Typically new home buyers look for new roofs, updated kitchens, and updated bathrooms. While people like to be part of a new kitchen and bathroom remodel, they don’t like buying a new home with an outdated bathroom and kitchen. The average cost of a kitchen remodel is between $20,000 to $50,000. The average cost of a bathroom remodel is $10,000 to $25,000. The average cost of a roof is $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the roof. All of these invested into your own property will help keep up the value of your home. It will also typically add more value than the money invested once placed on the market.
When looking for improvements to increase your home value, a lot of people don’t hint about simple upgrades such as modern switch and receptacle replacement. This can make a house stand above the rest. Modern switch collections, such as Legrands Adorne collection, are making a strong impact in home design. Virtually any color is available from pink to sparkles to suit anyone’s style. In addition to color, you can select a switch that can be operated with waive of your hand, finger prints, voice, motion and automation. The options are endless. One of the best parts about upgrading your switches is they are cost effective because most of them are designed to reduce energy consumption in your home. They will pay for themselves overtime. And don’t forget LED lighting and my favorite simple electrical upgrade, USB combination receptacles.
James Hardie Fiber Cement siding provides an 80% return on investment and has been the #1 return on investment for the last 8 years, beating out kitchens and bathrooms hands down! http://www.owenenterprises.com/jameshardie/
What is the first thing a buyer sees? Landscaping: keep the lawn mowed, bushes trimmed and the foundation of the house out of site or covered by flowers bushes etc that match the house. Make sure the house’s outside is maintained.
Second thing a person sees is the kitchen, expensive but worth it: cabinets, counter tops, appliances, flooring, and lighting!!! Get an electrician to do the lighting, not the contractor’s electrician unless he is independent. Ask design questions of him, like how to highlight work areas and how to spot light counters with under cabinet lighting. GREAT FOR EVENINGS OR ENTERTAINING! Make sure you can see portfolios of his work or at least pictures of his ideas.
Third: the bathroom. It’s the 2nd most expensive room to remodel. You want no outdated or loud colors, no dark mirror or sink areas. You want tile, NO CARPET! Carpet absorbs moisture and smells and dirt. And, quite honestly, guys aren’t good aimers at 3 am. Scrub out all bath tub/shower mildew if any, replace cheap looking handles and faucets, and have a nice quiet fan/light/heat combination, Or go hog wild and install radiant floor heat. Thanks, Dave Pringle
Stone patios, walkways, and porches are a great way.
Bathroom and kitchens are going to be your best return on remodels.
Kitchen updates are a good way to invest in your home, such as new appliances. You could also invest in flooring. Another good way to invest in your home is also to remodel your bathrooms. You could try painting your home - fresh paint goes a long way to improving the looks of your home.
As appraisers and remodellers will tell you that upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms provide the greatest return on investment. Though this has probably been the case over the last several decades, we see this as starting to shift very rapidly. Solar, is hands down the best return on your investment at this moment and time. Here’s why:
1: Reduces your immediate electric bill - Harnessing the power of the sun can allow you to start saving money right away, the instant the system is turned on. You’ll immediately begin to see the difference in your electric bill and in most cases we find, it is quite a significant difference.
2: Insulates you against rising energy costs - The cost of electricity rises an average of 7% per year nationwide. Solar Power can help offset these rapidly accelerating costs by locking in current rates for years to come.
3: Increases the value of your home - Solar reduces annual operating costs, which has been shown in several Appraisal Institute studies to increase the market value of your property from future buyers.
4: Decreases the marketing time of single-family homes - Additional Appraisal Institute studies show that the time a house with solar is listed for sale, is dramatically reduced to those properties which do not have solar.
5: Rebates and Tax Incentives - Currently, many utility companies and states across the US are offering rebate incentives for people to install solar on their rooftops. The additional 30% Federal Tax credit makes installing solar on your property that much more appealing and affordable.
6: Helps the Environment - Though installing nice new cabinets, toilets and appliances bring curb appeal and a sense of “pride of ownership”, there is few, if not any upgrades you could do to your home that would have more of an overall environmental impact on your home than installing solar. Solar is a clean, efficient and sustainable form of energy. By installing a solar system on your roof, you can significantly reduce your home’s annual greenhouse gas pollution. Plus, using solar power helps to reduce the U.S. dependence on foreign oil!
Just some food for thought, but our prediction is that within the next 5-10 years, you will look around your community and find that those who have not taken the steps to go solar, are outliers. And by the time they get on board, the tax incentives and rebates may be gone. Similar to what happened in Europe, the early adopters of solar roofing were the individuals who saw the greatest returns on their investment.
According to Remodeling Magazine, the top 10 for best ROI (return on investment):
Replacing exterior siding with upscale fiber cement. 78% ROI
Replacing an entry door greatly improves curb appeal. 73% ROI
A midrange attic bedroom remodel involves building out a dormer for a 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower, insulating and finishing the walls and ceiling, adding four windows, extending the heating and air conditioning and improving wiring and lighting. An attic remodel is the cheapest way to add space and a bathroom within the house. A basement remodel is the next most cost-efficient way to add living space. 72.5% ROI.
A midrange minor kitchen remodel in which "You're taking what's there and giving it a face lift." 72%
A midrange garage door replacement may not be high on many wish lists; it's one of those jobs that you do because it's needed. But it adds curb appeal and function. 72% ROI
A high-end garage door replacement recoups almost as much: 71%.
A new wood deck earns back 70%, on average.
New foam-backed vinyl siding replacement keeps the house warm and pays back 70%
New midrange replacement vinyl siding upgrades the look of the home and pays back 70%
Upscale vinyl replacement windows have a 69% payback.Believe it or not curb appeal updates tend to give home owners the best ROI. Something as simple as power washing your home, stairs, walkways, sidewalks, gutters (to remove tiger stripping) and a soft roof wash will make your home more appealing to buyers and cost you very little compared to a kitchen and bathroom renovation. Remember the outside of your home is the first thing a buyer sees, so It is extremely important to keep your property and home maintained. Have your grass cut and areas weed whacked. First impressions are big!!
Upgrade the HVAC system for increased efficiency and tightly seal home, upgrade to solar panels and begin smart home automation with wifi controls
Remodel of the kitchen & bathroom