By: Danielle Dallin and Cindy Stumpo

As a homeowner, there are always improvements to be made to either maintain or update your home. Even if you don’t intend to sell your house in the short-term, keeping up with home improvements can bring a return when you do decide to sell. This blog outlines the top ten investments you can make to increase the value of your home.

Ten ways to increase the value of your home:
 

1) Add a fresh coat of paint

While this may seem like a simple thing to do, paint does more than just dress up the interior or exterior of your home. It protects your interior walls from everyday wear and tear, and can make your home feel brighter. Additionally, a fresh coat of paint makes a noticeable difference in the appearance of your home when it is time to sell. Clean and bright walls make a space feel more inviting and move-in ready. According to The National Association of Realtors, 66% of real estate professionals agree that you should apply a new exterior coat of paint to increase your curb appeal. Fresh interior paint is more cosmetic, but overall one of the top affordable investments to make in your home.

2) Keep your systems updated

Your home has a number of mechanical components that work together to keep you comfortable. Make sure you are regularly maintaining your systems such as your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical. Staying on top of system maintenance will prevent breakdowns, improve the efficiency of the product, and extend the lifespan of the system. Homeowners who maintain their systems will see lower costs on repairs, utility bills, and even replacements. Keeping your systems maintained also improves the safety of your home, and during a sale, it helps you avoid any surprises during the home inspection. The bottom line is, the longer you let things go, the more it will cost to fix them.

3) Maintain your roof

Your roof is the bodyguard of your home. If your roof is compromised, your property will most certainly suffer. It is critical that you regularly clean your gutters, removing any debris such as moss and algae, and monitor for any nearby tree branches. These preventative measures help you avoid any moisture, scratches, or dislodged shingles that could impact the life expectancy of your roof. Being proactive about roof maintenance also allows you to immediately detect any signs of a leak that may cause damage to your home. Be sure to look for water damage under your home’s eaves, the lower horizontal edges of your roof that extend past the exterior walls of a house. Strong winds, clogged gutters, and incorrect installation can cause damage to your eaves and put you at risk for leaks. Water damage is one of the most costly home repairs, so keeping your roof in good condition is paramount.

4) Renovate your kitchen

It’s said that the kitchen is the most important room in your home, and according to a 2023 study from Remodeling Magazine, the average return on investment for a kitchen remodel is 37.1%. New appliances, improved kitchen designs, and enhanced aesthetics can significantly boost your home’s value. Buyers are often looking for increased efficiency and functionality but if you are unable to do a full renovation, smaller updates to appliances or fresh cabinet hardware or paint are great compromises.

5) Conduct a yearly checkup

A home needs love and attention in the same way we do, and a great way to hold yourself accountable is by doing an annual checkup. One a year, carefully inspect your property and look for potential repairs that need to be done. Some of the most common areas homeowners should attend to are: window caulk, sidings, chimney, checking smoke detectors and carbon monoxide batteries, and cleaning your drains. Additionally, be sure to clean your ductwork system or hire a company to come in and replace your filters. By keeping your ductwork clean you can avoid mold and mildew. Last but not least, always be on the lookout for rodent droppings and be sure to have an exterminator come twice a year to avoid any long term issues.

6) Purchase high-end appliances

New, well-rated, energy efficient appliances are a strong contender when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Most homeowners may not prioritize top-tier appliances and will opt for the cost-effective option, but according to New Zillow®, homes with professional-grade appliances can sell for as much as 5.3% more than similar homes without them. With a longer life expectancy, and a better performance, high-end appliances can add great value to your home.

7) Invest in your outdoor space

Prior to COVID-19 many homeowners didn’t use their outdoor space as often as they would have liked and perhaps didn’t consider outdoor space as a “must have”. Now, many buyers feel that their outdoor space is just as important as their home’s interior. Having features such as an outdoor kitchen, pergola, patio, fire pit, or outdoor heaters have shown to increase the value of your home. Taking care of your outdoor space with landscaping or yearly deck maintenance is critical for resale value.

8) Consider a swimming pool

Buyers used to be afraid that swimming pools would provide an additional risk to their home, but they have become a major selling point. By following your state’s safety standards, you can mitigate your risks. For example, almost every state requires that your pool be enclosed by a fence or other structure that is at least four feet tall and has locking gates. By following the correct procedures your family and friends can enjoy lounging in the pool all summer long while increasing the value of your property. According to HGTV, an average 14×28-foot inground concrete pool potentially adds 5 to 8 percent to the real estate value of your home.

9) Be open to an unfinished basement

You may assume that having an unfinished basement decreases your property value but that isn’t always the case. As long as there is a means of egress via window or a ground level walkout door, your property can increase in value. In most cases, having an unfinished basement means you have a blank canvas that you can tailor to your needs. For example, a basement makes a great space for needs such as a laundry room, extra storage, home office, or even a gym.

10) Install a home security system

Consider adding an extra layer of protection for your home by installing a security system. Not only will this added layer of security keep your mind at ease but it can also be more attractive to potential buyers. According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, homes with security systems sell for an average of 3.5% more than those without. If you are considering adding a home security system to your property, be sure the cameras cover the exterior of your property and every possible entry point. From window and door sensors to motion sensor lights, be sure your home is protected from break-ins.

Investing in your home by making savvy home improvements will almost always increase the value of the property. If you are interested in learning more about how to increase your home’s value, contact experienced real estate attorney Danielle Dallin at Ligris + Associates and Cindy Stumpo at C Stumpo Development.

About Cindy Stumpo

Cindy Stumpo is an American luxury home builder with 37 years of experience and is the founder of C. Stumpo Development. She is renowned for her high-end residential construction projects in the Boston area. Cindy has built a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail, craftsmanship, and ability to seamlessly blend traditional design elements with modern living. She has also been featured on the HGTV show “Tough As Nails,” which showcased her work and expertise in the construction industry.

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