Aside from the relationships in your life, your home is your greatest asset.
So it goes without saying that choosing the types of upgrades and improvements that will get the highest return on that investment is a worthwhile endeavor.
The key is to make your home stand out from the masses of other available homes without “breaking the bank.”
Here are some simple ways to make your house shine, add significant value, and increase your family’s enjoyment in the process.
Curb Appeal and Then Some
Will Rogers famously said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” And your home’s curb appeal is precisely that. It is your first opportunity to create that WOW factor before people ever enter it.
Here are some things to consider:
- Does your landscaping complement the front elevation of your home? Is it easy to maintain? Is it pruned, weeded, trimmed, and spruced up?
- Does your home exterior look fresh? Does it need a pressure washing or a fresh coat of paint? Every 5-7 years is a suitable timeframe for updating the paint.
- What does your front door say about your home? Is it a current style or a timeless classic? Choose a bold color that will contrast with the rest of the home’s exterior colors.
Add Stone Veneer
Homes with stone are perceived to have a higher value than basic stucco or siding and are often viewed as luxurious. This is a reasonably simple way to improve the look of an outdated home.
And if you want to keep costs down, consider stone ACCENTS on smaller portions of your home. The impact can still be substantial.
Get Energy Efficient Windows
Whether you’re remodeling an older home or choosing options for a new custom home, the energy efficiency of windows has a great ROI since it impacts your monthly bills.
Windows made of fiberglass and composite materials are more energy-efficient than vinyl windows; they require less maintenance and can be painted to change the look.
Older homes typically have smaller windows, so you may consider adding larger ones to let in more natural light. This may cost more upfront, but natural light makes rooms appear larger, newer, and cleaner.
Install Hardwood Floors or Refinish Existing Ones
Wood floors have consistently been a popular flooring choice and continue to add value to homes. Refinishing or installing hardwood floors usually recoups your entire investment and then some.
If you have pets or if hardwood is simply out of your price range, wood-look tile and vinyl plank flooring are great options.
Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms
A kitchen renovation may give you the most “bang for your buck” since buyers place a high premium on this room when comparing your home to others.
Dollars spent on high-quality cabinetry are always a good idea because constant wear and tear is the norm for most families.
Other good upgrade options are new countertops, a new stainless steel sink & faucet, updated light fixtures, or modernized appliances. If you aren’t married to a particular style or color, it’s a great idea to ask a local realtor what buyers are looking for in your area.
The same goes for the bathrooms. Add quality cabinetry, and update the hardware for a fresh, new look without the expense of a whole redo.
At Westmont…
We want to help you be STRATEGIC about the upgrades you choose when building your custom home or remodeling an older one. Our team has over 20 years of building award-winning dream homes in Central Florida.
Let’s start the conversation about how YOU can get the best ROI out of your greatest asset.