An attractive door is more inviting. If the door is old or in poor shape, get a new one. If it is in relatively good shape, paint it to either match trim work or in a complimentary color. For instance, if your home is light grey with white trim, consider painting your front door burgundy or black; a classy, eye-appealing color combination. Other great colors for doors besides standard white or wood grains are red and dark green.

48.  Dress the main entry door up with a brass kick-plate and brass door knocker – a brass kick-plate looks great and helps protect the paint at the bottom of the door; a brass door knocker adds a touch of class. While you’re at it, you might also want to consider an ornate brass mail slot – much more attractive than ordinary mail slots and mailboxes.

49.  Build a patio deck – another high ROI, with an average recoup of 104.2% for a moderate 16 X 20 foot deck using pressure treated pine, concrete footings, and composite deck material. Add a built in bench, planter, and railings to the patio deck design for optimum appeal.

50.  Get rid of old, faded, or broken patio furniture – repair if possible, or replace.

51.  Add a patio fireplace to your deck or patio – an attention grabber sure to impress potential buyers.

52.  Un-clutter the area surrounding the house – use garden hose holders to coil water hoses neatly off the yard; trash cans painted bright colors can be used for storage of toys and sports equipment, etc., in the garage or on the back patio.

53.  Pressure wash the exterior of the home – to get rid of dust, debris, and cobwebs. You’d be surprised how much brighter and newer the siding will look. Use a low pressure nozzle to avoid washing paint off wood. If you’ve vinyl siding, use a brush or sponge, instead.

54.  Pave a gravel driveway – and greatly enhance curb appeal as well as increase real estate value. An asphalt driveway has advantages over a concrete driveway; it is more flexible and less apt to heave or crack. It also costs less. A cobblestone or brick driveway costs more – but is more eye-appealing and may represent your best real estate value increase option!

55.  Driveway resurfacing and repair – if your driveway is already paved but is cracked or otherwise in bad shape, repair it and/or use a driveway sealer.

56.  Add gravel to a dirt driveway – and enhance curb appeal; select blue-grey gravel, red, or white – for a more formal look.

57.  Change the contour of your driveway – an easy option that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home if your driveway is gravel or dirt. Consider adding an inviting curve, or an elegant circular driveway.

58.  Remove weeds from between concrete slabs and walkways – a sure sign of property neglect and a big turn off for potential buyers. Tip: a 20% bleach solution works well.

60.  Build a new garage – every homeowner knows the advantages afforded by a garage, and every prospective buyer will see a garage as a big plus. A new home garage is a great property enhancer that increases the market value of the home.

61.  Finish off an old garage – if you already have a garage, consider finishing it off inside. Add storage space, or a work shop – complete with workbench, power outlets, and shelving. Such an addition could help your home reach its full market value potential and better compete with other homes for sale in the area.

62.  Install an automatic garage door opener – another great way to automatically increase real estate property value is to install a garage door opener. Select a model with a multi-code garage door opener remote that routinely changes the code for additional security – a most desirable feature.

63.  Install a skylight dome or roof skylight – the addition of a skylight window makes a pretty curb appeal picture. Improving cosmetic appearance of the structure inside and out, while increasing home real estate value. Skylight installation also increases natural lighting in rooms; making them more inviting and cheerful.

64.  Install shutter and window box sets that match – using a window shutter design in a contrasting color that compliments that of your house. Shutters and window boxes add charm and character to a home.

65.  Enhance your porch or doorstep with pots or baskets of blooming annuals – an inviting and fragrant way to boost visual appeal and add eye popping color.

66.  Give your old BBQ grill a makeover – degrease it first, rinse well; repeat if necessary. Once totally clean and dry, refinish it using a bright fireproof/high-temperature paint. Select a color that matches house trim or shutters. Or try something fun that will really stand out, such as yellow or orange.

Follow the tips below to help get the exterior surrounding your home in tip-top shape and really stand out:

67.  Remove any foliage and cut back shrubbery that hides the house – this includes trees, hedges, and anything else that blocks the front entrance view of the house from the road. Not only does such overgrowth hint of neglect and take away from the aesthetic appeal of the home. It represents a security problem – providing cover for intruders.

68.  Edge your lawn – the positive visual impact and landscaping curb appeal of a green, lush well-groomed lawn that is properly edged cannot be over emphasized. If you haven’t the time for upkeep required, invest in landscape services.

69.  Add Color – a pop of color helps create a beautiful landscape appealing to the eye; making the house look more inviting. Plant colorful annuals along the walkway and near the front entrance; plant ground cover around the base of trees. Helpful hint: research shows that the color yellow evokes a buying mood.

70.  Spread grass seed – if grass is sparse and unhealthy, spread lawn seed. Traffic areas especially may need attention.

71.  Lay turf – whether replacing the whole lawn with turf grass, or just as spot treatment for bald spots.

72.  Get rid of unsightly weeds– pull them out (make sure you get the whole root), or use a weed-remover product.

73.  Use liquid grass fertilizer – for the greenest lawn possible. Using a dispenser that fits onto the hose will help ensure even distribution; keep lawn well watered.

74.  Install a lawn sprinkler system – this not only helps keep the lawn looking great while reducing time spent on landscape maintenance. An automatic sprinkler system is a great selling point. If you’ve a garden space, consider installing a garden sprinkler system.

75.  Keep lawn well mowed – a height of 2-inches gives a well manicured, uniform appearance. If summers are particularly hot, up to 3-inches is acceptable. The added height will help roots grow deeper into the soil where moisture is more abundant.

76.  Dress-up your driveway – planting trees and bushes along your driveway dresses it up and creates an attractive border sure to attract attention.

77.  Add interest and color to your backyard landscape – add a trellis. Pick an area off to the side of one corner of the house, and create the illusion that the house is larger than it really is. Select fast-growing flowering vines for fragrance and visual appeal.

78.  Create a rock garden – an especially innovative option for a scant

lawn that doesn’t quite meet the curb or driveway. A 2-foot wide strip along both sides of the driveway and/or where the property meets the curb can be filled with multicolored rocks. Mix large rocks with small for variety; strategically placed pots of plants add color and interest.

79.  Add an arbor garden or potted shrubs – a great way to hide unsightly spots and draw attention away from less attractive areas of the yard.

80.  Weed garden landscape – and turn soil over with fresh mulch for optimum appeal.

81.  Landscaping idea – paint a layer of diluted yogurt on a terra cotta pot, urn, birdbath, or statue to age it with an attractive mossy finish for enhanced landscape décor.

82.  Create a rock garden pond – the perfect solution for a lawn with large bald spots; more cost effective than a garden pond surrounded by flora, with less upkeep.

83.  Light up the landscape – and make your home look more inviting. Landscape light – whether solar, outdoor track lighting, or designer Malibu landscape lighting – provides a hospitable ambiance that enhances home exterior.

84.  Add security lighting – such as flood lights or motion-sensitive lights. Select traditional or decorative styles – such as sconces. Security lights enhance safety; both from intruders and by lighting up pathways and reducing the risk of accidents. They also make property look more appealing.

85.  Clear debris from yard – that includes sticks, litter, toys, leaves, and even bird droppings; only a fresh, well manicured lawn should greet the eyes of potential buyers.

86.  Keep trees and shrubs neatly pruned – critical for curb appeal. Cut back overgrown trees and overhanging plants. “Tame” your yard so that it looks well manicured.

87.  Remove any badly damaged, dead or dying plants and trees – grass over holes, or plant healthy new specimens.

88.  Enhance landscape using a theme – one that will compliment your home design. Consider a desert landscape, natural landscape, or tropical landscape – depending upon your locality.

89.  Add an outdoor water feature – such as a fountain, garden pond waterfall, or even just a birdbath. Water features attract butterflies, birds, and other specimens of wildlife – adding enchantment to your yard. Such elements also add aesthetic appeal, and the sounds made by water are relaxing and therapeutic.

90.  Hire a landscape designer or landscape architect – if your property needs extensive TLC. They can create a landscape plan complete with detailed diagrams and plant lists; you can save money by doing the work yourself. Having an expert draw up the plans will ensure a professional-looking outcome, and your real estate home value will go up.

New windows, flooring, additional living space, and special room features – even if they are only cosmetic – can all increase the market value of your home and help it sell faster. Interior improvement ideas include:

91.  Update HVAC equipment – include an energy saving furnace. Boost your real estate home worth, and make it more energy efficient; a big selling point!

92.  Update master bedroom design – a romantic bedroom design is very appealing to potential buyers. Consider floral wallpaper, or soft pastel wall paint colors.

93.  Acquire the services of a home staging expert – either for consultation purposes, or to stage your home and make it more presentable. Investing $300 to $400 for onsite consultation for ways to freshen up your home’s appearance, or hiring an expert to stage your home for $2,500 on up will help ensure a quicker sale. Increasing the sale price far above the home staging fee.

94.  Brighten up rooms with new wall paint – using an interior paint

scheme that helps to create a stress-free atmosphere and more relaxing environment. Clean soft blues, greens, or warm and earthy tans and browns, for instance. The trend is to use subtle, neutral interior wall paint colors, and then add colorful accessories for excitement and interest. Painting is a relatively low-cost project with high returns.

95.  Install wood wall paneling – a popular home improvement project that improves room appearance and increases home market value. Select the best quality interior wall paneling you can afford.

96.  Install an indoor wall water fountain or other type indoor fountain – an inexpensive yet impressive way to add ambiance to a room while increasing market value. A wall or floor fountain can cost $200 to $4,000 on up. Besides providing a therapeutic atmosphere, moisture is added to the air, and unwanted outside sounds are reduced or blocked – creating a more relaxing environment.

97.  Get new furniture – a great idea if you’re moving and would be purchasing new furniture, anyway. New furniture will make the house interior more attractive, help increase chances of a quick sale, and could help your home sell for more money.

98.  Add a safe room – although usually considered a “lifestyle project,” hurricane or tornado safe rooms in areas where such catastrophes exist provide protection for individuals and family members. Offering a big plus when it comes time to sell your home. One with high recoup potential.

99.  Increase storage space – whether for laundry room storage, or storage anywhere else in the home. One quick easy way is to create cubby hole storage; installed in “blank walls,” between studs. Finish off the inside of the cubby hole with paneling; leave open, or make custom doors. Another option is to make doors from a framed picture on hinges.

100. Update or upgrade kitchen appliances – a less expensive option than a full kitchen remodel, and one that usually yields a high return. Select energy saving appliance choices for an energy saving home.

101.  Install a programmable thermostat – more efficient than non programmable thermostats. Programmable models reduce heating costs for a more energy efficient house.

102.  Update/upgrade insulation – use appropriate r value insulation, whether for thermal insulation or for sound insulation.

103.  Turn unused attic space into living space – finish the attic; turn it into an extra bedroom. Rule of thumb – houses with more bedrooms sell for a higher price; ROI can run as high as 105%!

104.  Install a bay window – to enhance home décor and bring attractive outside scenery into the room. And make it feel more open, spacious, and inviting to potential buyers.

105.  Replace old carpeting with new – according to real estate agents, new wall to wall carpet can sway potential buyers to select your house over another. Type of carpeting is important; opt for the best quality you can afford, in a neutral color. If old carpeting is still in good condition but soiled or stained, hire a professional carpet cleaner for spot removal or deep cleaning. An option with high ROI that improves room appearance.

106.  Install track lighting – to highlight artwork, showcase a particular element, or illuminate the entire room. Consider flex track lighting or suspended track lighting. The addition of a dimmer switch makes lighting more versatile and is a great mood enhancer.

107.  Update the laundry room – a well designed laundry room that is modern, bright, and cheerful makes household tasks seem less boring. Another great selling point well worth the investment.

108.  Have a fireplace installed– whether a wood, electric, or gas fireplace. A well constructed fireplace enhances home market value.

109.  Add a built in – not only do they save space, but built ins give a home designer appeal. Consider a built in book case for the den or a built in entertainment center for the family room.

110.  Window covering replacement – new curtains and blinds can go a long way in brightening up a room and giving it a face lift. Try sheers for a light, breezy atmosphere; drapery or blinds when more privacy is required.

111.  Install a home sound system – although usually falling into the lifestyle project category, such elements in trendy districts are becoming a neighborhood norm. One that can increase the chances of selling your home faster, for a higher price.

112.  Update child bedroom décor – remove age-sensitive design features such as nursery rhyme themes. Opt for non-age specific themes and colors; much more appealing to a greater number of potential buyers.

113.  Add crown molding – available in countless colors, widths, and styles – from simple to elegant; classic to contemporary. Molding is the icing on the cake; it can give an ordinary looking room the special touch needed to make it really stand out.