Are you preparing to sell your home and you want to make it look better? Buyers will come flocking to you if they like the renovations you make to your house. That is why you have to know the most significant improvements to make before selling your home.
One of the biggest advantages of renovating a house before selling is the rise in value. When the appraiser comes, he or she will be looking at the condition of every part of the home. If they are in the best shape, you can expect the house to fetch more money than one that has been neglected for a long time.
When people think about renovating a house, they only think about big projects that cost lots of money. That is why they choose to sell the house "as is" and get little income from the sale; however, you may be baffled to find out that some of the small projects that you overlook are the ones that will make a significant difference.
This home improvement guide will help you understand the most important changes to make before inviting potential buyers to view the house.
1. Landscaping
When was the last time you worked on the landscape of your home? No matter how well designed it was, there are better options that fit modern houses, so you will need a good design. You may want to call a professional landscaper to help you with a new idea so that you can turn them into modern landscapes.
When a potential buyer or agent pulls up to your home, the first thing that they will notice is the landscape, and it will form their first opinion. In fact, some buyers may decide to buy based on the impression that they get from these designs. Because of that, you should invest some time and effort in them, especially when you know that they have a high return on investment.
2. Kitchen Remodel
If your kitchen is not looking good, you can be sure that nobody will want to own that house. If it is going to be occupied by a family, cooking will be a significant part of their lifestyle, so they expect to find spacious kitchens with the latest fittings.
Find a contractor to work on the sinks and other items to ensure that they are working correctly. If the cabinets are old and maybe do not match the rest of the kitchen, replace them or add a fresh coat of paint over them. You will also want to repair anything that may be broken or breaking. When it comes to kitchens, the most important thing is to create enough space for storing all accessories and ensuring it is tidy.
3. Exterior Improvements Before Selling Your Home
The process of selling a house starts by taking pictures and advertising it on various platforms. In those pictures, the most conspicuous view should be that of the exterior because it attracts people to contact you. If the exterior is not pleasing, it will be a turn-off to prospective buyers, no matter how good the interior may be.
Working on your house's exterior involves painting and cleaning. It would be best if you focused on the following things when cleaning the exterior of your house:
- Patios
- Walkways
- Backyards
- Walls
- Structures detached from the main house
There are also some additions that you can make to the exterior like decks, fences, and more. These should be important considerations when you are selling your home because they add value to the house. You do not want to add on extra charges to your bill if you do not need to, so always making sure any additions are completely necessary is a must.
4. HVAC Upgrade
Check your furnaces, air conditioners, ducts, and other HVAC components to make sure they are functioning correctly. No matter where you live, you will always want the right temperatures in your house. Once winter comes around, you will want to make sure the furnace is working properly and will not give the new owners any problem.
That is why you should put yourself in the potential buyer's shoes and ask yourself if you would buy a house with HVAC systems like the ones in your home. If you would wish for something better, go ahead and create it for the new owner. Sometimes, it may only be a slight adjustment to make them more energy-efficient.
5. Security Systems Update
Homeowners want the comfort of knowing their property is secure, especially with recent advances in home invasion techniques. If you do not have a security system installed, that may turn buyers off a little with the increase of theft and break ins nowadays.
Things such as door alarms, security cameras, motion sensors, and many others are priorities for modern homeowners because they reduce the risk of losing valuables to thieves. If you invest in smart security systems, it will make your house look modern, because that is what people are looking for in this day and age.
6. Bathroom Remodeling
The state of your bathroom speaks a lot about the value of your house and will be a major selling point. Well-maintained bathrooms always attract buyers, especially when they have families and entertain a lot of visitors. That is why you should check everything from the bathroom sinks to faucets, bathtubs, shower heads, and many others.
Renovating a bathroom before sale also requires you to check the drainage because you do not want to end up with a nice bathroom with clogged drains.
7. Roof Repairs
How can you forget about the roof when it is what gives your house that stylish look?
There is no doubt that it was the best choice for the home when it was built. But if it has been several decades since, you may want to look into putting up a new one. You can also repair the existing one and add a few features to make it look better.
When looking for roof repair services, you should look for contractors who know how to choose the best materials and designs for your house. Local contractors could do a better job because they understand the challenges that homeowners in your area face. They can also help you source better roofing materials.
8. Basement Remodel
You may think that the basement is not important because it is not visited often and less activity occurs there; however, it is an integral part of a home, so you have to make sure that it is in the best condition. Any serious buyer will check the basement before making up their mind about the purchase.
If you have ever had a water damage issue in the basement, this is the time you should be checking if the damages were dire. You should also check for any possible mold attacks and find ways to prevent them. You may also want to add more lighting in the basement to improve its appearance.
If you use your basement for storage, you will want to make sure that everything is in order and not strewn about. Potential buyers will want to imagine what they can do with the space, so they will want to be able to see as much of it as possible.
9. Garage Door Repairs
A home remodel project cannot be complete without working on the garage. When it comes to this part of a home, one of the most important parts is the door, because garages hardly have any other parts that can be damaged easily.
For garage doors, you should look for replacements that complement the new look of your house, especially if you changed the roof. You should look at hinges, frames, and locks to ensure that they are functioning properly too. At the end of the day, you will want a better garage door that adds value to your house.
10. Replacement Windows
Are you happy with the windows on your house, and would you want the new owners to use them as they are? Windows play a significant role in making a home more ventilated. They also make it look better, especially when you choose suitable designs and sizes.
Because of that, you can add some value to your house if you look for replacement windows and choose from the best options in the market.
Do not forget that you want to add value before selling the house, and therefore, you should not go for average supplies. Regardless of the kinds of windows you prefer, you can always get them as long as you contact the right supplier.
11. Living Room Updates
Your living room may need some updates too. Maybe, you have had the same design for too long, and adding a little change could make it better. Think about the things that you are missing and add them.
Renovating a living room is relatively easy, because sometimes you only need to change the lighting. You may also want to change the design of the living room windows and similar items to suit the needs of modern home buyers. Getting a little creative can leave you with a unique and stylish living room.
All these upgrades require you to source high-quality materials. Ask your contractors to get the best supplies in the market to add real value to the building. It will reward you when you sell the house.
Let Experts Renovate Your House
Now that you know the most significant improvements to make to a house before selling your home, you should also know how to find the right contractors for the project. You can search locally, but if none suits your needs, you can look for them online. The most important thing is to find a reliable, experienced home improvement contractor.
We provide various home selling services and can give you home renovation advice to fetch the highest price. Contact us today and allow us to help you.