Given that homes are typically a long-term investment, it’s not unusual for homeowners to save up for some big projects. With spring being such a hot time of year for homebuying, it’s also a great time to find out how those projects can help increase your home’s value.
Exterior Updates
Exterior projects and maintenance usually must adhere to certain guidelines. If you’re part of a homeowner’s association, or HOA, you’ll likely need to follow its rules. If the renovations change the footprint of the home, you may need a building permit from a municipal office.
Landscaping is a popular way to improve value and curb appeal. A garden or walkway adds a unique visual to your home and can be done without a permit.
“Landscaping adds real value – not just to the home’s appearance but to the structure itself,” said Harley Grandone of LawnStarter,. “A tidy, well-designed yard suggests the house is well cared for and move-in ready, which appeals to buyers and boosts confidence.”
Outdoor features, such as patios, decks, fire pits, and outdoor lighting are all popular ways to add value as well. Patios and decks may require a permit if you have an HOA, depending on the location of the home, but fire pits and lighting generally don’t.
“Outdoor features...can boost a home’s value — but how much depends on where you live and how the space is used.” Grandone said. “Patios and decks are always popular because they’re versatile and relatively affordable, with returns as high as 80 percent.”
Spring is the perfect time to get ahead with your outdoor projects before the heat of the summer sets in.
“Spring is all about color and sometimes scents – tulips, irises, honeysuckle, and day lilies – flowers bring color to your landscape,” Grandone said.
Interior Renovations
Most interior projects, like painting or redoing the kitchen, you can do without a permit. More important systems, like electrical or plumbing, may require permits depending on the extent of the renovation.
Painting is a simple way to give your home a clean, updated feel. If you have some scuffs and scratches or outdated and peeling wallpaper, consider grabbing a bucket and a brush.
“Paint is one of the easiest ways to increase a home’s value, and 50 percent of realtors recommend painting the entire home before selling,” Kimberly Magerl from home services company HomeGnome said.
“Maximizing the value of paint comes down to choosing a neutral color like shades of beige, white, or gray”, she said.
Updating flooring is another way to boost your home’s value. According to Investopedia, buyers will pay a premium for a home with hardwood floors: about $5,000-$6,500. Carpets sometimes have hardwood floors beneath them; pulling up the carpet and refinishing the wood can add significant of value to your home.
“Carpeting can help sell a home, but it does not add much value because of its short lifespan,” Magerl said. ”For flooring, hardwood floors offer the highest ROI, boosting a home’s value by as much as ”
Homes are full of fixtures such as doorknobs, handles, faucets, light fixtures, fans, and more. Sprucing them up is simple, and updating fixtures can refresh the look of the entire home.
For more tips on home maintenance and trends, visit newhomesource.com/learn.
James Klingele
James Klingele holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Innovation from Texas State University. He is a digital media specialist and content creator with a passion for storytelling in both print and digital formats. His work has included covering high-profile events like SXSW, where he contributed to content creation for global audiences. He has been a content specialist for NewHomeSource since 2024.