Essential Upgrades to Boost Your Home’s Resale Value

No one can deny that housing markets can be competitive. Whether you plan to sell in months or years, updating your home for the current market is a smart move. Done strategically, an upgrade can make you stand out in the crowd to appeal to buyers willing to pay more. But don’t be too hasty to tear down a wall. Home improvements should aim to improve resale value. It’s best to prioritize investments that will get you your money back.

Here is our list of both areas to upgrade, and which upgrade will get you the most bang for your buck.

1. Upgrades to your home's Kitchen

Kitchens show their age, from appliances to old-fashioned wallpaper. A dated kitchen can be a dealbreaker. Fortunately, refreshing the space doesn’t require starting from scratch. Modest updates can possibly add thousands to your sale price.

Suggested Upgrades:

• Paint: Add a fresh coat of paint to modernize your kitchen. White or gray-blue are good choices, providing energy and brightness to the space.

• New Hardware: For polish, swap out old knobs for matte black or brushed brass.

• Countertop refresh: It’s a higher budget option, but a new counter can fully transform a kitchen space. Quartz and granite countertops are buyer favorites. Still, a sleek laminate can help elevate if you’re running a bit tighter.

• Updated appliances: Most kitchen appliances need to be replaced every ten years. Choosing options with stainless steel or matte black finishes will add to the clean, modern look.

• Lighting: Good lighting makes all the difference in a presentation. We suggest pendant lights over islands or under-cabinet lighting to add depth and interest.

2. Upgrades to your home's Bathroom

Small space, big influence. If poorly maintained, the bathroom can signal to buyers that a home hasn’t been cared for. A well-maintained bathroom shows the opposite. Convey comfort and functionality with the following upgrades.

Suggested Upgrades:

• Vanities: A new vanity can make a world of difference. We suggest finding an option with soft-close drawers and ample storage.

• Glass Shower: Glass shower doors or enclosures will create a clean and modern feel with little extra effort.

• Fixtures: Sink faucets and showerheads are small replacements that make a big difference in the feeling of a space.

• Flooring: Tile is preferred for bathroom spaces. Cleaning and re-grouting existing tile shows dedication to the space. At a minimum, be sure the flooring in the bathroom is waterproof to avoid damage to the floors. To add a “wow!” factor, consider heated floors. The extra touch can be a closer to higher-end buyers.

3. Upgrades to your home's Outdoors

Curb appeal is a phrase you’ve likely heard before if you’ve started dabbling in home renovation. That doesn’t make it any less important. Refined entry, exist, exterior, and landscaping features provide the first image of your home to a potential buyer. Show that you care for your home. 

Suggested Upgrades:

• Front Door: Paint or replace your door to add a bold, customized accent.

• Outdoor Lighting: Enjoy your home day and night. Lighting adds safety and sparkle. Look into solar-powered options for lights that don’t eat into your electric bill.

• Landscaping: A good-looking lawn works wonders. Trimmed shrubs, colorful flowers, and layered features add interest and appeal to your home. Opt for low-maintenance plant life where possible to reduce upkeep.

4. Upgrade

your home by increasing spaces

Functional square footage sells, especially if it's flexible in use. Everyone uses their home differently; having bonus spaces that could serve multiple purposes increases the number of people your home will appeal to. Here are our suggestions for converting or adding space in your home.

Suggested Upgrades:

• Finish the Basement: Use all the space available to you. A finished basement can be a media room, playroom, or even a guest suite if the basement has window access.

• Build the Attic: Some attics are unfit for use; however, an attic space can become many things. Create a space for extra storage, a unique home office, or a cozy bedroom.

• Sunroom: Adding a screened porch or sunroom adds access to the outside world without being fully exposed to the elements.

• Staging: Locate landings or nooks in your home and turn them into places to read and work. Show how every inch of the home can be utilized.

Bigger isn’t always better. For home upgrades, the smartest overall strategy is to increase value without over-personalizing the space. Make your home fresh, functional, and move-in ready. Buyers should be able to imagine living in it!

Unsure of where to begin or ready to make some big changes? That’s just what we’re here to do. Reach out to Artisan Renovation today for carefully considered, customized renovations.