Ahhhh…remodeling. For many homeowners, they associate that word with expensive, time-consuming and messy! But you know it’s necessary to boost your home’s value. No wonder many of us wait to make home improvements until we plan to sell!
So we found some great remodeling ideas (courtesy of HouseLogic) you can do TODAY that will not hurt your budget. Remember, you want to take as many things off your future buyer’s ‘to-do’ list. With the market here in Metro Denver cooling, these are some inexpensive DIY things you can do to give your home some pop and impress potential buyers.
1. MOLDING: $1.50 – $8 PER FOOT
Give your rooms a finished, classic and expensive look with decorative molding! It’s actually at the top of buyers’ list of desirable decorative features in a home (National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey). There are hundreds of options for moldings (designs, paint styles, materials and etc.). So you can definitely find an affordable option!
2. CEILING FAN: $200 TO $600.
#1 on buyers’ decorative wish lists are ceiling fans! Now considered an essential component to rising energy prices, they are a great, little investment. You can choose a stylish option to complement the room and save money on AC!
3. MATURE TREES: $1,000 TO $10,000
Plant a tree and you’re planting a moneymaker! What else in a home gives you more value with age? Trees will help you:
- Boost home value by an average of $8,870 (planted street-side).
- Save $100 to $250 in annual energy costs.
- Beautifies the lawn (which can lower stress).
- Prevent roof erosion during downpours and runoffs.
- Protect your home from sun, wind and rain.
4. PATIO: $2,000+
Add extra living space under the Colorado sun with a patio! This is a terrific cost-effective way to add more square feet and WOW a potential buyer!!! Our recommendation: keep the patio simple and functional (how often would you use an outdoor kitchen?).
5. SECURITY SYSTEM: $50 – $1,500 (SET UP)
Installing a home security system can give you a priceless peace of mind! There are all sorts of systems out there that can fit your budget (your home insurance will give you a discount for a monitored system).
6. ENERGY-EFFICIENT UPGRADES: PRICE VARIES
Nine out of ten buyers prefer an energy-efficient home (and so will you as the utility bills get smaller)! The remodeling upgrades are nearly endless, but this is a great one: convert to a gas fireplace. You will save up to a whopping 77% on your heat (wood-burning fireplaces only save an average 15%).
7. CREATIVE STORAGE: PRICE VARIES
Adding storage is always appealing to homeowners, especially when it’s just a matter of using what you already have available. Why not open up some drywall and build storage cubbies between your wall’s studs? There are lots of unique ways you can add extra space like platform storage, under-the-stairs and more!
8. OUTDOOR/INDOOR LIGHTING: $150 – $250 (INSTALLATION)
Does your outdoor lighting seem a little ‘meh’? Add a new, modern light fixture in foyer or dining room. Many of today’s new light fixtures use less energy than those several years ago. Consider updating your exterior lights as well. Exterior lighting makes nighttime more convenient, adds beauty by accenting features, and of course deters burglars. Go cost-effective by installing solar lighting.
Source: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-improvement/budget-home-improvement-ideas/?cid=eo_em_mkt_newsletter
