Whether you’re planning to sell your home or just want to update its style, a new coat of paint, window replacement or landscaping is a great way to increase the value of your home. If you’re not confident in your DIY abilities, you may want to hire a professional. However, most homeowners prefer to do their own improvements because it’s a great way to personalize their home. You can make a big impact on your home’s appearance and value without spending a lot of money.
The average homeowner spent about $13,138 on home-improvement projects in 2020, according to a report from HomeAdvisor. However, the average is not a hard number. It can vary a lot year-to-year, and economists prefer to use the midpoint figure. If you’re looking to sell your home, however, it’s important to pay attention to local trends. By paying attention to what’s popular in your neighborhood, you’ll be better able to make informed decisions.
Painting the interior walls is a very affordable home improvement that will add value to your home. You’ll immediately see the change in your home, and you can make a huge impact with just a little paint. It’s a good idea to use a neutral color, as most buyers prefer to have neutral color schemes. The color of the paint can also impact the overall value of your home, so it’s important to use colors that are appropriate for your home.
If you’re planning to sell your home, you should also consider updating the fixtures and finishes. Many cosmetic projects are fairly easy to complete, such as replacing a cracked tile or minor scratches on hardwood floors. But if you have the money, you can take on whole house renovations, which can increase the value of your home.
For example, installing cellular blinds instead of heavy drapes or replacing carpet in good condition with hardwood can make a big impact on your home’s aesthetic. You can also increase your home’s energy efficiency by replacing your windows or roof. It’s important to remember that not all home improvement projects are worth the money. Unless it adds value to your home or makes it more comfortable, you may not want to invest in a costly project.
Among home buyers, 23% purchased a home that had a less than stellar appearance. The same survey revealed that most buyers prefer hardwood floors to tile, and quartz and ceramic tile are considered trendy. However, spa-like bathrooms may not pay off when it’s time to sell.
According to the NKBA’s 2020 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook, cabinets and faucets are the first things to go out of style. For the kitchen, countertops are the next most popular upgrade. Faucets and shower heads climbed back into the top three in 2021.
For the outdoors, beds and borders are the most common features updated in 2021. Outdoor security updates rose by three points year-over-year to 17 percent. Another popular outdoor feature is cooling.