5 Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home

Increasing the value of your home doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many affordable changes you can make that can make a big difference, from whitewashing a room with a clean coat of paint to improving your home’s energy efficiency.

When trying to increase the value of your home, consider whether the project will be raising the home’s value just for you or for prospective buyers as well if you sell. Spending money on something you really want may not translate into an increase in value when you sell if your tastes don’t have universal appeal.

Below are five ways to update your home that are sure to increase its value, whether you live in your home for another fifteen years or decide to sell in the near future.

1) Curb Appeal

Of course, the first view of your house is from the street so make sure it is an appealing one. Keep your landscaping simple and well-maintained. While exotic plants may look nice, they require time and effort to keep up. Install a new mailbox and consider updating your garage door if you have one. Pay attention to your front door as well. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in making the exterior of your home look cared for.

 2) Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

Remember that you live in a house, not a restaurant. The kitchen should be geared toward everyday use and it should never be fancier than the rest of the house. If you plan on selling within the next five years, keep potential buyers in mind. Many people will not pay for a deluxe kitchen, so keep it simple. New cabinets and countertops with energy-efficient appliances should do nicely, and HGTV states that you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment. If new cabinets don’t fit your budget, a fresh coat of white paint will update their appearance.

3) Improve Energy Efficiency

Sometimes increasing the value of your home can be as easy as adding to what you already have as opposed to replacing it. You can make your existing HVAC system work more efficiently by installing a smart thermostat and adding extra insulation to attics and crawlspaces. By preventing cold air from entering the house, you save on energy bills.

Another effective way of increasing your home’s energy efficiency is the addition of window film. Professionally installed 3M window film, for example, can help regulate interior temperatures. During the summer months, window film can decrease the amount of solar heat that enters the house by up to 60%. This allows your air conditioner to work more efficiently. In the winter, this same film acts as an insulator, keeping the warmth produced by your heating system contained in the house. Window film has many other benefits as well, from adding a decorative touch and improving privacy to deterring crime and protecting windows during seasonal storms. Additionally, installing window film costs a fraction of the price of replacing your windows with double- or triple-pane glass.

4) Freshen Up the Bathroom

Another great way to get a good return on your investment (up to 70%) is a mid-range bathroom remodel. Updating the toilet, vanity, lighting and exhaust fan is relatively inexpensive and simple to do. If you do go so far as to replace the tub, consider installing a walk-in model that will appeal to a larger range of potential buyers. Top it all off with a fresh coat of paint, and you’ve added significant value to your home!

 5) All Hands on Deck

Outdoor living has become a lifestyle staple in today’s world, so a deck can be a great way to expand the living space of your home while increasing value. Most homeowners want an outdoor area where they can entertain and relax, and adding a deck will greatly improve the appeal of your home. The cost can vary widely depending on the size and the materials used, but HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck.  

Learn More About How to Increase the Value of Your Home with Window Film

Carolina Solar Security is a premium 3M™ Authorized Window Film Dealer in Wilmington, NC. We have been providing Southeastern North Carolina with window tinting solutions like hurricane window film since 1985 and never stop working to bring our customers the best products paired with the most skilled window film technicians. Reach out to us for your free quote today!