Whether you’re looking for an easy home improvement project or a major renovation, there are plenty of things you can do to make your house more appealing. The key is to pick a project that won’t break your budget or take too much of your time.
Landscaping
One of the most cost-effective home improvements you can do is landscaping your front yard. It will improve your curb appeal, help prevent a lot of expensive potential damage from falling tree limbs and other factors that affect your property’s value, and also add aesthetics to your landscape that can increase your home’s marketability when you sell.
Additions
Adding an addition to your house is an investment that can pay off when you sell it. Typically, homes that have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms will be more valuable than those that don’t have these amenities.
The average cost to add an addition to a home is $49,562, according to estimates from HomeAdvisor. This includes materials, construction labor and other costs such as a contractor, architect or engineer and other professionals you’ll need to make the new room function properly.
Bathrooms
Putting in new tiling and showers, for instance, can not only improve your bathroom’s functionality but can increase its value as well. This is especially true if you are planning on selling your house in the near future and would like to make it more appealing to prospective buyers.
Kitchens
Changing up your kitchen by installing marble countertops, tile floors or other upgrades can be another great way to boost your home’s resale value. It’s important to choose the right materials and work with a professional contractor when attempting this type of renovation, as improperly installed materials can result in costly repairs down the road.
Home Improvement Loans
Getting a home improvement loan can be an excellent option for those who need extra cash to pay for a big home remodeling project. These loans can be used for any number of different home renovations, upgrades or repairs, such as repairing damaged roofs or installing a new kitchen.
These loans are a great way to fund renovation projects and get them completed quickly and easily without breaking the bank. However, you should be aware of the fact that these types of loans often come with high interest rates and fees, so it’s important to find a good deal that meets your needs.
A good contractor should be licensed and insured in your state or region. They should be able to provide you with a written contract that includes a payment schedule and as many specifics as possible about the project.
Ask your friends and family for references and talk to them about the contractors they used. They should be able to tell you about the quality of work they received, how well the contractors cleaned up after their jobs and how they felt about the contractor’s professionalism.
Be sure to get a contract that outlines the project’s timeline and payment schedule as well as any required inspections or certificates of occupancy. Never pay for the entire job upfront and always put all payments into an escrow account until the project is substantially complete.