5 Remodeling Projects That Increase Property Value
Home renovation and remodeling projects can improve the quality of life for your family and guests for years to come. Some updates can also add significant value to your property when it comes time to sell. Not all changes you make to your home have to be for the benefit of a higher listing number, but there are certainly a wide assortment of remodeling projects that increase property value while providing a better life experience for the entire family.
Solid Surface Bathroom Upgrades
Bathroom remodeling projects are great ways to increase the value of your home, but you don’t need a complete bathroom renovation to have a positive effect on the process of selling your home when the time comes.
A solid surface bathroom has countertops, sinks, and shower walls that are made from a durable, non-porous surface that is resistant to moisture, bacteria, mold, and stains, in a seamless and endlessly customizable look. You can fabricate solid surface materials into giant slabs with unique shapes and designs. It is one of the most easy-to-clean surfaces around, which makes it perfect for bathrooms. The nearly unlimited number of customizable options to fit your home’s style and character makes the popularity of solid surface installations ever-growing.
Use Fake Wood Accents
At one time, real wood was the only option for construction and home aesthetics. Wood is used for everything from shingles to flooring and structural beams, but taking care of it can have its drawbacks. The look of real wood is timeless but over time, wood materials can become damaged, infected, a liability to the resale value of your home.
Manmade wood alternatives are made to look like real wood, but are cheaper, lighter, and more durable. Modern advances in manufacturing have allowed for such options as synthetic cedar shakes and faux wood ceiling beams that have the same aesthetic appeal as wood but will last longer and go farther to increase the property value of your house.
Drainage Improvements
Improper or malfunctioning drainage systems cause water damage issues that can easily turn off prospective home buyers. If water is unable to flow downhill because of a poorly designed storm water drainage system or a failed attempt to correct an issue, the results lead to serious and costly damages which can have a negative impact on the value of your property.
Having an improved lawn drainage system in your backyard before putting your home on the market is a practical addition that shows prospective buyers that you are committed to taking care of your living spaces. Drainage improvements will convey the message that you are a responsible homeowner, which means that other areas of the house must be well-taken-care-of, too.
Kitchen Upgrades
You don’t need a complete overhaul or dramatic renovation to get a new, modern kitchen that will add to the enjoyment of one of the most lived-in gathering places in the house. Relatively minor upgrades to appliances, cabinets, countertops or flooring can make a big difference and increase the property value of your home.
Replacing appliances with energy-saving alternatives will save you money on your energy bills and raise the value of your home even more, and adding an island is among the most effective remodeling projects that increase property values.
Adding Plants and Trees
Planting trees and other foliage on your property can create impressive curb appeal to help increase your property value when it comes time to sell your house. Trees provide a wide range of benefits to the look and function of your home, including:
- Aesthetic appeal
- A source of shade
- Added privacy
- A buffer against wind and noise
Adding trees to your back or front yards is a smart and practical long-term investment. If you have the knowledge and experience, you can save more money by planting them yourself, but mistakes can be costly and damaging the bigger you go, so it is usually wise to use professionals.
Completed home additions and renovations are always taken into consideration when an appraiser valuates your property in the real estate market. Remodeling projects can be pricey investments and not all of them will pay off as much as others. It’s important to know how major projects in and around your home will affect the bottom line when the house is sold!
Author: Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Construction and Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
