Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these 9 DIY home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home.
The best part is, once you’ve secured the materials, most of these renovations can be completed over the course of a weekend. And they don’t require a lot of specialized skills or experience. So grab your toolbox, then get ready to boost your home’s appeal AND investment potential with these 9 DIY projects to add value to your home!
1 –SPRUCE UP YOUR LANDSCAPING
Landscaping improvements can increase a home’s value by 10-12%, and many buyers put a lush lawn at the top of their wish list. Fill in bare spots with grass seed or new sod for an average return of 417% and 143% respectively.1
Planting flowers is another great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. And if you choose a perennial variety, your blooms should return year after year. For an even longer-term impact, consider planting a tree.
2 –CLEAN THE EXTERIOR
Use a pressure washer to remove built-up dirt and grime from your home’s exterior, walkway, and driveway. This simple project can add as much as $15,000 to a home’s sales price.2
3 –ADD A FRESH COAT OF PAINT
New paint can have a big impact on both the appearance and value of a property. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to revitalize a home’s exterior, update its interior, and make it appear larger and brighter. The best part? Painting is relatively easy and inexpensive!
To get the maximum return at resale, stick with a modern but neutral color palette that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. According to a recent survey of home design experts, cool neutrals are a safe bet when it comes to interior paint. And respondents chose white and gray as the best exterior paint colors to use when selling a home.3 However, it’s important to consider a property’s architecture, existing fixtures, and regional design preferences, as well.
4 –INSTALL SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY
In a recent survey, 78% of real estate professionals said their buyer clients were willing to pay more for a home with smart technology features.4 The most requested smart devices? Thermostats (77%), smoke detectors (75%), home security cameras (66%), and locks (63%).5
The good news is, many of these gadgets are fairly easy to install. And some of them, including smart thermostats and light bulbs, will pay for themselves over time by making your home more energy efficient. In fact, many manufacturers report that smart thermostats can cut back on heating and cooling costs by 10-20%.6
If you already own a smart speaker, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, choose devices that will pair with your existing technology. This will enable you to create a truly integrated (and in many cases voice-activated) smart home experience.
5 –MODERNIZE YOUR WINDOW TREATMENTS
Upgrading your window coverings has gotten easier and less expensive in recent years. A number of retailers specialize in affordable shades and blinds that are simple to hang yourself.
Smart—or motorized—blinds are also growing in popularity, and several manufacturers make models you can order and install on your own. But they’re not the only way to modernize your window treatments.
Roman and roller shades are another stylish alternative, and they come in a variety of colors and fabrics, which you can personalize to meet your design and privacy preferences.
6 –REPLACE OUTDATED FIXTURES
Drastically transform the look and feel of your home by swapping out dingy and dated fixtures for contemporary alternatives. Start by assessing your current light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, door knobs, and even switch plates. For maximum impact, prioritize replacing those that are in highly-visible areas, like your entryway and kitchen.
7 –UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM MIRROR
Much like a work of art, your vanity mirror serves as a focal point for your bathroom. Replace a basic mirror, or try adding a frame. Several retailers offer DIY kits that can be made to your specifications.
8 –SHAMPOO YOUR CARPET
According to Consumer Reports, you can rent a machine and purchase cleaning fluid and supplies for around $90. With an average return on your investment of 169%, it’s well worth the effort and expense.7
9 –CUSTOMIZE YOUR CLOSET
A closet remodel can add $2500 to a home’s selling price. And while a professional renovation can cost upwards of $6000, there are many less expensive but high-quality DIY closet systems you can customize and install yourself.8
Sources: 1. HomeLight 2. HouseLogic.com 3. Fixr 4. T3 Sixty 5. Consumer Reports
6. American Council for Energy Efficient Economy 7. HomeLight 8. National Association of Realtors
GET A COMPLIMENTARY ANALYSIS OF YOUR PROJECT
We’ve been talking averages. But the truth is, the actual impact of a home improvement project will vary depending on your particular home and neighborhood. Before you get started, contact us to schedule a free in-person or virtual consultation. We can help you determine which upgrades will offer the greatest return on your effort and investment.
New Century Real Estate is an energetic team that helps you fully understand the process of purchasing and/or selling a home. Be sure to ask us about savings available for local Hometown Heroes who buy or sell a home with a New Century Real Estate Agent.
Can Baby Boomers and Gen Xers still teach the digital generation a thing or two about homeownership? Porch.com decided to find out. Here are the results of their survey. Porch.com/do-you-diy
