Home Improvements That Can Help Sell a Home
by Katherine Watkins on Dec 16, 2011
With several cable channels devoted to home improvement, the industry has seen a boom in recent years. Many people are choosing to do renovations on their own rather than pay someone else to do them. If a project is being done with hopes of one day selling the home, some remodeling projects provide better payoffs than others.
Home improvements that pay off
Before deciding on which remodels should be done to decide what the goal of the project will be. If it is simply to make the home more enjoyable for the owners then the decisions are up to them. If there is the hope of selling the home soon, one or more of the following projects might be more appealing to potential buyers.
*Kitchen – This area typically suffers the most wear and tear but is also frequently known as the heart of the house because it’s where the family gathers and where entertaining is often done. Adding functionality with dual sinks and more counter space is a good start. Improving the look of cabinets and countertops will go a long way. Other changes like painting the ceiling and walls, and replacing the flooring, also add value.
*Bathroom – Of any household room, the bathroom has probably changed the most over the years. It is ideal in today’s market to have more than one. If there is only one currently, add a half bath from a small, unused closet. Other popular additions include glass block windows, couples walk-in showers and skylights. Installing an environmentally-friendly addition like a low-flow toilet can change the look and save money on utility bills. Ceramic tile flooring is preferred over others because it handles water better. If money is tight, even changing the water fixtures can add a dramatic change.
*Decks – Perhaps the easiest and least expensive way to add square footage to a house is to build a deck.
*Adding space – If the house is broken up into many small rooms, consider opening things up by safely taking out a wall or two and creating larger living spaces. This can be more costly than some of the other projects but about 80 percent of the costs can be recouped at the sale.
*Windows – Another environmentally-friendly project, installing energy-efficient windows lower heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. Avoid fancy models that can be more expensive but may or may not be appealing to new home buyers.
Selecting the projects to remodel a home is a matter of personal taste but if the owner is looking to gain back the cost during the sale of the house some projects are timeless. Renovations that add space and functionality never go out of style and are more likely to catch the eye of any potential buyer.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
94854 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74263 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71734 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52711 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30568 Views
Latest Articles
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Garden Water Features and Fish – Basic Tips You Should Know About
The secret to owning beautiful water features is a basic understanding of what happens to water when fish are placed in ponds or water gardens,...
Rain Gutter Downspout Installation or Replacement
Your gutters are only as good as the downspouts which carry the rainwater down from the collection gutter to the next story down. Whether it is new...
How to Come Up with Good Bathroom Design Ideas
Good bathroom design depends on being able to maximize the existing space you already have. It also starts with the right selection of tiles and...
4 Common Dog Feeding Mistakes and How to Correct Them
Every pet owner wants to do what is best for their pet. One of the ways to take care of your dog is in his feeding. You know your dog...
8 Home Improvements that Do NOT Increase Your Home Value
A survey by the Homeowner Protection found that fifty-eight percent of homeowners in the U.S intend to carry out some kind off home remodeling in...