Low Cost Enhancements boost ROI and Curb Appeal
We all want the home we buy to be a love at first sight, but with home inventories at an all time low there’s less to choose from and more need than ever for compromise. Older homes, and those that require a little elbow grease and imagination should not deter you. Unleash your inner DIY spirit with our list of low cost value-boosting, home improvement upgrades.
Old and Dated Features
Carpet, paint, wallpaper, dated fixtures and door knobs are all features that can make your future home look drab. Luckily, most of these aesthetic nightmares can be fixed relatively quickly and with little impact on your wallet. Painting is the cheapest and some might argue most effective way to transform a space, color can add depth and energy to an otherwise blah room. Another penny pinching way to upgrade a home is through fixtures – to save even more cash we recommend scouring Ebay or your local antique shop for cheap, one of a kind pieces that will add character to your new home.
Kitchen
The kitchen is everyone’s favorite room, where meals and memories will be made. For many consumers, the kitchen can also make or break a decision to buy. Aged appliances can make a kitchen feel old and uninviting. Upgrading your appliances will improve your kitchen in terms of aesthetics and efficiency, raising the value of your home. Though admittedly more costly than a coat of paint or an art deco door knob, new appliances will make your kitchen the heart of your home and save you time and money in the long run.
Curb Appeal
You’re home should make you happy, from the outside in. When looking for a reasonable upgrade, do not underestimate the power of the exterior. A higher price point than other options we have presented, painting the outside of a home and replacing old windows with energy efficient panes are great ways to add value to your home. Energy efficient windows bring a look of freshness and save homeowners $126–$465 a year.
If you’re out there on the hunt for your next home, don’t get frustrated, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!