Discover some home renovations that increase home value. Invest your money back into your biggest investment, and make your house look great.
For the average American, their house will be the biggest investment they ever make. Historically, property values increase steadily over time. In the last 20 years, however, that hasn’t been the case in every part of the country. There’s one way to make sure your property value goes up, though; invest in your home. Renovations that increase home value come in many forms. To make your house look better and more modern, you don’t have to spend a lot of money, but you can if you want to.
Finish Your Basement
Add to the livable areas in your house by finishing the basement. If you already have a finished basement, then freshen the look. Making basements look like taverns trended in the 70s and 80s, but that isn’t so hot these days. Some drywall and a coat of paint, paired with some new furniture, will create a cozy spot for everyone. You can spend a ton, or spend a little; the bottom line is that a basement remodel adds livable square footage and value to your house.
Create a Smart Home
Wire up your home, and control it with a tablet and app. With so many smart gadgets for the home on the market, you might not know what to buy. Smart light switches can sense when you come into the room and will remember your lighting preferences. Get a smart thermostat you can control from anywhere in the world via an app. Consider adding some extra security with a doorknob that has a camera in it, so you can see who comes to your front door while you’re away.
Make it More Efficient
A home’s energy efficiency is very important. So much money gets wasted on electric bills because of poor insulation and inefficient appliances. If your A/C unit, water heater, or dryer are more than 20 years old, you may want to replace them with newer ones. Windows also impact your electric bill. Replacing windows is not a cheap job, but it’s well worth it. Newer, energy-efficient windows will eventually pay for themselves. Old windows that don’t properly seal will blow money out the window every time your A/C kicks on.
Take Your Time
Money concerns everyone, so don’t think you need to take out a loan and make all kinds of improvements at once. Start small by painting a bathroom. Then continue to make small changes as more money comes in. You could replace the toilet and sink next, and before you know it, you will have a new bathroom. Then move on to the room you think needs help the most.
