7 Ways to Improve Your Home's Value

When you own a home, you’re usually concerned with upkeep--making it look good and having repairs done that will make the property last a long time. While you’re doing this, you may or may not be aware that routine maintenance actually adds to your home’s value. That’s because a well-kept home is worth more than one that is allowed to become shabby and scruffy looking. Keeping up the appearance of your home is also important if you intend to sell it. No matter what your motivation may be, you may be interested in the following ways to improve your home’s value.

Remodel the Kitchen

One of the quickest ways to increase the value of your home is to remodel a room. The rooms that are used most present the fastest way to raise your home’s value. Your kitchen is a good example. The kitchen is often the focal point of a home, especially when you’re trying to sell it. A modern, spacious kitchen will be easier to work in and will be a major selling point to whoever the family cook is when people are looking for a new home. If your kitchen is state-of-the art, the cook will be impressed with the home, even if other areas could stand to be improved. A kitchen remodel needn’t be extensive--simply upgrading the cabinets and countertops will enhance the appearance and usefulness of the kitchen, and installing modern, energy efficient appliances will drastically increase the value of your home.

Install a Security System

A good way to improve your home’s value, while decreasing your insurance payments, is to install a home security system. Putting upgraded locks on the doors and windows, along with an alarm system, will increase the value of your home immensely. You could also put in motion detectors around the home that will discourage intruders from approaching the property.

Update Wiring and Plumbing

If you have an older home, the wiring and plumbing may not be up to snuff. Sticking a few bucks into updating those systems will increase the home’s value. If you intend to sell your home, bringing the wiring and plumbing up to code is imperative. These enhancements may not be cheap to do, but it is work that will ultimately more than pay for itself in improved value to your home.

Landscaping Boosts Curb Appeal

When you’re considering ways to improve your home’s value, don’t limit your upgrades to the interior. The first thing people notice when they’re shopping for a new home is its curb appeal when they pull up in front of the house. Your home’s value could be increased tremendously by redoing and upgrading the landscaping. Installing flowerbeds along walkways will make the home look nicer. Keeping the lawn looking good, and free of weeds, will also improve the value. If your driveway or walkways are cracked or have potholes, repairing them will not only make the property look good, but will improve the home’s value, as well.

Add a Room

Increasing the square footage of your home will add to its value. If you add a new room, maybe an extra bedroom or a media room, your home’s value will increase exponentially. Additional space will allow people to spread out more, so they won’t be confined in a small area. Adding a room will also provide more options as far as living arrangements are concerned.

Let the Sunshine In

People seem to be attracted to places that have a light and airy feel to them. If you install French doors, or sliding doors, in the main living area it will open the room up more, especially if it leads out onto a patio or lanai. The feeling of openness is attractive and will therefore increase the appeal of the home, which in turn improves the value of the property. You could do the same to an upstairs bedroom that leads out to a terrace.

Go Green

Social consciousness seems to be increasing nowadays, and part of that movement is maintaining the natural resources of our planet for future generations. If you participate in the effort by trying to make your home more energy efficient, you’ll not only contribute to the environment, you’ll also increase your home’s value. Going green will mean you save money on monthly energy costs and will improve your home’s value.

Guest post from Marley Lane. Marley writes for HouseInsurance.com.