Remodeling a house before a home sale is a good way for home sellers to add some value to the home. There are small remodels that can add value to the house that can easily be made back during the sale. Larger renovations can sometimes add more value than they cost, but often times they do not repay the investment. Before making a big decision, home sellers will want to research the local market to determine what renovations will be best.
A bathroom can be an expensive room to remodel, but it does not have to be. To do an extensive remodel, everything can be replaced: the tub, toilet, sink, and vanity. This can cost home sellers a good chunk of money, but this is typically paid back in full. In some cases it will even boost the value of the house for more than what was put in.
To go one step further, extending a bathroom to make a master bath can be appealing to many buyers. This could mean altering walls to make the bathroom have more space. All fixtures must be replaced, along with the flooring and wall coverings. A quick fix to make any bathroom appear larger is to use a pedestal sink instead of a vanity.
For a simple remodel, concentrate on making everything look new. Caulk the tub and glaze it to make it appear to be a new fixture. Paint the walls and possibly buy inexpensive floor covering. Giving the shower a good wash is ideal to help it appear new.
The outside of the house is the first thing a buyer will see. For this reason, home sellers should focus on its appeal in order to welcome all buyers. That means having an immaculate lawn, whether adding fresh sod, colorful flowers, or even trimming the bushes and trees. Replacing door handles, outdoor lights, and other fixtures that can be readily seen will help make the whole house feel updated.
A kitchen is another room that will cost a lot to remodel. Fortunately, it also pays high dividends when complete. A simple remodel is great for a kitchen that is set up well but could use some sprucing up.
To cut down on costs, use the existing cabinets. Sand them down and varnish them for a whole new color and look. The floor can be covered inexpensively, if done correctly. Remember to use a floor leveler before putting down new vinyl so any old colors do not show.
Adding in color can come through in buying new curtains. Paint the walls a neutral color that can go along with any décor. To spend a little more money, invest in new stainless-steel appliances. Replacing the sink is a must if the old one leaks or is extremely calcified.
A complete renovation of the kitchen will not bring all of the money that is invested back to the buyer, but it comes close. Start with the floor and move up. Replace everything in the kitchen with long-lasting materials, like granite countertops.
If there is not an existing deck or porch, it is a good idea to construct one. Much of the investment will be paid back, and buyers love to see these features. Always have a finished and varnished porch that is decorated with fresh plants and artificial lighting.
All buyers want to see a house with new windows. It saves on utilities and makes them feel safer. Depending on the area, there are different windows that do better for different climates. In areas where there are extreme temperatures, it pays to go for more expensive windows that reflect heat and keep any air conditioning from seeping out.
The living room does not take a lot to make it a completely different room. Painting and repairing the floor is the first step. Add in furniture that accents the floor space and any added features, like a fireplace. Then add in color on the windows in the form of curtains.
Once these simple updates are done, accessories can be selected. Adding in color with different décor pieces and plants will make the room more interesting.
Many parts of a living room can be updated by hand. If sanding the floor or installing carpet that is best left to a professional. However, varnishing a floor is easy for a homeowner to complete.
Painting is easy, but it is also very easy to spot an unprofessional paint job. Sometimes it is just better to let a professional complete the project quickly.
An important part of updating a bedroom is the lighting. Swap out old fixtures for ones that will give the room a more cozy feel. Be sure to repair any holes left by this project or previous projects. It is important to fill in any holes before painting a room.
While many bedrooms feature carpet, there are more homeowners looking for hardwood rooms. Hardwood floors are easy to handle if a professional is able to refinish them. Make sure all remains of carpet are completely taken out when installing a polished hardwood floor.
Adding a family room is not going to give as high of a return for home sellers, but it will still give around eighty percent back. A sun room can count toward the square footage of the house when it can be heated and cooled for each season. This addition is best in houses that are on the upper end of the market.
To help lower the cost of utilities, attics should have insulation installed. Additionally, a foil vapor barrier will help protect the ceiling from building up too much moisture and creating damage.
Converting the attic into a bedroom and bathroom can add major value to the home. This does come at a cost to the home sellers because this renovation can cost up to $40,000 to complete.
Any additional rooms in the house should have a purpose. If there are plenty of bedrooms and one room left over, consider creating an office. This is an inexpensive change. Fixing the floor and painting the walls is the most important part. Add in office furniture to complete the look.