Diy Home Improvements That Add Value – Which DIY home renovation projects could add the most value to your house – and which ones to avoid
As Americans spend more time at home due to the pandemic, they’re looking to improve their homes — but not every project is worth the effort
Diy Home Improvements That Add Value
The pandemic has many people thinking about tidying up their homes. But not all home improvement projects get decent returns. Getty Images
Smart Ways To Use Your Home Equity For Remodeling
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, Americans have a lot more time on their hands — and they’re spending that time at home.
Earlier in the health crisis, economists predicted that spending on renovation projects would actually fall across much of the country. But recent data shows that there has been a definite surge in interest in some home improvement projects.
Look at the lumber market: There is now a shortage of pressure-treated lumber used to build decks across the country.
Meanwhile, the housing market has recovered well from the start of the pandemic, with home sales rising significantly thanks to increased buyer demand fueled even further by mortgage rates- ever low.
Add Value To Your Home With These 9 Diy Home Improvements
As a result, many homeowners may be considering the benefits of fixing up their home to make it more appealing to potential buyers – and a nicer place to live in the age of social distancing. And they may be considering going the DIY route, given the extra free time many people have this summer.
“They’ve been sitting at home for a few months, and they want to spend a little bit of money, invest in their house, and make it a little bit better,” said Steve Cunningham, owner of Cunningham Contracting in Williamsburg, Va., and vice chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers.
But not all DIY home improvement projects will offer homeowners a solid return on their investment. Here’s what homeowners need to consider before breaking out the toolkit.
Remodeling Magazine produces an annual list that tracks the cost of various improvement projects against the percentage recovered in the home’s resale value. Many of the projects at the top of the list are not for the faint of heart – or someone who is not a trained professional.
Which Home Improvements Pay Off?
“Their only limitation would be their skills,” Cunningham said. “These DIY shows, they show a person starting up, and then you go to commercial and come back and it’s ready to go. They show only part of the process needed to get it right.”
Getting in over your head can be extremely costly. Take, for example, shower retiling. If a homeowner does not know how to properly waterproof under the tiles, their work could lead to leaks. And by the time they notice the leak, they could be looking at thousands of dollars worth of damage in terms of rotted wood and new tiles, Cunningham said.
“’These DIY shows, they show a person starting up, and then you go to commercial and come back and it’s ready to go. They show only part of the process needed to get things right.”
The same goes for anything related to diving. In these cases, hiring a professional is often the cheaper route in the long run.
Home Renovation Ideas That Will Instantly Add Value To Your Property
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders, especially if you choose the right place and color. “Paint the front door,” says Amanda Pendleton, ZG Zillow, -2.77% home trends expert. “A glossy coat of exterior paint can add to your curb appeal.”
However, when it comes to painting, the devil is in the details. Painting your front door black, in particular, could add as much as $6,000 to the sale price of your home, according to Zillow research. Likewise, blue bathrooms can add nearly $3,000 to the sale price of a home. Throughout the rest of the house, aim for modern neutrals such as gray and taupe to boost a home’s curb appeal. Also, paint is relatively affordable, adding to the ROI of these changes. At the other end of the spectrum, a home painted yellow sells for an average of $3,600 less than comparable homes.
Another relatively simple change a homeowner can make is to replace lighting fixtures with smart lights. “Not only are you going to save money on your power bill, but you’re going to sell your home seven days faster,” Pendleton said, citing additional research from Zillow.
There are also cheaper and easier alternatives to major home improvement projects such as installing new flooring in your home. A Zillow survey found that 87% of real estate agents suggest cleaning the carpets before listing a home. Many homeowners will put out the carpet anyway, so instead of investing in installing a new one, a homeowner can rent a carpet cleaner from their local home improvement store and renew their carpets on the cheap.
The Pointless Home Improvements That Won’t Add Value
Similarly, rather than installing new tiles around the house, a homeowner can safely re-surface their floors instead. “You could even change the color out,” Pendleton said. “If you’ve got a beige that’s gone yellow, you could put gray grout in and it’s going to look a lot more modern.”
Cunningham recommended that DIYers think about the finishes around their house, including kitchen backsplashes and bathroom faucets. “It does so much to the look of something to do a little update,” he said.
And if money is a concern, it’s good to prioritize the places buyers care about the most. “I love my remodeled kitchen, the kitchen is the worst place to spend your money,” Pendleton said. Instead, focus on the main bathroom of the house, which often has a lot of appeal with buyers.
With crowded public spaces a threat in the age of COVID-19, home buyers are much more interested in purchasing a home that offers outdoor living space that they can safely enjoy.
Home Improvement Return On Investment: Projects With The Best Value
“Good landscaping has been proven to help homes sell faster, so get to work making your yard look perfect,” says Rachel Stults, deputy editor at Realtor.com. “Gardening has become a hot trend during quarantine, so why not show buyers what they can do with your space by starting a little vegetable garden?”
You don’t need to be difficult to improve your outdoor space. Cutting back overgrown trees, edging the lawn and planting colorful flowers go a long way. “
However, homeowners looking to kick things up a notch may want to consider installing a fire pit. Homes with fitted pools mentioned in their listing description sell for nearly 3% more than comparable homes.
“Good landscaping has been proven to help homes sell faster, so get to work making your yard look like new.”
High Impact Home Improvement Ideas That Cost Less Than $150
Millions of Americans have suddenly been forced to work from home due to the pandemic. And companies like Twitter US: TWTR have even suggested that their workforce may remain remote even after the coronavirus outbreak ends.
In fact, listings that include a home office command a 3.4% price premium and sell nine days faster than listings without one, according to Realtor.com data. “Buyers are going to be looking for well-appointed home office space now more than ever,” Stults said.
(Realtor.com is operated by News Corp NWSA, -0.12% a subsidiary of Move Inc., and is a unit of Dow Jones, which is also a subsidiary of News Corp.)
But there are dangers to home office projects. Many people’s first instinct is to convert their unfinished basement into a workspace, says Pendleton.
Renovations That Actually Add Value, According To Home Experts
“What we found from our Zillow research is that you only get about 50 cents in resale value for every dollar you invest in basement remodeling,” Pendleton said. “And at the end of the day, even if you work from home, you don’t want to do it in your dark, dingy basement.”
Also, people are very particular about their home office needs. Some people will want space for multiple computer monitors, others will want larger bookshelves. Making a space that is too tailored to your current needs could alienate buyers down the road. “Every client is a little different – one shoe doesn’t fit all,” says Cunningham.
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How To Add Value To Your Home
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I’m on a fixed income of $2,900 a month, and I’ve only worked full time for two months due to medical reasons. ‘The road to selling a home can be a long one. Learn how to improve your home’s value based on your budget with these 30 tips.
This 4,000-square-foot coastal retreat features a classic Craftsman-style exterior with cedar-inspired shingles, dormer windows and tapered entry columns. Two copper exterior lights are mounted above the two car garage with a fun weather vane on top of the home.
Invite a realtor or interior designer over to look at your home. Many realtors will do this as a courtesy, but you will probably have to pay a designer a consulting fee. Check
Diy Home Projects Absolutely Anyone Can Do
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Home Upgrades Under 600 Better Homes And Gardens
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Author by : Better Homes and Gardens
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2012-04-13
Publisher by : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN :
Description : Affordable, achievable upgrades that bring big value to your home While many people want to upgrade their homes, the economic downturn has put the brakes on many big projects. The new focus is on sensible, market-smart upgrades for comfort, satisfaction, and value. Home Upgrades Under $600 showcases smart, easy projects for the budget-conscious but dedicated homeowner. You'll get a potpourri of upgrades?not just repairs?that are inexpensive but that add to your home's worth, livability, and appeal. 70+ projects that can be completed for under $600 and in no more than a few days All projects are homeowner-friendly, regardless of your skill set If you're a homeowner who wants to update or upgrade your home on a budget and in just a few days, Home Upgrades Under $600 has you covered!...
This Old House Easy Upgrades Kitchens
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Author by : Editors Of This Old House Magazine
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2011-09-13
Publisher by : Oxmoor House
ISBN :
Description : In Easy Upgrades: Kitchens, readers get the kitchen they've always wanted at a price they can afford with help from the experts at This Old House, the most trusted name in home improvement. Easy Upgrades: Kitchens focuses on the way people remodel now-budget-conscious and user-friendly with upgrades that maximize comfort, utility, and home value. Using real-world examples rather than sky's-the-limit fantasy projects, Easy Upgrades helps readers solve their most frequent complaints about the spaces in their homes. From chapters on All-in-the-Family Kitchen, The Colorful Kitchen, to The Right Kitchen for You and The Budget Kitchen, Easy Upgrades: Kitchens shows readers the smartest and most cost effective improvements they can make to increase the value and livability of their homes. Easy Upgrades: Kitchens also includes pro advice from expert contractors offering solutions that work, creative ways to do more with less, help with steering clear of common pitfalls, and advice on how to protect a remodeling investment after the job is done. This Old House has been the leading authority on home improvement for over 30 years. When it comes to remodeling, This Old House experts have seen and done it all, which means readers get the benefit of time-tested experience and proven results. This Old House is a magazine for homeowners in search of practical, affordable, and inspirational ideas for enhancing and maintaining their homes. What they find is a balance of step-by-step instruction for DIY interior and landscape projects; lively how-to's about keeping contractors on the level and saving money on remodels; expert tool and product reviews; and handsome feature stories showcasing fine craftsmanship and elegant architectural design....
The 10 Best Ways To Add Value To Your Home
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Author by : Sally Coulthard
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2008
Publisher by : Pearson Education
ISBN :
Description : Do you want to add value to your home? Are you certain you know exactly where best to focus both your attention and your money? Do you want to find out how to make the most money from your property? Forget everything you thought you knew about home improvements, 10 Best Waysto Add Value to Your Home is the definitive guide to adding value to your property. It's a well-kept secret that most home improvements are actually a waste of money. While many of us are busy laminating our living room floors or installing uPVC windows, the reality is that we're missing out on the most valuable additions to our homes. Ask the average homeowner what they think would most improve the value of their homes, and most will rank a new kitchen, bathroom or a conservatory as one of the top three must-haves. Ask the same question to estate agents and you'll get a very different answer. So what's the truth? 10 Best Ways to Add Value to Your Home has all the answers. Each chapter of this unique new approach to home improvement will take one of the ten best money spinners and break it down in to more detail. - Discover which home improvements add most value in your region. Loft conversions in London offer a hefty return on investment. In East Anglia however, a conservatory may be a better option. - Get the low-down on the cost implications - is it cheaper to move house than add an extension? - Find out how much your house may increase in value depending on the project you undertake. - Look at and compare all the pros and cons to make the best decisions for you, your family and your home. - Find valuable and detailed advice, information, top tips and extensive checklists to help you plan, prepare and carry out your project with confidence. You'll find out about all of the practical essentials you'll need to consider before you start work: how to apply for planning permission; building regulations; finding builders, qualified engineers and getting quotes; how to re-mortgage and how get your home re-valued. You'll discover important information about things you may not have even considered, find out about the best ways to waste your money and just how far you should go with your renovations. Our houses are our biggest asset, so it's vital that we invest our money wisely. Make the most of your hard-earned cash and use10 Best Ways to Add Value to Your Home to make sure your investment is a sound one....
Young House Love
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Author by : Sherry Petersik
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2015-07-14
Publisher by : Artisan
ISBN :
Description : This New York Times bestselling book is filled with hundreds of fun, deceptively simple, budget-friendly ideas for sprucing up your home. With two home renovations under their (tool) belts and millions of hits per month on their blog YoungHouseLove.com, Sherry and John Petersik are home-improvement enthusiasts primed to pass on a slew of projects, tricks, and techniques to do-it-yourselfers of all levels. Packed with 243 tips and ideas—both classic and unexpected—and more than 400 photographs and illustrations, this is a book that readers will return to again and again for the creative projects and easy-to-follow instructions in the relatable voice the Petersiks are known for. Learn to trick out a thrift-store mirror, spice up plain old roller shades, "hack" your Ikea table to create three distinct looks, and so much more....
The Handyman S Multipurpose Diy Book
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Author by : Leon Connor
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2012-12-20
Publisher by :
ISBN :
Description : DIY or Do-It-Yourself is a term used mostly alongside home improvement projects. It is any activity which involves the creation, remodeling, repairing and completion of odd jobs or big house repairs without the need for expert or professional help. DIY projects can help you create the home you truly love at a budget you can very well afford. DIY home projects which you can do on weekends, for example, are a popular way to have the home features you want to improve your lifestyle as well as to add value to your home. DIY landscaping, lawn care, decorating, cleaning and household repairs are small odd jobs you can do easily to beautify and maintain the home.The purpose of this book is to give resourceful tips and how-to instructions for do-it-yourself home improvement and home repair to help you save money. You will learn the following: * Installing tiles* Installing a drop ceiling * Making kitchen cabinets * Painting a bathroom * Building a home swimming pool * Decorating small box rooms * Wooden floor upkeepWith detailed instructions and the knack for doing household repairs and small jobs for the home, anyone can be a capable DIY handyman. With this book's help, you can learn all the basic skills and requirements you need for various DIY projects so you won't need to hire other people to do the work for you....
How To Add Value To Your Home
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Author by : Scott McGillivray
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2014-03-11
Publisher by : Harper Collins
ISBN :
Description : How you can get the biggest bang for your buck! Adding value to your home is about investing your time and money wisely. You’ll often hear that a fresh coat of paint will give you a great return, but a swimming pool doesn’t add value to your home. Scott will show you why details like quality hardware matter; what to consider when you’re renovating and reconfiguring your house; which features home-buyers and investors are looking for; when an income suite makes sense; and how to make inexpensive renovations look like they cost much more. How to Add Value to Your Home also includes expert advice on maintaining your home, mistakes to avoid, tips on attracting and keeping great tenants and strategies for preparing your house for sale....
You Can Do It Yourself
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Author by : Gary Nealon
Languange Used : en
Release Date : 2013-07-19
Publisher by :
ISBN :
Description : Have you ever imagined that you could create the home of your dreams? Do you watch DIY television shows and wish they would come to your house and create a stunning transformation? Have you been nervous to take on that DIY project because you feel you don't have the skills to make it happen? The answer to all these questions lies in Gary Nealon's You Can Do It Yourself: Great Do It Yourself Home Improvements On A Budget. This book gives you the basic skills you need to begin making fun and valuable changes to your home. You may be looking to increase the value of your home before putting it on the market. Or you may just be interested in making your house into the home of your dreams. Whatever your desires, Nealon gives you the tools to do the remodel projects that will transform your home! The best part of all of this--you will learn industry insider secrets that teach you to remodel ON A BUDGET! Gary knows the tricks of the trade, and teaches you how to get the most from your money when taking on any DIY project. Gary's projects include: * How to install a ceiling fan * How to lay wood flooring * How to replace or install an electrical outlet * How to mount a flat screen TV * How to install a tile backsplash * How to replace a faucet * How to insulate your attic All projects are marked by their difficulty, and each chapter ranges from the lower budget projects to the higher priced tasks. You Can Do It Yourself gives you the basic skills you need to be King or Queen of your castle! No more will you rely on outside help for many of the fixes and upgrades you want to do in your home. This book arms you with the basic skills you need to join the DIY revolution, and saves you money in the process!...
