The real estate market has begun to cool, but prices haven’t dropped much. There’s still time to significantly improve your home’s value and get it on the market if you’ve been considering selling.
Maybe you love where you live but are tired of looking at the same old four walls. Perhaps you’ve put off certain improvements for years and finally have the financial wherewithal to create the casa of your dreams.
What should you do to improve your market value, curb appeal — and, above all, comfort? Here are four ways to improve your home this year.
Make It More Accessible
Did you know that one in every four Americans has a disability? Even if you don’t, there’s a good chance one of the friends and relatives who frequently visits your home does. Adding accessibility upgrades is one of the fastest ways to increase your overall property value.
For example, if your home has two or more stories, an elevator enables people with disabilities to manage daily chores like laundry without risking a dangerous fall. You’ll appreciate the convenience the next time your knees and back creak from a tough workout or long day working construction.
An appraiser can tell you how much this upgrade will add to your property value, and installation may not be as pricey or cumbersome as you think, depending on the model you choose.
What are some less expensive options for adding accessibility to your home? Here are a few places you should evaluate:
- Your entryway: If you have a steep driveway, can you pull up to a flat garage or carport to make unloading groceries easier? Do all stairs leading to your front door have secure railings for support?
- Your flooring: Carpet is tough for those who use assistive devices to navigate. Your best choices are high-quality vinyl laminates or hardwoods that let wheelchairs and walkers roll freely while providing more padding than tile or stone in case of falls.
- Your bathrooms: A considerable percentage of injuries occur in the bathroom. Grab bars might not be difficult to install and can make it safer to shower and use the facilities.
Make It More Sustainable
Everyone plays a role in reversing climate change. Such upgrades are another rapid way to increase your property value, as two-thirds of consumers say they will pay more for sustainability.
What can you do? If you have the budget, converting to solar is a wise choice. Many homeowners wait to tackle this chore until they need a roof replacement, anyway, but consider other options if you have a sizable lot. There are considerable benefits to a ground-mounted system, including ease of cleaning and maintenance — you won’t need a ladder to remove snow and debris.
However, that’s not your only option. For example, adding one-way window film lets you take advantage of passive solar while protecting your flooring and furnishings from UV light fading. It increases your security by making your glass more resistant to shattering and offers an unfettered view of the outdoors.
Upgrading to the latest Energy Star appliances might mean a considerable out-of-pocket expense, but your purchase will reimburse you over time in lower utility bills. Such devices also make great selling points, helping you get more when you sell.
Solar panels can help make your home more energy-efficient by using the sun's energy to power your home's electrical needs. By generating your electricity, you can reduce your dependence on traditional sources of energy and lower your monthly utility bills. Plus, solar panels are environmentally friendly and can increase the value of your home.
If you live in Miami you should check out the Florida Sunshine Law, which guarantees public access to government meetings and records, including information related to solar panel installations and permits. A solar panel installation company operating in Miami Gardens can surely help you with this.
Make It More Practical for Modern Lifestyles
The pandemic changed life for the better in some ways, like increasing the percentage of people working from home. Although some executives want folks to return to the office, employees are digging in their heels and resisting because of the multiple advantages this style of work has for their overall productivity — and the planet. Fewer cars on the road mean fewer emissions.
One of the best ways to improve your home this year is to add a home office. Have you been laboring in the corner of the living room? Consider building a wall for privacy and separation between work and home. You might also:
- Convert a spare bedroom.
- Transform that extra 3rd car garage space.
- Finish your basement or attic.
- Add a “she-shed” or ADU in your backyard.
Multigenerational living is also back in vogue as soaring housing costs price many young people and older adults out of independent living. You can also use these ideas to create separate, private living spaces for buyers looking to share their future homes with grandma.
Make It More Stylish
Maybe big upgrades aren’t in your budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t jazz up your abode. One simple idea? If you still sleep on a mattress on the floor, graduate to a bed frame and headboard — look for secondhand bargains to keep costs low. It’s quite easy to refinish furniture, even for newbies, and you can pickup the materials you need for less than $50.
Look for tiny places that make a big impact. For example, is your hallway unadorned? That’s the perfect place for a gallery wall of your favorite family photos.
Ways to Improve Your Home This Year
You might be one of the many people spending more time at home this year. If so, why not transform your abode into the palace of your dreams?
The four practical upgrades above will help you reap a return on your investment and make your daily living more comfortable. Consider these four ways to improve your home this year and make your hardware store shopping list.
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