Home & Garden
6 Simple Fixes To Boost Your Home's Value
A few little fix-ups now could save or make you some big bucks down the line.
Whether you're trying to sell your home now, six months from now or maybe even six years from now, it's never a bad idea to keep it in resale shape. This doesn't mean you need to remodel the whole downstairs or build a huge addition — not unless you want to, that is.
But if you do want to be proactive with your place, there are some super simple fixes that will boost your home's value in a big way. Getting your home resale-ready doesn't necessarily have to break the bank, either.
Here's some home advice you'll be glad you took.
The fix: Dark rooms can feel dated and smaller than they actually are, which is obviously not good for real estate. Installing skylights is a relatively easy way to increase natural light.
The cost: The average homeowner spends $1,490 on installation, but skylights are available in a range of prices. According to a recent Home Advisor survey, some folks reported installing a skylight for as little as $460.
The payoff: What might seem like a little light can make a lot of difference in a dark room. Potential buyers want a space that seems bright and open, and in the meantime, you and your family get to enjoy it.
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The fix: Your home’s exterior paint should last about 15 years, but it will inevitably begin to peel over time. A fresh paint job can make your house look nicer and last longer, too.
The cost: The national average cost to paint a house exterior is $2,581. According to HomeAdvisor, most people pay between $1,714 and $3,682. Keep in mind, these numbers are for painting the entire exterior — minimal maintenance touchups are likely to be less expensive.
The payoff: If you don't do the occasional painting touchup, your siding could begin to rot, mold or warp. The average cost for repairing siding is $600, but proper maintenance helps it stay in good condition longer.
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The fix: Having an attractive yard increases something called curb appeal. Also, let's face it: When it comes to a home's value, looks do matter.
The cost: The average cost to mow and maintain a lawn is $150. High-end jobs can cost upwards of $600, and if you want to get more creative with the rest of your landscape, your costs will obviously increase as well.
The payoff: Who doesn't want a nice-looking yard? It's worthwhile in more ways than you might think, too. In fact, according to HomeAdvisor, a good first impression can add 5 percent to a home’s value.
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The fix: If you have some extra room in your home, turn it into a home office. You just need to make sure there's plenty of space to work — and also that you can install or repair the wiring needed for any necessary electronics.
The cost: The average cost to repair your home’s computer network or wiring is $145. Most homeowners spent between $90 and $202.
The payoff: With more and more people working remotely these days, the concept of an at-home office is an appealing selling point for any home.
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If There's a Ring in the Tub, Answer It
The fix: Bathrooms might not be as glamorous as bedrooms, but we do tend to spend some time there. If yours is outdated or lacking amenities, this can be a big turnoff to potential buyers. The answer is a bathroom makeover: Re-stain those cabinets, update the light fixtures, try out a new wall treatment and for goodness’ sake, refinish that tired looking tub!
The cost: Plenty of these smaller bathroom remodels can be done on a budget. For example, the average cost of refinishing a bathtub is $462 — significantly less than installing a new one.
The payoff: You and your loved ones get to enjoy this updated bathroom now, and it could also increase your home's sale appeal down the road.
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The fix: Hiring a recurring maid service is a wonderful way to ensure the housework gets done — no matter how busy life gets!
The cost: The average cost to hire a professional maid service is $165, but most folks report paying somewhere in the range of $115 to $236.
The payoff: Hiring a housekeeping service frees you up from chores and gives you more time for work, family and fun. When you have a service coming to clean on a regular date, it also helps ensure other regular maintenance chores get done around the home. Plus, when sinks, toilets and other home appliances are cleaned and checked at scheduled intervals, you'll most likely catch any smaller issues before they turn into bigger ones.
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More Home & Garden:
- 57 Common Home Improvement Project Costs
- How Much Does It Really Cost to Have Your Home Professionally Cleaned?
- Remodeling Done Right: A Cost Guide For Every Room In The House
Photo Credit: Garycycles8 via Flickr
