Home improvement (or house renovation) is the process of upgrading your home interior or exterior. The goal is to make your house more comfortable, safe and attractive. Home improvements also can be a way to increase your property value, making it easier to sell your home. However, not all home improvements add value. Some can actually detract from your home’s value and turn off potential buyers.
The key is to choose home improvement projects that will appeal to the widest number of potential buyers. For example, painting the master bedroom a trendy color will likely appeal to only a small segment of the population. However, repainting the room a more neutral color will appeal to many more people and make your home look more current and up to date.
Other high-return home improvement projects include installing a smart thermostat, which adjusts the house’s energy consumption according to the latest gas or electricity prices. It can even be programmed to automatically turn off the furnace before you get home. Prices vary from $150 to $400, and installation is usually required by a qualified electrician or HVAC contractor.
If you’re unsure which home improvements to undertake, walk around the neighborhood and ask your neighbors what they’ve done. Talk to a real estate professional, as well. They can tell you what types of home improvements add the most value to your house, and they may be able to suggest some ideas you hadn’t considered.