Five Ways to Improve Your Home's Value and Livability

Five Ways to Improve Your Home’s Value and Livability

The time has come to upgrade your home. Perhaps you’re moving and want to maximize your profit, or you simply wish to enhance the personality of your home. There are many things you can do to expand the worth and livability of your space without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas that could by as much as 10 percent.

1. Spruce Up the Exterior

Pruning and power-washing all improve the look of your property at minimal expense. Overgrown shrubs often conceal architectural detail and cause mold growth. Grime on sidings, decks and gutters makes a residence look tired and worn. A powerful wash can add impact where it counts, but if you’re worried about having the right supplies to do it yourself, you can just call a professional service (like Ned Stevens) and let them worry about the mess.

Related: Your Guide to Pressure Washers

2. Tidy Up Inside

In general, a thorough housecleaning is more than worth the effort. Living in a clean space can improve productivity and relieve feelings of anxiety. Over the years, clutter inevitably accumulates in most areas, and some of it may even yield unwanted scents that you’ve grown accustomed to. Consumer Reports estimates a potential 3 to 5 percent increase in value if you get serious about tidying up because it increases the lifespan of your home’s structural qualities.

Related: 25 Natural Cleaner Recipes

3. Selective Use of Paint

Did you paint the family room a color that hasn’t been popular since the ’90s? Changing trends may render older palette selections obsolete. In many homes, there’s only a need to repaint a room when you’re looking for an update. Before you make a decision, take a moment to learn about current color trends, such as pastels, neutral grays and emerging new shades like Greek Blue. Also, take into consideration that not choosing a neutral color may require some more updating in the future, which means spending more money.

Related: Tips for Choosing a Perfect Paint Color (and see our top paint palettes here)

4. Focus on the Kitchen and Bath

According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, dollars invested in the kitchen and bathroom provide some of the best returns. These are two of the most actively used and detail-rich rooms in the home, so they attract the close attention of visitors. In the kitchen, an updated faucet, modern LED lights and new cabinet door handles can add to the perception of value for only a few hundred dollars. Don’t be afraid to stop there. You can draw inspiration from design specific blogs and other forums for a themed option and more creative ideas.

5. A Closet for the Family Room

If you have a family room, drive your home’s value higher with the addition of a closet. The typical family room is spacious enough to accommodate a modern closet system that can also double as a potential bedroom. You can turn a two-bedroom home into a two-bedroom home with a nook or small office, and increase its appeal to prospective buyers.

These tips are a sure way to make sure you feel like you’re getting the most out of your home. Small upgrades are attainable with the right preparation and motivation. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to tackle a chore yourself, consider hiring a professional. You’d be surprised how much a minor makeover can make a big impact.

This article was submitted by Ned Stevens

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Five Ways to Improve Your Home’s Value and Livability