4 Home Improvement Tips That Increase the Value of Your Home and 3 Things That May Not

Whether you’re selling your house or just want to spruce it up a little now that Spring has come, there are some very specific things to do that can increase the curb appeal and value of your home.

There are also a couple of things that won’t help and can actually depress the value. Here, you can find out which is which.

• Instant Impression: Things that your buyers or visitors see immediately can have a huge impact like landscaping, new siding or refinishing your floors.
• Seeking Safety: What are the things in your house that need some safety upgrades? A shaky banister, the tilted step, cracked or uneven pavement that can cause tripping are all potential safety hazards. Think about if your windows and doors are secure and if you need to upgrade the lighting around your home for safety as well.
• Think Efficiency: Upgraded insulation and HVAC systems can help improve efficiency by up to 30% and your appliances can account for 20% of the total energy use. Are there any appliances you can upgrade for higher efficiency?
• Use Good Materials: It may save you a little money now but shoddy work can make it more expensive later if you have to have a home improvement project redone. Do it right the first time by using good materials so you don’t have to do it again later. An example is fiber cement siding for your house. James Hardie siding adds value that even kitchen or bathroom remodeling won’t, according to a 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report done by Remodeling magazine.

What are a couple things that may not help your value?

• Room additions – they are costly and if you add something unique like a wine cellar or a sauna, you could turn off buyers in the future.
• Marble countertops – they can be difficult to maintain and may have to be replaced when it’s time to sell the house.
• High-tech sound systems or Internet networks – because technology changes so quickly, you may spend a lot, only to find it quickly outdated.