When it comes to boosting home value, there are several home improvement projects that will pay off – and then there’s those that won’t. To help you choose the best home improvement project, we have compiled the following from Consumer Reports, and Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2017.
Upgrading the Kitchen
Topping the list of ideal home features, according to Consumer Reports, is an updated kitchen. Making minor improvements, such as upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and installing counter tops crafted from engineered stone or granite, can see a return on investment of 80.2% (Source: Cost vs. Value). Applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls and/or cabinets, and updating the hardware, can also breathe new life into the one room of your house that your family most often congregates to.
Front Yard Landscaping
The front of your house is the first thing people see, so it makes sense that any improvement – from adding native plants to applying a fresh coat of paint – will be worth your while. Sometimes upgrading curb appeal is simply a matter of spending time in the yard, mowing the grass, pulling weeds, and trimming trees and hedges. Planting native perennials is another budget-friendly option that can lead to major transformations.
Making Energy Efficient Improvements
Lowering your home’s energy costs will save you money both now and in the future. Having an energy-efficient home is a good selling point, too. The changes can be small, such as replacing incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, installing ceiling fans in each room or air sealing the “envelope” of your home using weatherstripping. Adding insulation with a high R-value (thermal resistance rating) and Energy Star certified windows can lower your home’s energy bills by 7 to 15 percent.
Replace the Garage Door
Your garage door can say a lot about your home. It occupies approximately 40% of your home’s façade, after all. Homeowners can see a 76.9% return on investment when they replace their existing garage door with an uninsulated, single-layer embossed steel garage door, according to this year’s Cost vs. Value report. An insulated, high tensile strength steel door with insulated glass windows carries an 85.0% return on investment. New galvanized steel tracks, hinges, and nylon steel rollers are also required.
